Simple Tooth Removal
If the tooth is fully visible and in one piece, it can usually be removed without any cuts in the gum.
ORAL AND MAXILLOFACIAL SURGERY
Tooth Extractions in Atlanta, GA
Your dentist says a tooth needs to come out. Dr. Ryan Chaliff removes it in our Dunwoody office, keeps you comfortable, and helps you plan what goes in the space afterward. Our office is in Dunwoody, serving patients throughout Atlanta.
YOUR TOOTH & THE NEXT STEP
Understanding Your Tooth Extraction
A tooth usually needs to come out when it is cracked, badly decayed, or infected past the point of repair. At your consultation, Dr. Chaliff explains why and tells you if saving it is still an option.
The Tooth & Surrounding Area
An X-ray shows the roots, the bone around them, and anything nearby to work around.
The Reason for Removal
Bring your dentist’s referral. You will leave knowing which tooth is coming out and why.
Conceptual illustration of tooth removal, not a step-by-step procedure.
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UNDERSTAND YOUR OPTIONS
What Your Extraction Plan May Include
How a tooth comes out depends on where it sits and how much of it is left.
Surgical Tooth Removal
A broken tooth, leftover root, or impacted tooth needs a surgical extraction. Dr. Chaliff may open the gum or split the tooth into pieces to remove it gently.
Planning for the Space
If you plan to replace the tooth with an implant, tell us before the extraction. A graft placed at the same time can save you a step later.
AT YOUR CONSULTATION
Your Extraction Consultation
Your Dental Records & Symptoms
Bring your referral and any X-rays. Tell us what you have noticed, like pain, swelling, or a broken tooth, and what your dentist recommended.
Your Health & Medications
Bring a list of your medications, supplements, and allergies. Let us know about any health conditions, past trouble with anesthesia, and whether you smoke or vape.
YOUR CARE, STEP BY STEP
From Evaluation to Healing
Here is how most cases go, from your first visit to full recovery.
01
Evaluate the Tooth
Dr. Chaliff examines the tooth, reviews your X-ray, and confirms whether it needs to come out.
02
Confirm Your Plan
You choose an anesthesia option, get a cost estimate, and decide whether to plan for an implant.
03
Removal & Early Care
The tooth is removed in our office, and you go home with written aftercare instructions.
04
Healing & Follow-Up
Most people feel back to normal in a few days. Call us if anything seems off, and keep any follow-up visits.
COMFORT & PREPARATION
Anesthesia for Your Procedure
Many extractions only need local anesthesia to numb the area. If you are nervous or the extraction is more involved, IV sedation and general anesthesia are available in the office.
Explore Anesthesia Options ↗
Conceptual recovery-planning illustration. Follow your own care instructions.
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AFTER YOUR PROCEDURE
Recovery After a Tooth Extraction
Stock up on soft foods and plan to rest for the day. If you have sedation, you will need a ride home. Your written instructions cover bleeding, medication, and when to get back to normal activity.
Protect the Extraction Site
A blood clot forms in the socket and protects it while it heals. Do not smoke, spit hard, or use a straw for the first few days, since those can pull the clot loose.
Know When to Contact the Office
Call us if pain or swelling gets worse after day three, bleeding will not slow down, or you run a fever. Trouble breathing or swallowing is an emergency, so call 911.
MEET YOUR ORAL SURGEON
Meet Dr. Chaliff ↗
Meet Dr. Ryan Chaliff
Dr. Ryan Chaliff grew up a few minutes from the office. After training at Columbia and Vanderbilt, he came home to open his practice in Dunwoody.
Board-Certified Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon
Columbia University DDS
Vanderbilt University MD & Six-Year Surgical Residency, Chief Resident
PREPARE FOR YOUR CONSULTATION
Preparing for Your Consultation
Call the office and we will tell you exactly what to bring. You will also get written preparation and recovery instructions for your procedure and anesthesia.
Patient Instructions ↗Your Visit Checklist
01
Referral and relevant dental records, if available
02
Any relevant imaging you have been asked to bring
03
Current medications and health-history information
04
Insurance information and questions about payment
COSTS & COORDINATION
Tooth Extraction Costs & Your Estimate
Cost depends on how many teeth come out, whether it is a simple or surgical extraction, and the anesthesia you choose. Grafts and implants are priced separately.
Bring your insurance card to your consultation so we can answer payment questions before you schedule.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Tooth Extraction Questions
Can My Tooth Be Saved Instead of Removed?
Sometimes. A root canal or crown can save some teeth. Dr. Chaliff will tell you honestly if your tooth is worth trying to save.
What Is the Difference Between a Simple and Surgical Extraction?
A simple extraction removes a tooth you can see, with no cuts in the gum. A surgical extraction is for a tooth that is broken, below the gumline, or impacted.
Will I Need Sedation for a Tooth Extraction?
Not always. Local anesthesia numbs the area and is enough for many extractions. If you would rather be sedated, tell Dr. Chaliff and he will go over your options.
Does Every Extraction Need a Bone Graft or Implant?
No. Wisdom teeth do not need to be replaced. For other teeth, ask about a graft before the extraction if you think you may want an implant later.
What Is Dry Socket?
Dry socket happens when the blood clot comes out of the socket too early. It causes a deep, throbbing pain a few days after the extraction. If that happens, call us and we will treat it.
How Long Will Recovery Take?
Most people are back to work in a day or two after a simple extraction and a few days after a surgical one. Hold off on hard exercise for about a week.
General patient education. Your care team provides instructions for your procedure.
Further reading: AAOMS: Simple & Surgical Extraction ↗ AAOMS: Dry Socket ↗ AAOMS: Preparing for Surgery ↗
BEFORE YOUR CONSULTATION
Simple vs. Surgical Tooth Extraction: What to Expect
Read about the different extraction approaches and the questions you can bring to your visit.
Read the Article ↗
