Tooth extractions
Dr. Lee recommends extraction only after evaluating whether the tooth has enough healthy structure to support restoration. When removal is necessary, local anesthetic is used to numb the treatment area.
Tooth extractions and bone grafting in Seattle
Dr. Jaime Lee evaluates whether a damaged tooth has enough healthy structure to support restoration before recommending extraction. When removal is necessary, she plans the extraction around the surrounding bone, neighboring teeth, and whether the space will need future replacement.
Diagnostic imaging and the examination define the tooth's restorability, root anatomy, surrounding bone, and the treatment options that remain.
Extractions & grafting
Why might a tooth need to be removed?
Extraction becomes appropriate when Dr. Lee determines that preserving the tooth will not leave the tooth with enough structure for durable function, or when removal is required for another part of the treatment plan.
If the tooth will need replacement, she incorporates that future restoration into the extraction plan so bone preservation and healing support the next stage of care.
- Severe decay that cannot be repaired
- A cracked or broken tooth
- Advanced gum disease
- A tooth that is crowding others
- Infection that other treatment cannot resolve
What do extractions and bone grafting involve?
Wisdom tooth removal
Dr. Lee evaluates each wisdom tooth based on its position, how far it has come in, and any symptoms. She removes wisdom teeth that have fully come in or are partly covered by bone, and refers teeth fully encased in bone for specialist care.
Dental bone grafting
Dr. Lee considers bone grafting when the extraction site or future implant plan requires additional bone support. The graft may be coordinated with the extraction or completed as a separate stage depending on the site.
Planning what replaces the tooth
Dr. Lee evaluates implant, bridge, and denture options before extraction when the missing-tooth space will need replacement. That decision can affect how the extraction site should be managed.
How are extractions and bone grafts done?
- Exam and imaging. Dr. Lee examines the tooth and takes X-rays or a 3D CBCT scan to see the roots and the surrounding bone.
- Planning. Dr. Lee determines whether the tooth can be preserved, whether the space should be replaced, and whether bone grafting belongs in the treatment sequence.
- Anesthesia. Local anesthetic is used to numb the treatment area. Sedation is incorporated when the patient's medical history and treatment needs support it.
- Extraction and possible graft. The treating clinician removes the tooth. A planned graft may be placed at the same visit or at another stage. Dr. Lee will explain whether she provides the surgical care or coordinates a referral for your case.
- Healing. Healing begins after the extraction. If a bone graft is part of the plan, Dr. Lee will explain when the area is ready for the next stage of treatment.
Do I need a bone graft?
Bone grafting may be used to preserve or rebuild bone lost to injury, gum disease, or previous extractions. This can help create the support needed for a future dental implant.
Imaging shows how much bone is available. Not everyone who has a tooth removed needs a graft.
What should you expect after an extraction?
Some swelling and tenderness are normal after an extraction. Dr. Lee will provide instructions for resting, eating, and keeping the area clean while the extraction site heals.
Contact the office promptly if bleeding does not slow, swelling increases rather than improves, or pain becomes progressively worse.
When should I see a dentist about a damaged tooth?
Schedule an evaluation for a badly broken tooth, persistent pain, significant looseness, or swelling near a tooth. Dr. Lee uses the examination and imaging to determine whether the tooth can be restored or whether removal is the better treatment for the condition.
What affects the cost of extractions and bone grafting?
The cost depends on the complexity of the extraction, whether bone grafting is provided, and any related treatment included in the plan. Dr. Lee will review the treatment estimate before care begins.
PPO insurance
Smile Art accepts all PPO insurance.
Contact the office with your plan details to ask about coverage and network participation.
Insurance acceptance does not mean every procedure is covered; benefits depend on your plan.
Third-party financing
Available through:
- CareCredit
- Cherry
- LendingClub
Financing is subject to the provider’s approval and terms.
Who provides extractions and bone grafting at Smile Art?
Dr. Jaime Lee earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery from Loma Linda University in 2002. She is a Fellow of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists (FICOI) with advanced training from the Kois Center, Pacific Implant Institute, Pacific Implant Academy, and Live Implant Training with Dr. Mongalo.
She applies that implant training when planning how an extraction, bone preservation, healing, and future tooth replacement should fit together. Surgical or implant stages can be coordinated with another provider when the case requires it.
Where is our Seattle dental office?
Smile Art is at 901 Boren Ave, Suite 1030, Seattle, WA 98104. We welcome new patients from Seattle and the surrounding neighborhoods.
Smile Art by Dr. Jaime Lee901 Boren Ave, Suite 1030
Seattle, WA 98104
Seattle, WA 98104
HoursMonday–Thursday, 8:00am–4:00pm
Phone(206) 325-7200
The Cabrini Medical Tower garage entrance is at 1010 Marion St. The building entrance is on Boren Ave; Dr. Lee is in Suite 1030. Parking for a Smile Art visit does not require validation. Directions to the garage. Check posted rates when you park.