Restorability assessment
Dr. Lee evaluates remaining tooth structure, root condition, surrounding bone, infection, and existing restorations before concluding that removal is necessary.
Tooth extractions in Seattle
Dr. Jaime Lee considers extraction when a tooth does not have enough healthy structure for a durable restoration or when removal is necessary to resolve a structural, infectious, or treatment-planning problem.
She evaluates the tooth, surrounding bone, neighboring teeth, and the replacement plan before deciding whether extraction is the appropriate next step.
Removing a non-restorable tooth
Why might a tooth need to be extracted?
Dr. Lee recommends extraction when a tooth cannot be predictably repaired or when keeping it would leave an active dental problem that other treatment cannot resolve.
Dr. Lee first evaluates whether the tooth can be treated with restorative or endodontic care before recommending removal.
- Remove a tooth that does not have enough healthy structure for a durable restoration
- Address severe structural damage
- Resolve selected infection or fracture problems
- Create a clear plan for the space after removal
What happens before a tooth extraction?
Bone preservation planning
When future tooth replacement is being considered, Dr. Lee evaluates whether bone grafting should be part of the extraction plan.
Replacement planning
If the extracted tooth should be replaced, implant, bridge, or removable options are considered according to the location and supporting structures.
What are the steps of a tooth extraction?
- Diagnose the tooth. Dr. Lee uses a clinical exam and diagnostic imaging to define the structural or infectious problem and confirm whether the tooth can be restored.
- Plan the removal. She evaluates root shape, surrounding bone, nearby anatomy, and any restorative needs that affect how the extraction should be approached.
- Complete the extraction. The treating dentist or oral surgeon numbs the area and removes the tooth. Dr. Lee will explain who would provide the surgical care for your case.
- Manage the site. The treating clinician evaluates the site after removal and follows the agreed plan for healing or site preservation.
- Plan the next phase. Healing and tooth-replacement decisions are coordinated according to the condition of the site and the larger restorative plan.
Do I need a tooth extraction?
Dr. Lee may recommend extraction for a severely fractured, decayed, or infected tooth that cannot reasonably be restored, or when removal is needed for another part of the treatment plan.
A damaged tooth does not automatically require removal. Dr. Lee evaluates whether conservative restoration, root canal treatment, or another approach can preserve it first.
When should I see a dentist about a broken tooth?
Schedule an evaluation for severe tooth damage, persistent swelling, significant mobility, uncontrolled pain, or a tooth that has been identified as non-restorable.
Earlier evaluation gives Dr. Lee more information about whether the tooth can still be preserved and what replacement options would remain if removal is necessary.
What affects the cost of a tooth extraction?
Cost depends on the tooth, root anatomy, procedural complexity, diagnostic imaging, sedation or comfort needs, bone grafting, and any replacement treatment planned afterward. Smile Art accepts all PPO dental plans and can verify benefits for the services included.
PPO insurance
Smile Art accepts all PPO insurance.
Contact the office with your plan details to ask about coverage and network participation.
Coverage depends on your plan and the procedures required for the extraction site.
Third-party financing
Available through:
- CareCredit
- Cherry
- LendingClub
Financing is subject to the provider’s approval and terms.
Who provides your care at Smile Art?
Dr. Jaime Lee evaluates extraction as part of the full restorative plan, determining first whether the tooth can be predictably preserved and then how removal will affect bone, bite, and future tooth replacement.
Frequently asked questions
How does Dr. Lee decide whether a tooth should be extracted?
She evaluates the remaining tooth structure, root condition, infection, surrounding bone, and whether the tooth can support a durable restoration.
Can a badly damaged tooth sometimes be saved?
Yes. A filling, crown, root canal, or another treatment may preserve the tooth in some cases. Dr. Lee recommends extraction when the tooth cannot be predictably restored or maintained.
Will I need a bone graft after extraction?
Not every extraction requires grafting. Dr. Lee evaluates the site and the future replacement plan before recommending bone preservation.
Do I need to replace every extracted tooth?
Replacement depends on the location of the tooth, bite function, neighboring teeth, and the overall restorative plan.
What if the extraction is complex?
Dr. Lee evaluates the complexity before treatment and coordinates specialist care when the surgical requirements are better managed by an oral surgeon.
Can sedation be used for an extraction?
Dr. Lee is trained in light to moderate conscious sedation. For deeper or IV sedation, she works with an anesthesiologist.
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.