Extractions

Q: Does getting a tooth pulled hurt?

No - local anesthesia keeps you comfortable. You may feel pressure but not pain. Sedation options are available for anxious patients or complex procedures.

Q: How long does it take to recover from an extraction?

Most patients feel better in a few days. Following aftercare—resting, avoiding straws, and keeping the area clean—supports healing. Swelling and mild discomfort improve within a week.

Q: Can I replace a tooth after extraction?

Yes. Options include implants, bridges, partial dentures, or implant-supported dentures. Replacing a missing tooth helps prevent shifting and bone loss.

Q: What should I do after a tooth extraction?

Rest, eat soft foods, avoid smoking, and keep the site clean as directed. Ice packs and OTC pain relievers help minimize swelling and discomfort as you heal.

Dentist in Creve Coeur, MO

We always try to save our natural teeth if possible, but sometimes that simply isn’t an option. Reasons for tooth removal are a cracked tooth from stress, untreated gum disease, a large cavity, an infected tooth, or extreme tooth wear from stress.

A dental extraction is the process of removing teeth by various methods. It is most commonly done to:

- Relieve pain for an abscessed tooth

- To fix crowding prior to orthodontic braces or clear aligners such as Invisalign

- Prepare someone for dentures

- Remove teeth that are severely broken or damaged beyond repair

- Removal of extra teeth we don’t have room for such as wisdom teeth

At Creve Coeur Family & Sedation Dentistry, Dr. Brandon Kratz provides tooth extraction services in Creve Coeur, MO. Our office on Old Ballas Road also welcomes patients from Maryland Heights, Town and Country, and surrounding St. Louis County communities.

Need To Schedule OR Have A Question?

Call (314) 991-1400 or send a message!

An extraction is usually done with the same local anesthesia used for a simple filling. These procedures tend to be quick and relatively painless. A tooth extraction is a relatively common procedure, with 20 million performed each year in the U.S. alone. Occasionally, a tooth extraction may be considered if a tooth is damaged or diseased to the point that it cannot be saved.

For many people the idea of having a tooth removed can cause significant dental anxiety. At Creve Coeur Family & Sedation Dentistry we offer a variety of sedation options to ensure that your experience is as comfortable as possible. See our Sedation Dentistry (Hyperlink) tab to see if sedation dentistry is right for you.

Options After An Extraction

It is very important to decide how the tooth will be replaced before it is taken out. Some options include a dental implant, dental bridge, partial or complete denture, or even an implant retained denture to name a few.

The jawbone of the mouth is the foundation for not only our natural teeth, but also any dental restoration we may need now or even years down the road. It is much easier to preserve the bone that we have than to replace bone that is gone. Each time a tooth is removed the surrounding bone will resorb as part of the natural healing process. To minimize the amount of resorption that takes place, a bone graft may be recommended. A variety of both natural and synthetic grafting materials are available.

FAQs

1. Why would I need a tooth extraction?
Teeth may need removal due to decay, infection, gum disease, crowding, or severe damage. While we always aim to save teeth when possible, sometimes extraction is the best option to protect your oral health and prepare for future restorations.

2. Does getting a tooth pulled hurt?
No – extractions are performed with local anesthesia to keep you comfortable. You may feel pressure but not pain during the procedure. For patients with dental anxiety, we also offer sedation options to make the experience easier and stress-free.

3. How long does it take to recover from an extraction?
Most patients feel back to normal within a few days. Following aftercare instructions – such as resting, avoiding straws, and keeping the area clean – helps healing. Any mild discomfort or swelling usually improves within the first week.

4. Can I replace a tooth after extraction?
Yes, and it’s often recommended to prevent shifting or bone loss. Options include dental implants, bridges, partial dentures, or implant-supported dentures. We’ll review your needs and help you choose the best replacement option for your smile.

5. What should I do after a tooth extraction?
You’ll receive detailed aftercare instructions, but basics include resting, eating soft foods, avoiding smoking, and keeping the extraction site clean. Using ice packs and over-the-counter pain relief helps minimize swelling and discomfort as you heal.

What Patients Are Saying!

    
 
 
        
   Alison H 
 6 November 2026
 
 
  I had an amazing first experience here; the office itself is clean and inviting, and I was welcomed quickly and had a short wait time before my appointment started. The hygienist as well as Dr. Kratz were very mindful of my TMJ disorder and made it a comfortable experience. I was given helpful hygiene advice without judgement or condescension, and Dr. Kratz included me in my treatment plan by showing photos and explaining in terms I could understand. The cost of follow up procedures was explained clearly. Overall, great experience and would highly recommend!
  
 
       
   Doris Smith 
 5 November 2026
 
 
  Best cleaning I have ever had. Was able to eat the same day, no pain
  
 
       
   Casey Blough 
 27 October 2026
 
 
  We feel like family here. Shanna and Dana are so helpful getting us in with our busy schedules and helpful with our insurance.  My oldest had a bad experience with a pediatric dentist when he was younger and he's so comfortable with Sabrina. My younger son has some sensory preferences and Mary is so good with him. Even Sarah, the practice manager came to check in with us. Dr. Kratz is so thorough and works well with our orthodontist.  I highly recommend this practice.
  
 
       
   Richard Price 
 8 October 2026
 
 
  Dr. Katz and team are A++. From reception/coordinator Shana, to hygienist Jennifer, to Dr. Katz himself, each one is a pleasure...and a professional.  The office environment is very nice and parking is easy.  My dental practice "for life".
  
 
       
   Andrea Sharp 
 6 October 2026
 
 
  The entire staff is so friendly. Mary is awesome. She made my teeth cleaning an enjoyable experience. Location is in an excellent area.
  
 
       
   Mike Leicht 
 6 October 2026
 
 
  I was a bit apprehensive since it had been an extremely long time since I visited a dentist.  They put me totally at ease.  They didn't chastise me, though I surely had a lot of tartar on my teeth.  However, I didn't have any cavities.  They didn't try to get me to do any additional work.  They did tell me about a bite guard, but they didn't pressure me to get one at all.  They didn't make me regret going to the dentist.  They made me glad I did.
  
 
       
   Thomas Heidotten 
 23 September 2026
 
 
  Friendly and professional
  
 
       
   Lina Wagner 
 18 September 2026
 
 
  I had a really good experience at this dentist office. Everyone was friendly, professional, and made me feel comfortable throughout my appointment. I was nervous about getting my tooth extracted, but they explained everything to me and made the process go smoothly. I really appreciate how patient and caring they were. I definitely recommend this dentist to anyone looking for a good experience!
  
 
       
   Margie H 
 17 September 2026
 
 
  Very nice staff Dr that was very nice explaining things well
I’m very nervous about going to the dentist and they made me feel comfortable
  
 
       
   Jasper Alpuerto 
 4 September 2026
 
 
  Professional and very accommodating for new patients. Definitely will recommend to other people looking for dentists.
  
 
       
   Karen Phillips 
 26 August 2026
 
 
  Very friendly, caring staff! Sabrina is an excellent hygienist, gentle but thorough. And Dr Kratz is awesome. Professional but very human!
  
 
       
   Colin Shreves 
 25 August 2026
 
 
  Sabrina is the best
  
 
       
   Rob Reynolds 
 20 August 2026
 
 
  I had a referral from a friend who loves this dental practice. This was my first visit and it was great. Setting up all my information on the website before I even got there was a breeze, and saved a lot of time when I arrived. I was greeted by Shanna who was extremely friendly and helpful as she was on the phone trying to find me a good appointment time. Everything ran right on time so there was no waiting. My hygienist Sabrina was also very friendly and thorough, and careful not to hurt me. She also explained exactly what she was doing at each step. When Dr Kratz came in, he too was very personable, checked everything very carefully and explained everything to me. My entire experience was great and worthy of more than 5 stars if I could give them. My thanks to Dr Kratz and the entire staff.
  
 
       
   Becky Kottmeyer 
 20 August 2026
 
 
  Brandon and his team (Mary dental hygienist) are totally awesome. They are so through and explain every process of what they are doing before they start putting things in your mouth and working. I have clean teeth and feel well educated about problem areas in my mouth. Super professional. Everyone I met was friendly and seemed to put people and patients first. Can’t say enough good things. This has contrasted every single other unpleasant dentist experience I’ve had as an adult.
  
 
       
   Todd Baker 
 11 August 2026
 
 
  Very nice staff and dentist.
  
 
       
   Lisa Bartnick 
 7 August 2026
 
 
  I had my 27 year old son with Autism there this morning for a cleaning & the experience was great! His hygienist Whitney was very patient & great with him! Everyone there is super friendly & i would highly recommend them.
  
 
       
   Athena McFerrin 
 4 August 2026
 
 
  I am under the strong belief that this practice this wonderful practice will go national!
  
 
       
   Liz Perkins 
 29 July 2026
 
 
  Truly the best new patient experience I've ever had. Sabrina the hygienist is the sweetest, and Dr. Kratz is wonderful. I've never looked forward to a dental visit in my life, and I am looking forward to my next appointment.
  
 
       
   Laura 
 27 July 2026
 
 
  I can’t say enough great things about Creve Coeur Family & Sedation Dentistry. From the moment we walked in, Sarah at the front desk was incredibly friendly and a clear communicator—she made sure everything was seamless and that every step was understood. She also took extra care to ensure my elderly mother was comfortable, could hear the information clearly, and fully understood what was happening.

Dr. Kratz was excellent as well. He explained the work that needed to be done with clear pros and cons, so we felt informed and confident in the plan. He was also able to fit my mother for a partial the same day, and the follow-up process is already underway to make sure it’s a perfect fit. On top of that, he’s genuinely funny—which helped put my mom at ease during what was an emergency appointment.

Sabrina, the hygienist, did a wonderful job measuring my mom’s gums and cleaning her teeth. She spoke loudly and clearly so my mother could hear and follow everything, and my mom did not experience any pain.

Kinanie helped with the partial mold and was incredibly friendly and skilled. We truly felt like everyone cared—not just about getting the job done, but about making my mother feel safe and comfortable.

This appointment meant even more because my mother had been mistreated by other dentists who didn’t understand how chemo was affecting the bone of her jaw. At Creve Coeur Family & Sedation Dentistry, we finally felt respected, understood, and in the hands of a team that knew how to care for her properly.

Highly recommend—this is the kind of care everyone deserves.
  
 
       
   Elena Perkins 
 27 July 2026
 
 
  Super friendly staff! No wait, very timely and knowledgeable!
  
 
       
   Jenny Bosworth 
 23 July 2026
 
 
  The most caring hygienists I have ever had. Dr. Katz is very personable and professional as well. Everyone does their absolute best to put you at ease and prioritize your comfort.
  
 
       
   Zari Kalo 
 21 July 2026
 
 
  Even as a new patient, I felt welcomed.
  
 
       
   Dee Levang 
 13 July 2026
 
 
  Each time I leave this office, I wish I had switched to them even earlier than I did. Dr. Kratz and his entire team are so personable and do excellent work! During my last visit, Heather M. immediately made me feel comfortable. She had me laughing so much that I was worried I’d giggle in the middle of my procedure.
  
 
       
   Susan Constantin 
 8 July 2026
 
 
  Excellent care as usual from Dr. Kratz & his team!
  
 
       
   The Henry's 
 23 June 2026
 
 
  Great!
  
 
       
   Peggy Frisella 
 19 June 2026
 
 
  Excellent care, professional, engaged and also reassuring. Perfect experience - painless. Both dentist and assistant did an amazing job taking care of me. Yesterday, on a second visit, I am equally, if not more, impressed with the entire office staff: I can’t name them all but what a team! Thank you for the service you provide.
  
 
       
   Mary Pecher 
 15 June 2026
 
 
  I would like to take this opportunity to compliment
Creve Coeur Family and Sedation Dentistry
Dr. Kratz and Staff.  Dr Kratz has built an amazing staff that exhibit professionalism and personal care and empathy  for their clients.
I would especially like to mention three staff members :Sarah, Shanna and Kinanie and of course Dr Kratz.. they have walked me through a dental procedure  with excellent before and after care which made this experience easy-whether it be expert immediate appointments (Sarah), expert aftercare (Kinani) or Financial
Knowledge and scheduling (Shanna) all my needs have been met as if I was a Family member!! Well done Dr Kratz in building such a Team!!
  
 
       
   Javi Turk 
 11 June 2026
 
 
  Excellent patient care. Sabrina got me in right away and did a great job with my oral hygiene. Dr. Kratz was throrough and great as always. The whole team is very friendly as well. The cancer screening they perform with my yearly checkups shows how this office goes the extra mile for the health of their patients. A+!
  
 
       
   Timothy Major 
 11 June 2026
 
 
  Awesome experience as always!!! I just LOVE Donna, we had a great conversation during my visit!
  
 
       
   Tom Beckring 
 7 June 2026
 
 
  excellent Dr. with the latest equipment. Dr. and staff are all very nice and professional. great job by Donna cleaning my teeth! Dr Kratz did great job explaining what work I needed done.
  
 
       
   BrianFawcett2001 
 4 June 2026
 
 
  The whole office has a good vibe! The manager, Sarah is friendly, inviting and knowledgeable. I felt really comfortable with Rachel, the dental assistant, in the sane way. I already had xrays from a previous dental office but Rachel took actual pictures of my teeth in addition. No office has ever done that for me. I feel like this office is more thorough and takes the extra step and effort. Dr. Kratz, the dentist, was just as wonderful, too. I felt at ease with him and he made me feel we were on the same level. He was honest and friendly and really took the time to examine and talk about my teeth. I am switching to this dental office starting today. The atmosphere at this office is warm and comforting. Thank you for a great experience! I look forward to my next appointment with them.
  
 
       
   Sandy Buffa 
 29 May 2026
 
 
  Welcoming, warm, professional, and kind.
  
 
       
   Lorna Li 
 29 May 2026
 
 
  I have a great experience with this dentist, he is very friendly, compassionate and professional, during this for the semi year checkup, my dental hygienist Mary is VERY kind manner of all combined with sincere care and concern throughout the whole time. I am definitely recommend.
  
 
       
   Debra Greenlee 
 26 May 2026
 
 
  Mary is an awesome dental hygienist very through; I would recommend her highly. Dr Kratz is a great dentist he really takes times to  fully exam your mouth & check for any issues.
  
 
       
   Ann 
 21 May 2026
 
 
  Had to get a crown at 8am this morning.

I can say, without a doubt, that every single 5 star review is well deserved.

Dr. Kratz is seriously just that good. His assistants (especially Kinanie who was with me this morning), are just that good. They know exactly what they’re doing.

I truly appreciated how they walked me through the entire process. I even got to see my crown being created - how cool is that?!

The vibes are comfortable and relaxed. The office is filled with laughter. Not something you’d expect at the dentist, but that’s how it is here.

If you like efficiency and dentists who actually know what they’re doing, this is the place to go. No doubt.
  
 
 
 
  
 
   Google rating score: 5.0 of 5, based on 217 reviews

Extractions

Dentist in Creve Coeur, MO

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Options After An Extraction

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Extractions

Dentist in Creve Coeur, MO

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Options After An Extraction

FAQs

What Patients Are Saying!

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New Patients

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