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412 Garrison Ave., Suite 2, Fort Smith, AR 72901Monday – Thursday: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. · Friday – Sunday: ClosedMonday – Thursday: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.Dr. Ivy Kimbrough, Dentist license (DDS) · AR License no. 000000Cristal Venegas, Dental hygienist license (RDH) · AR License no. 000000Tuyet Dinh, Dental hygienist license (RDH) · AR License no. 000000
2 more licenses
  • Dr. Ivy Kimbrough, Dentist license (DDS) · AR License no. 000000
  • Cristal Venegas, Dental hygienist license (RDH) · AR License no. 000000
  • Tuyet Dinh, Dental hygienist license (RDH) · AR License no. 000000
(479) 555-0100
Kimbrough Family DentalFort Smith, Arkansas
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When a tooth can't be saved

Tooth removal

Sometimes a tooth is too broken or too decayed to repair. Removing it is a plain procedure, and we plan what comes after.

Dr. Kimbrough shows you why the tooth can't be saved, goes over what happens and talks about replacing it so the gap isn't left to chance. If a tooth is deeply impacted or the case is more than a general dentist should do, she refers you to an oral surgeon.

  • Why the tooth can't be saved, shown on the X-ray

  • What happens and what to eat afterward

  • Replacing the tooth, if you want to

An imaging room with a scanner and a stool by a window onto trees

What happens, in order

Usually one visit and a check afterward.

  1. 01

    Step 1: Look and X-ray

    She shows you the tooth and the X-ray and explains why she recommends removing it.

  2. 02

    Step 2: Numbing and removal

    The area is numbed and she checks that it has taken. You feel pressure, not sharp pain; tell her if you feel anything sharp.

  3. 03

    Step 3: After-care

    She gives you written steps for the first days: what to eat, how to clean and what to expect.

  4. 04

    Step 4: A check and a plan

    We see you afterward to check the gum, and we talk about whether and how to replace the tooth.

Before you decide

  • Comfort

    The area is numbed first. Raise a hand to stop at any time. Tell us beforehand if you are anxious, and we will plan extra time.

  • If you wait

    A tooth that can't be saved can become infected or break further. If it hurts, swells or you have a fever, call us the same day.

  • Risks and after-care

    Soreness, a little swelling and some bleeding are common for a few days. A dry socket can happen and is painful; call us if the pain gets worse after the third day.

  • How it's billed

    We give you a written estimate before any work starts. Insurance, paying without it and financing are explained on the fees page.

    How fees work

Questions about tooth removal

Does every wisdom tooth need to come out?

No. Many can stay. Dr. Kimbrough looks at the X-ray and tells you whether yours cause trouble, and refers you to an oral surgeon if removal is more than a general dentist should do.

What can I eat afterward?

Soft, cool foods for the first day or two, and nothing hard or crunchy on that side. You get a written list.

Will you replace the tooth?

If you want it replaced, yes. See replacing one tooth for the options.

Ask about a tooth that hurts

Call us, or send a request and we will find the earliest time.

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Provided by a general dentist, Dr. Ivy Kimbrough, DDS.