La Crosse
3143 State Road Suite 100, La Crosse, WI 54601
A cracked molar that keeps aching, a baby tooth that will not let go, or a tooth so damaged by decay that a filling or crown is no longer realistic: these are the moments when patients across La Crosse and the Coulee Region come to us asking about removal. At Rivertown Dental, we offer simple extraction at our La Crosse, Holmen, Arcadia and Viroqua offices. Our general dentists handle the whole process, from the first exam to planning what comes next for your smile, so you can get care close to home.
A simple extraction removes a tooth that is fully visible above the gumline and can be lifted out without surgical cuts to the gum or bone. After numbing the area, the dentist gently loosens the tooth and removes it in one visit. Because the tooth is accessible, the appointment is usually focused and straightforward.
We recommend simple extraction when keeping a tooth would cause more trouble than removing it. Common situations include a tooth broken beyond repair, a tooth loosened by advanced gum disease, crowding that needs space created, or a stubborn baby tooth in a child. Since we see patients of all ages, from children as young as 2 to retirees, these visits look different from one patient to the next.
Before we recommend removal, we look at whether the tooth can be saved. We offer fillings, crowns, same-day CEREC crowns, root canal therapy for molars and gum disease treatment. When one of those is a sound option, we will tell you. When extraction is the better path, we explain why in plain language, using digital X-rays to show you what we see.
Not every tooth qualifies for a simple extraction. A tooth that has not fully come in, or one with roots that need a more involved approach, may call for a different plan. We will walk you through that during your exam so there are no surprises on the day of treatment.
Will a tooth extraction hurt?
You should feel pressure but not sharp pain, because we numb the area thoroughly before we begin. Most patients are surprised by how quickly the removal itself goes.
If dental visits make you anxious, tell us. We offer nitrous oxide for children and IV sedation for adults, and we never judge you for how long it has been since your last visit. We call our approach The Ascent Experience: advanced care, genuine comfort, and a better experience from start to finish. That includes small touches like a warm towelette, a blanket, a support pillow, headphones and essential oils.
How do I care for the area after an extraction?
The most important thing is to follow the written instructions we give you and protect the healing site for the first few days. We go over these steps before you leave and answer questions on the spot.
Typical guidance includes:
- Biting gently on gauze to help control bleeding
- Avoiding straws, smoking and forceful rinsing early on
- Choosing soft foods and chewing on the other side
- Keeping the rest of your mouth clean with careful brushing
- Calling us if something does not feel right
Removing a tooth also opens a conversation about what comes next. A gap can affect how you chew and how neighboring teeth sit. We place and restore dental implants in-house and also offer bridges, so we can talk through replacement options whenever you are ready.
What if I need a tooth out urgently?
If a broken or painful tooth cannot wait, call us right away. If you have a dental emergency, call the office closest to you for the earliest opening. We work to see emergencies the same day when our schedule allows, and we will do everything we can to accommodate same-day, next-day or walk-in care at any of our four offices.
We serve families in La Crosse, Holmen, Onalaska, West Salem, Arcadia, Whitehall, Viroqua, Westby, Shelby and nearby communities, so help is often a short drive away.
How can I pay for an extraction?
We work with many dental insurance plans. Please call your office to confirm your coverage before your visit. We also welcome self-pay patients.
For patients without insurance, our Rivertown Membership Plans, also called the VIP Program, include Classic, Deluxe and Kids options. Each covers cleanings, exams, X-rays and fluoride, plus a discount on treatment. Membership plans cannot be combined with insurance. We also offer third-party financing through Cherry, CareCredit and Proceed Finance. Approval depends on each lender's qualification process, and our team can help you understand your options.
Ready to talk about a troublesome tooth?
If a tooth is bothering you, the best next step is an exam. We will look closely, explain your options honestly, and help you decide what is right for you. Patients have shared more than 1,600 Google reviews across our four offices as of November 2026, including La Crosse with 674 reviews at 4.9 stars, Holmen with 546 at 4.8, Arcadia with 245 at 4.9, and Viroqua with 231 at 4.8.
Call the Rivertown Dental office nearest you to schedule. Dentistry, Done Differently.
Questions
Extraction FAQs
How much does a simple extraction cost at Rivertown Dental in the Coulee Region, and does insurance cover it?
The cost of a simple extraction depends on the tooth and what your exam and X-rays show, so we will review your options with you before any treatment begins. We work with many dental insurance plans, and we encourage you to call your nearest office in La Crosse, Holmen, Arcadia or Viroqua to confirm your coverage. If you do not have insurance, ask us about our Rivertown Membership Plans (Classic, Deluxe and Kids) and third-party financing through Cherry, CareCredit or Proceed Finance, which is available for those who qualify.
Will a simple extraction hurt?
We numb the area thoroughly before we begin, so most patients feel pressure rather than sharp pain during a simple extraction. For extra relaxation, we offer nitrous oxide sedation, and IV sedation is available for adults. Through The Ascent Experience, you can also ask for a warm towelette, blanket, support pillow, headphones or essential oils to help you feel at ease.
How long does a simple extraction take?
A simple extraction is usually one of the quicker procedures we do, because the tooth is visible and can be removed without surgical steps. Your total visit time depends on your exam, X-rays, numbing and any sedation you choose. Our team will walk you through what to expect for your specific tooth before we start.
What is recovery like after a simple extraction?
Most patients go home the same day with clear aftercare instructions for managing tenderness and protecting the healing area. Healing time varies from person to person, so we will tell you what to watch for and when to call us. If anything feels off while you heal, our team at any of our four Coulee Region offices is here to help.
Do I need an extraction, or are there alternatives for saving my tooth?
Whenever a tooth can be saved, we talk with you about options such as fillings, crowns or root canal therapy before recommending an extraction. A simple extraction may be the right choice when a tooth is too damaged or loose to repair, and our general dentists will explain why with no judgment. If you need to replace a removed tooth, we offer bridges and dental implants placed and restored in-house.