Sometimes, a tooth may not be healthy enough to save. Whether you have a painful wisdom tooth, a severely infected tooth, or a tooth that’s been damaged by dental trauma, a tooth extraction in Flower Mound, TX may sometimes be the right option to get you out of pain and restore your oral health.
But what can you actually expect if you choose to come to Titensor Dental to get a tooth extraction from Dr. Brett Titensor or Dr. Jackson Mann? What happens during the procedure, what are the risks, and how much will your treatment cost? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll answer all of these questions and many more.
Understanding The Basics Of Tooth Extractions
At Titensor Dental, our goal is to preserve your teeth whenever it’s possible to do so. But in some cases, it may not be possible to restore a severely damaged tooth with an alternative treatment. In this type of situation, a tooth extraction may be the best way to get you out of pain, restore your oral health, and avoid further complications.
For example, if you have an extensive tooth infection or multiple infected teeth, it may not be possible to save them with root canal therapy. If this is the case, Dr. Brett or Dr. Jackson may recommend having these teeth removed, and then replaced with dental implants or another type of tooth replacement in the future.
Tooth extractions are also sometimes necessary to prepare for other dental treatments. For example, if you would like to get a set of full-mouth dentures, all of your remaining teeth must be extracted so that your new teeth will fit into your mouth properly.
Different Types Of Tooth Extractions Explained
Depending on the specifics of your case, there are a few different tooth extraction types that may be recommended by Dr. Brett or Dr. Jackson at our office. Here’s a quick overview of what you need to know:
- Basic extractions – Basic extractions are the most common type of routine extraction. They are done when the tooth is intact and fully erupted from the gums. Your dentist will simply be able to wiggle the tooth loose and then pull it out of your mouth. This type of extraction may be recommended for damaged, unhealthy teeth
- Surgical extractions – Surgical extractions are often used for wisdom teeth that have not fully erupted from the gums. They also may be needed for teeth that are severely damaged, like a tooth that has broken all the way down below the gumline. In this process, your dentist will have to cut the tooth into small pieces before removing them from your mouth.
- Emergency tooth extractions – Tooth extractions are sometimes necessary for emergency situations. For example, if you have a severe tooth infection that may spread, or extreme dental trauma that has damaged a tooth, extracting it may be the best way to avoid complications. At Titensor Dental, we are sometimes able to offer same-day extractions to our patients when necessary.
- Wisdom tooth extractions – Wisdom teeth are a natural part of the mouth, but they sometimes do not erupt properly and can cause a variety of oral health issues. Because of this, wisdom teeth removal is sometimes necessary to prevent complications like gum infections, tooth decay, and damage to the nearby molars.
What To Expect From The Tooth Extraction Procedure
Initial consultation
First, you’ll meet with Dr. Brett or Dr. Jackson for a comprehensive oral exam and X-rays. Your dentist will determine the extent and the cause of your condition and decide whether or not a tooth extraction is the appropriate treatment for your situation.
Numbing and sedation
Depending on the situation, you may get a same-day extraction or come back for a visit in the future. To begin, your dentist will numb your mouth to prepare for the extraction. We also offer a variety of sedation options at Titensor Dental. Pill-based oral conscious sedation and IV sedation are both popular options for tooth extractions.
With sedation, you’ll feel very relaxed and groggy during your procedure. You may even fall asleep or forget most of what happens during your visit. If you’re interested in sedation dentistry, let your dentist know during your initial consultation at Titensor Dental.
Basic extraction (erupted teeth)
Basic extractions are used for unhealthy teeth that are fully erupted from the gums, such as a tooth that’s loose because of gum disease or a tooth that’s been seriously damaged by a tooth infection.
In this procedure, your dentist will begin by loosening the tooth with a tool called a “dental elevator.” Then, when it’s loose enough to remove, they will pull the tooth out of the socket with a pair of dental forceps.
Surgical extraction (impacted teeth)
Surgical extractions are necessary for impacted wisdom teeth that have not fully erupted from the gums, or for teeth that are too damaged to remove with a simple extraction. In this process, your dentist will begin by creating a small opening in the gums near the tooth.
Then, they will use this opening to access the tooth, cut it into small pieces, and remove the pieces one by one. This process is called “sectioning,” and is ideal for teeth that can’t be removed with a simple extraction.
Sutures and finishing up
Once they have removed your tooth, your dentist at Titensor Dental will clean up the area, disinfect it, and suture the socket shut to ensure that the area heals properly. Then, they will move on to extract any other teeth, if necessary. Once you’re all done, you’ll be sent home with a set of recovery instructions to follow as you heal.
Our Top Tooth Extraction Recovery Tips
- Manage your pain and discomfort – First, follow any instructions provided by Dr. Brett or Dr. Jackson. Take prescription or non-prescription medication as directed, and use ice packs to numb the treatment area and help with your pain.
- Stick with soft foods – You can eat as soon as your mouth is no longer numb. For the first few days, it’s best to stick with very soft foods like yogurt, ice cream, pudding, and smoothies. These will help you stay nourished and ensure you do not irritate the extraction site.
- Avoid heavy exercise for a few days – Exercising right after a tooth extraction can cause pain, bleeding, and discomfort, and may slow down healing, too. You should avoid heavy exertion for at least 48-72 hours after your treatment.
- Don’t use a straw, smoke, or vape – The suction of smoking, vaping, or using a straw can dislodge your blood clot, leading to a painful complication called “dry socket.” Do not use a straw, smoke, or vape for at least three days after your surgery. Ideally, you should quit smoking or vaping permanently, since these habits can interfere with healing and lead to further oral health issues.
- Follow all of your dentist’s other instructions – Dr. Jackson or Dr. Brett will give you a full set of instructions to follow after your surgery. Make sure you follow them to the letter to ensure a smooth, complication-free healing process.
The Recovery Timeline After Tooth Extractions
24-72 hours after extraction
Immediately after your surgery, you may need to change your gauze pack a couple of times if it becomes soaked with blood. Bleeding should slow and stop within a few hours of your surgery, but you may notice a little bit of blood for a couple of days after your surgery.
You’ll need to eat very soft foods and avoid brushing your extraction site directly during this time. You can rinse your mouth with salt water or any mouthwash prescribed by your dentist. You can brush your other teeth normally, but avoid the extraction site.
3-5 days after extraction
During this time, symptoms like pain, bruising, and swelling should peak and begin to fade. You can start eating slightly firmer foods like soft macaroni and scrambled eggs. You can also begin brushing near the extraction site very gently with a soft bristled toothbrush.
1 week after extraction
A week after your tooth extraction, you will feel much less discomfort as your mouth begins to heal. If you still feel severe pain or are noticing other issues like continued bleeding from the extraction site, you should see your dentist for a follow-up.
You can also start brushing your extraction site directly during this time, but do not apply too much pressure. You should also be able to eat even more foods like poached fish, soft bread and rolls, and oatmeal. However, you should continue avoiding crunchy, sharp, spicy, and sticky foods.
2 weeks after extraction
At this time, your extraction site will be mostly healed. You can brush your teeth and the extraction site normally, and you can also eat pretty much all of your favorite foods. However, depending on how healed your extraction site is, you may still want to avoid super sharp, spicy, or crunchy foods.
During this time, you may also have a follow-up at Titensor Dental. Come in as scheduled so that Dr. Brett or Dr. Jackson can check on your recovery and ensure that your recovery is on track!
What Risks Are Associated With Tooth Extractions?
At Titensor Dental, Dr. Brett and Dr. Jackson use the latest treatment techniques to ensure a smooth extraction process and a swift recovery. But just like any other surgery, tooth extractions come with some risks.
Patients may experience pain, discomfort, swelling, and bruising near the extraction site. This is normal, and will fade within a few days. Your extraction site may also be more vulnerable to infections after your surgery. This is why it’s important to avoid certain foods, use antibacterial mouthwash, and follow any other instructions provided by Dr. Brett or Dr. Jackson after your surgery.
Dry socket is a less common complication that occurs when the blood clot in the extraction site is damaged and/or knocked loose from the socket. This causes slower healing and significant pain and discomfort, but can usually be avoided with proper post-surgical care.
Some more uncommon tooth extraction risks include nerve injuries in the nearby teeth, or even sinus issues if upper teeth are being extracted. If you are recovering from your surgery and think that something isn’t right, it’s a good idea to contact your dentist right away for a follow-up.
Average Tooth Extraction Costs – How Much Will I Pay?
The cost of tooth extractions varies based on quite a few factors. The primary factor is whether a simple or a surgical extraction is required for your treatment. The average cost of a simple extraction is between $250 and $350, while the cost of a surgical extraction in Texas is usually between $450 and $800.
These costs can vary if you need additional treatments, such as sedation to keep you comfortable or a bone graft to prepare for a dental implant. The good news is that most dental insurance plans cover the cost of medically necessary extractions up to policy limits.
At Titensor Dental, we are always happy to file claims on your behalf and help you make the most of your benefits. We also offer flexible payment plans to all qualifying patients. This means that you can get the dental care you need now, then make low monthly payments that are easier to fit into your budget.
Answering Your FAQs About Tooth Extractions
- Is tooth extraction painful? You may feel some sensations during your surgery at Titensor Dental. However, tooth extraction is an invasive procedure. So, just like any other surgery, some discomfort is normal after the procedure. Dr. Brett or Dr. Jackson can provide you with tips on how to minimize your pain as your body begins to heal.
- How long does a tooth extraction procedure take? This depends on the location of your tooth, how many teeth you need to be extracted, and whether or not you require surgical extractions. Generally speaking, non-surgical extractions take between 15-30 minutes per tooth, while surgical extractions may require 30-60 minutes per tooth.
- What sedation options are best for tooth extraction? We typically recommend either oral conscious sedation or IV sedation. Both of these tooth extraction sedation options make you feel very tired, groggy, and comfortable. Along with local numbing, oral conscious or IV sedation will ensure that you feel completely comfortable during your tooth extraction procedure at Titensor Dental.
- How quickly can I return to normal activities post-extraction? You can go back to work or school within 24 to 72 hours, and resume light activities, too. However, you should avoid heavy exercise and exertion for at least 3-4 days after your surgery.
- What should I do if I experience complications? If you notice pain, discomfort, or any other potentially concerning signs of tooth extraction complications, you should schedule a consultation with Dr. Brett or Dr. Jackson right away. The sooner you get help, the sooner you can get relief and get your oral health back on track, too.
Need A Tooth Extraction? Come To Titensor Dental Today!
Whether you have an unhealthy tooth, require wisdom tooth removal, or think that you may need a tooth pulled for any other reason in Flower Mound, TX, Dr. Brett Titensor and Dr. Jackson Mann are here to help at Titensor Dental.
Dr. Brett and Dr. Jackson practice evidence based dentistry and will only recommend pulling a tooth if they truly believe it is the best option for protecting your oral health. We also offer gentle extractions with a wide variety of sedation options to keep you comfortable. Give us a call at (972) 355-9545 or book your consultation online to get started.