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While we never consider removing a tooth to be the first choice when it comes to treatment, sometimes it’s the best and only way to protect your oral health. If the tooth is severely decayed and damaged beyond the point of repair, then we are more likely to recommend extraction. We combine our gentle touch with sedation and can assure you that our team takes all the necessary steps to make you comfortable during treatment. If you fear that your tooth is more problematic than anything, call Brush Dental and we’ll get you out of discomfort with tooth extractions in Royse City, TX.
As we mentioned above, removing your teeth is never our first choice. However, there are several cases where that may be the best or only way to restore the health and function of your smile, including when:
Of course, these are just a few examples. If one of our Royse City emergency dentists recommends a tooth extraction during your appointment, then they will thoroughly explain why before answering any questions you have and creating your treatment plan.
What the tooth extraction process looks like will largely depend on if the tooth in question is above or below the gumline. If it’s broken through, then we can complete a simple extraction, which is when we use special tools to gently rock the tooth loose. If it hasn’t broken through, however, then we will need to conduct a surgical extraction. In this case, we will create a small incision so we can access the tooth and remove it. With all of that said, the first step of the process is always the same: numbing your mouth thoroughly. If you are particularly nervous or you need several teeth extracted, then you may also benefit from sedation dentistry.
Aftercare is extremely important – we want you to heal properly and without any discomfort! That’s why we encourage our patients to:
Do you have questions about tooth extractions? We can help! Below are answers to some of the most common questions we hear from patients about getting teeth removed. From whether extractions hurt to what types of food you can eat during recovery, we hope this information helps guide you toward making the right decision for your oral health. If you do not see your concern addressed below, do not hesitate to schedule a consultation with one of our expert dentists.
Like root canals, many people believe that dental extractions are much more painful than they actually are. The truth is that you will experience little to no pain at all during an extraction at Brush Dental! Your dentist will apply a local anesthetic to numb the area around the tooth before removing it. For more complex extraction procedures or if you feel anxious, your dentist may recommend dental sedation. We offer both nitrous oxide and oral conscious sedation to help patients breeze through more extensive dental treatments.
The length of recovery following an extraction depends on a number of factors and can vary from person to person. However, in general, the initial healing period usually lasts one to two weeks. During the first few days, you may experience some swelling and mild pain. Taking over-the-counter painkillers or prescription pain medication as directed by your dentist can help ease any discomfort. In addition, applying an icepack to your cheek intermittently can also help.
You should plan on sticking to a liquid or soft-food diet for the first 24 to 48 hours after getting your tooth removed. Your mouth may feel a bit tender from surgery, so eating soft foods will help ease you into the recovery process. Applesauce, yogurt, mashed potatoes, cool soup, and scrambled eggs are all great options. Stay away from hard, crunchy, and chewy foods like nuts, chips, or popcorn for the first week after an extraction. In addition, avoid drinking through a straw, since doing so can dislodge the protective blood clot that will form over the extraction site.
If your tooth cannot be saved by a root canal and must be removed, you should consider replacing your missing tooth with a bridge, partial denture, or dental implant. Many people choose to replace their missing teeth for aesthetic reasons. However, there are also a number of oral health benefits to getting a dental prosthesis. For instance, having a full set of teeth makes it easier to eat a balanced, healthy diet. In addition, replacing missing teeth can prevent remaining healthy teeth from shifting, which can lead to bite problems. Of course, having a full smile can also contribute to higher self-esteem and confidence.
While every plan is different, dental insurance usually covers up to 80% of the cost of extractions. Before moving ahead with removing one or more of your teeth, be sure to confirm your coverage with your insurance provider. Need help understanding your plan? Our expert team will be happy to assist you! We are proud to welcome dental insurance and will even file insurance paperwork on your behalf to make sure you get the most out of your benefits.
If you don’t have dental insurance, you can still afford to remove a damaged or decaying tooth thanks to our in-house dental plan. For one flat fee, you get a year’s worth of preventive dental care and 30% off all other treatment costs. Ask our staff for more details!
