4540 Ross Ave Ste 140, Dallas, TX 75204
(469) 210-7223Tooth Extractions – Dallas, TX
Remove Troublesome
Teeth to Save Your Smile
Removing teeth is never ideal, but sometimes it’s necessary to save a person’s smile. Severely damaged or decayed teeth not only cause a lot of pain, but they can lead to serious infections and other oral health problems. Fortunately, Dr. Liu is experienced in performing quick and comfortable tooth extractions in Dallas. Keep reading to learn how tooth removal can potentially alleviate your pain, restore your bite, and improve your oral health.
Why Choose Ross Avenue Family Dental for Tooth Extractions?
- Sedation Options Available for Relaxing & Comfortable Treatment
- Friendly and Talented Dentist
- Same-Day Emergency Appointments Available
Reasons Why Tooth Extractions Are Necessary
At Ross Avenue Family Dental, we always try to save a tooth first with a restorative treatment like a dental crown or root canal therapy. However, a tooth extraction may be the best course of action if you have:
- Extensive decay or irreparable damage in a tooth
- Severe dental infection that could spread to other teeth
- Advanced gum disease or jawbone loss
- Impacted wisdom teeth
- An overcrowded smile and you need to make room before orthodontic treatment
- A child whose baby tooth has not fallen out on its own
The Process of Removing a Tooth
Depending on your unique situation, Dr. Liu, an experienced dentist in Dallas, will recommend either a simple or surgical extraction. Simple extractions are typically performed on teeth that have fully erupted from the gums. Dr. Liu will numb your mouth and then use a special pair of forceps to grab and gently rock the tooth back and forth until it naturally breaks free.
Surgical extraction is usually required for teeth that are not fully above the gum line or that have broken off. For this method, Dr. Liu will first make a small incision in the gums to reveal more of the tooth. She will then break the tooth into smaller pieces and remove them one by one.
The best way to determine which type of tooth extraction in Dallas is right for you is to visit us for a consultation. Dr. Liu will carefully examine your teeth and mouth and make a personalized recommendation. The initial consultation is also a good opportunity to discuss your tooth replacement options. Replacing missing teeth is important to preserve full dental function and prevent bite problems and other issues.
Tooth Extraction Aftercare
Dr. Liu will provide you with detailed post-op instructions to help you heal after having a tooth removed. Some basic tooth extraction aftercare tips include:
- Take over-the-counter or prescription pain medication as directed by Dr. Liu
- Stay hydrated and get plenty of rest during the first few days after surgery
- Avoid spitting or drinking through a straw so you don’t dislodge the blood clot that protects the extraction site
- Avoid eating hard, crunchy, sticky, sour, and spicy foods for a few days
- Gently brush around the surgical site to keep it clean and prevent infection
- Do not smoke or chew tobacco
It’s normal to experience some swelling, discomfort, and light bleeding immediately following a tooth extraction. Taking pain medication as directed and applying an ice pack to the outside of your mouth should help you manage any mild discomfort. However, if these symptoms linger or seem to be getting worse, don’t hesitate to contact us right away!
Understanding the Cost of Tooth Extractions
We understand that you might have questions about the potential cost of having a tooth extracted; after all, it’s best to understand every aspect of any type of treatment before committing to it, including the expected cost! While we can’t give you an exact estimate without first examining your mouth, we can give you a general idea of what you can expect to pay out of pocket by reviewing some of the factors that affect the overall cost. Keep reading to learn more or give us a call to request additional assistance!
Factors That Can Affect Tooth Extraction Cost
Since no two smiles are exactly the same, no two tooth extractions are the same! There are several factors that contribute to the total cost of the procedure, including:
- The location of the tooth (back teeth are often more difficult, and therefore more expensive, to replace than front teeth).
- The total number of teeth that need to be pulled.
- The method of extraction that’s utilized (simple extraction vs. surgical extraction).
- The tooth’s position relative to the gumline (partial eruption, full eruption, etc.).
- The type of anesthesia and sedation methods that are utilized.
When you visit our office, our team will be able to inspect your mouth and determine an appropriate course of action for your extraction; this also means we’ll be able to give you at least the expected cost of treatment.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Tooth Extractions?
Since tooth extractions are often deemed and performed only when absolutely necessary, it’s common for most dental insurance plans to cover around 50% of the cost of extractions (assuming your deductible has been met). This often includes wisdom tooth extractions, too! However, there still could be certain limitations or restrictions, such as a waiting period before coverage kicks in, or a limit to the number of teeth that are covered. It’s important to check with your provider about the details and limitations of your plan. In any case, our team is happy to work with you to ensure that you’re getting the most out of your plan and reducing your total cost of treatment by as much as possible!
How to Make Tooth Extractions Affordable
If you don’t have dental insurance, there are still ways to make your tooth extraction less of a financial burden. We’re proud to offer financing through CareCredit and payment plans through Sunbit that will help to break your grand total into flexible and manageable monthly installments. For additional information about how much you can expect to pay for your tooth extraction, don’t hesitate to contact our team for assistance.
Tooth Extraction FAQs
Our natural pearly whites are strong and designed to last for a lifetime. Unfortunately, factors like poor oral hygiene and accidents may cause the teeth to require removal by an oral surgeon. If Dr. Liu recommended that you get a tooth extraction, you probably have several questions running through your head. Luckily, we’re here to put your mind at ease. Our team has decided to answer some of the most common questions we receive from patients about this procedure. Don’t see your specific question below? Feel free to contact us for an answer!
Does Getting a Tooth Extracted Hurt?
When it comes to tooth extractions, many patients are worried that the procedure will hurt. Our team understands how daunting the entire process seems, which is why we’ll do everything possible to ensure you’re completely comfortable during your procedure. Before your procedure, we’ll numb your mouth fully to make sure you don’t feel any pain. It’s normal to experience mild soreness and discomfort for the first few days following your extraction. Luckily, you can manage those symptoms with pain medication and cold compresses. If your pain becomes unbearable or you begin to show signs of an infection, contact your dental team right away for assistance.
What’s the Difference Between Tooth Extractions and Wisdom Tooth Surgery?
The two procedures may sound interchangeable, but they’re entirely different from each other. One of the biggest differences between them is that wisdom tooth surgery is only designed to remove the third and final set of molars. However, tooth extractions can remove any tooth that’s negatively affecting your oral health. Additionally, wisdom tooth extractions are considered a surgical procedure, meaning a tooth that’s impacted or below the gum line can be removed.
What’s the Recovery for Tooth Extractions Like?
After your tooth extraction, it’s incredibly important that you diligently follow Dr. Liu’s aftercare instructions. Keep in mind that you’ll need to take one to two days off of work to give your body time to rest and heal.
That said, here are some tips for a smooth and speedy recovery:
- Avoid drinking from a straw
- Stick to a soft-food diet
- Change the gauze as necessary
- Practice good oral hygiene (brush, floss, and rinse with warm salt water)
- Don’t smoke or use tobacco products
- Use a cold compress
- Take pain medication as directed
How Should I Prepare for My Tooth Extraction?
Being well-prepared for your extraction is just as important as following the aftercare instructions. At your initial visit, be sure to ask Dr. Liu how you can prepare for the procedure (i.e., what to eat, what to bring the morning of, etc.) She may have specific instructions that you must follow before the procedure, such as drinking only water in the morning or picking up prescription medication. Since you’ll likely receive local or general anesthesia, you should arrange for someone to drive you home after your appointment.