We do everything we can to prevent the need for tooth removal. However, in some cases, removing problem teeth can improve the comfort and health of your teeth. At Argyle Family Dentistry, we provide tooth extraction treatment in Argyle, TX. Removing a tooth can prevent the spread of infection, tooth injury, or bite problems. Tooth extractions are a part of preventive dental care.
Why Do I Need a Tooth Removed?
Removing a tooth can improve the function and health of your mouth. There are many common reasons why you may need a tooth or teeth extracted:
Infected Teeth
We can save an infected tooth with root canal treatment. However, if a tooth infection severely damages a tooth, it may require removal. Tooth extractions can stop your tooth pain and the spread of infection to adjacent teeth. We will provide a tooth replacement once you are healed from your extraction.
Overcrowded Teeth
In some cases, we may remove your teeth if you have too many teeth or teeth that do not have enough room in the mouth. Overcrowding can increase your risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Harmful bacteria can build between hard-to-clean areas of the mouth. If orthodontic treatment cannot fix these teeth, we may remove one or more teeth to help your teeth align properly.
Impacted Teeth
An impacted tooth is a tooth that does not have enough room to grow. For many patients, wisdom teeth can be impacted. Wisdom teeth are the final teeth to emerge. Typically, wisdom teeth grow when patients are in their late teens or early twenties. However, they can appear earlier or later.
Removing wisdom teeth can prevent impacted teeth from creating overcrowding. Additionally, removing wisdom teeth can prevent damage to other natural teeth.
Tooth Extraction in Argyle, TX
Before tooth extraction, we will take X-rays to get a detailed picture of your mouth. With X-rays, we can see emerging teeth, signs of tooth decay, and tooth impaction. We will create a treatment plan to determine if you need a tooth extraction or similar treatment.
There are two types of extractions: simple and complex. A simple tooth extraction removes a tooth above the gum line. Before a simple extraction, we will numb your tooth. Then, we will wiggle the tooth gently until free. This treatment can take minutes.
If you need a complex extraction, we will often use sedation. A complex extraction removes a tooth at or below your gum line. It will take more time to remove these teeth. In some cases, we may recommend sedation to ensure your comfort through treatment.
When removing teeth, we ensure that we do not impact the surrounding teeth or gums. Extractions are routine treatments, but they are also precise.
Tooth Extraction: Post-Op Instructions
After we remove your teeth, we will place gauze at the extraction sites. Gauze helps stop bleeding after your treatment. It also protects the extraction sites. Replace the gauze every thirty minutes until the sites stop bleeding.
Protective blood clots will form over the tooth sockets to protect the underlying nerves. If these clots do not form or are dislodged, you can develop dry socket. Dry socket exposes the nerves and creates extreme pain. The only treatment for dry socket is pain medication and gentle care.
We recommend eating soft foods like pasta, mashed potatoes, and soup as you heal. Following a soft diet after tooth extraction will prevent irritation at the extraction sites. To reduce swelling post-treatment, apply a cold compress to your cheek in fifteen-minute increments.
You can gently brush and floss around the extraction site 24 hours after treatment. We will also provide a pipette so you can clean food debris from the tooth socket.
Tooth Extraction FAQs
Learn more about dental extractions with answers to these common patient questions:
Can you get your teeth removed in one day?
In most cases, same-day tooth extraction is possible. We can remove all four wisdom teeth or several infected teeth in a day. In rare cases, we may need multiple appointments to remove teeth.
When can I replace my extracted tooth?
You can replace your tooth or teeth about ten weeks after treatment. It takes time for your tissues to heal fully and for your extraction sites to close. However, we do not recommend waiting too long if you want to restore your teeth after an extraction. Waiting too long to replace infected or injured teeth can lead to bone loss.
Do I need a dental implant after a tooth extraction?
You may need a restoration based on your type of tooth extraction. If we remove an infected tooth, we will recommend an implant. We may also recommend a bridge or denture if we remove more teeth. However, you will not need a tooth replacement if we remove your overcrowded or wisdom teeth.
What are my tooth replacement options after a tooth extraction?
After your extraction treatment, we may recommend a dental implant-supported crown, bridge, or denture. A dental implant can replace a single missing tooth. If you have consecutive missing teeth, we may recommend a dental bridge. Dentures can replace full rows or arches of lost teeth. We recommend restorations supported by dental implants for the longest-lasting, most functional replacement teeth.
Do tooth extractions hurt?
No. Many patients fear dental extractions because they think they will hurt. You should not feel pain when we remove your teeth. We will numb your tooth with an anesthetic or sedation.
After this wears off, we will prescribe pain medication. We will also recommend a cold compress to treat swelling.
How much is a tooth extraction?
The cost of your extraction will depend on:
- The number of teeth removed
- Dental insurance
- Sedation
- Treatment length
Our office will work with you to provide an estimate of your treatment cost.
Call Our Argyle Dental Office
Remove problem teeth with a comfortable tooth extraction in Argyle, TX. Call Argyle Family Dentistry at 940-531-9753 or request a dental consultation with us online. Let us know if you have any questions about tooth removal; we’re here to help.