Tooth Extractions in Friendswood

How Much Does Tooth Removal Cost?

In order to provide you with an accurate estimate for a tooth extraction cost, one of our dentists will need to examine your mouth. There are actually two types of extraction. The first is a simple extraction. The second is a surgical extraction. If you have insurance, we'll get your information right away to help you determine how much of the cost of your tooth extraction will be covered.

What Is an Oral Surgery Extraction?

When a tooth hasn't erupted fully through the gum, a surgical extraction is often needed. If you require oral surgery to remove a tooth, our dentists will be able to refer you to the right surgeon. Generally, patients require surgical extractions when only a small portion of a tooth is visible.

What Makes Having a Tooth Pulled Necessary?

While we always try to preserve natural teeth whenever possible, there are times when extraction is simply unavoidable. In these cases, leaving the tooth in place will cause more harm than good. Severe cavities, decay, dead tooth roots, and other irreversible options can make extractions necessary. You may also be in excruciating pain caused by severe rot or decay.

Can a Dentist Pull Decayed, Cracked, or Broken Teeth?

Yes, a general dentist can perform a nonsurgical extraction. However, you should know that your dentist will first explore the potential for a root canal to try to save the tooth. Following your extraction, your dentist will also discuss options for replacing the tooth in order to prevent other teeth in your mouth from shifting or loosening.

Why Do Dentists Pull Baby Teeth?

If a baby tooth is blocking an adult tooth, pulling that tooth to make room for the new arrival can be an important aspect of preserving a child's oral health. Additionally, baby teeth are sometimes pulled if they have severe cavities that are simply too large to fill. Baby teeth are vulnerable to cavities because they have thinner enamel compared to adult teeth. If you're concerned about one of your child's teeth, please call us for an appointment. Our office specializes in children's dentistry.

Do You Need to Pull Teeth If You Have Advanced Gum Disease?

You won't necessarily need to remove teeth just because you have gum disease. However, severe cases of periodontal disease may require extraction in order to stop disease progression. When gum disease advances, teeth can become loose because the ligaments holding your teeth in place are being attacked. Our dental team will assess your teeth and gums to determine the best course of action.

Wisdom Teeth

A third set of molars known as your wisdom teeth will grow in at some point during the teen years or early adulthood. Many people end up having their wisdom teeth removed because they don't have the jaw space to support such large teeth. Dentists tend to watch wisdom teeth closely because they can cause chaos in the mouth as they try to emerge. In some cases, infections caused by impacted wisdom teeth can become dangerous. What's more, wisdom teeth can actually cause damage to the jawbone or teeth if they are growing in at an angle. If anything looks worrisome with your wisdom teeth, our dentists can refer you to a qualified oral surgeon.

Crowded Teeth

While uncommon, extraction is sometimes used to make room when you have severe overcrowding. Those who have overcrowding can sometimes benefit from extractions that make room for teeth to straighten out. In some cases, extraction is used in combination with dental braces to create a straight, healthy-looking smile.

What to Expect After a Tooth Extraction

If you need to undergo an extraction, our team will provide you with robust aftercare instructions. Typically, you will only need to restrict certain activities or foods for the first 24 hours after your procedure. We'll also provide you with tips for how to manage pain or swelling. Following these instructions is so important for proper healing!

What Is the Healing Period After Having a Tooth Pulled?

You'll be instructed to take things easy for 24 hours after getting a tooth pulled. It's generally perfectly fine to resume all normal activities following your appointment as long as you avoid any hard foods or objects that could irritate your tender gum area. Full healing for a tooth extraction usually takes a week. If you're having a molar extraction, the healing period can be slightly longer. Surgical tooth extraction healing also generally takes longer compared to standard extractions.

If you're seeking a dentist offering tooth extraction in Friendswood, call (281) 566-2808 today to schedule an exam and consultation at our office.