Tooth Extractions in Houston, TX

At Made Ya Smile Dental, our caring team of dentists wants to deliver the best possible oral health results for you and your family. While we do everything possible to save natural teeth, the best way to preserve oral health, in some cases, is to remove a tooth. Tooth extractions may be recommended in a number of situations, such as when teeth are impacted, severely decayed, or broken beyond repair. We may also extract teeth to facilitate orthodontic treatment or remove baby teeth that do not exfoliate (fall out) on their own.

To help patients of all ages achieve better oral health, our experienced and skilled dentists provide simple and surgical tooth extractions at our modern Houston, TX family dental practice. We take a gentle approach and offer sedation solutions to create positive dental experiences, even in the event that you need to lose a tooth. If you or a family member have tooth extraction needs, contact our caring team today to schedule a consultative appointment.

Tooth extractions may be a simple or surgical procedure, depending on a number of oral factors. If a tooth is fully erupted and can be easily removed with forceps from your jaw without extensive treatment, a simple tooth extraction will be performed. Surgical extractions are required for teeth that are unerupted or impacted in the gums or bone (like wisdom teeth) and teeth that are broken at the gumline or otherwise more difficult to remove. In these cases, our skilled team may need to access the teeth by creating incisions in the gum tissue or section a tooth in pieces to remove it properly from the jaw. Rest assured, our team is always committed to your comfort and safety and takes all necessary precautions to ensure your care is as efficient and effective as possible.

Before recommending a tooth extraction, our dental team at Made Ya Smile Dental will make every effort possible to restore teeth that are worn, broken, cracked, abscessed, or decayed by placing crowns, fillings, or other dental restorations. But in order to restore oral health, a damaged or unsalvageable tooth may be better off removed from your mouth. If advanced gum disease has caused severe bone loss around teeth and is resulting in tooth mobility, our team may recommend extractions to improve your oral condition. Kids that are preparing to undergo orthodontic treatment may need an extraction to remove baby teeth or premolar teeth to create the space necessary for proper tooth eruption and jaw formation. Teens and young adults with wisdom teeth that lack the space to fully erupt without impacting their oral health may also benefit from tooth extractions.

A number of situations may require a tooth extraction. Our team has over 30 years of experience in removing problematic teeth and can help determine if simple or surgical extractions are the best course of treatment for your family’s unique needs.

On the day of your extraction visit, our doctors will numb your teeth, gums, and jaw to provide a comfortable procedure. We also offer nitrous oxide and oral-conscious sedation services to improve your comfort or help relax you if you are anxious about your visit. When your mouth is fully numb, we will begin your extraction procedure. Our team takes a conservative approach whenever possible to preserve the integrity of surrounding teeth and tissues. Using oral surgery instruments, our doctors will remove the tooth from the bone socket. In cases of surgical extractions, such as wisdom teeth removal, we will make an incision in the gums to access the tooth. We may section the tooth to remove it in portions if this approach is better for your oral health. When your extraction is complete, we will suture the area and rinse your mouth. Instructions will be provided on how to care for your extraction sites at home over the next couple of weeks.

The recovery phase following a tooth extraction is critical to your healing process. If your tooth was abscessed or infected, our doctors may prescribe antibiotics for you to take after your procedure. We may also prescribe pain medication or recommend over-the-counter pain relievers to minimize discomfort while you heal. You may notice swelling in your face or jaw, which can be relieved with cold compresses. It is extremely important for you to avoid drinking through a straw, smoking, or spitting while your extraction sites heal. Doing so could lead to a condition known as dry socket, which is when the clot forming over the bone becomes dislodged.

If you have any severe pain, uncontrolled bleeding, or other concerning symptoms, please contact our office right away. We will schedule a follow-up visit with our doctors a week or so after your procedure so that we can see how your tissues are healing. Maintaining routine exam and cleaning visits along with regular home care activities can help you keep your smile in top shape following a tooth extraction. Our team will also discuss your options for replacing an extracted tooth once your mouth is healed.

Most dental insurance plans provide some coverage for simple and surgical tooth extractions, but any sedation service may be an out-of-pocket cost. To determine your anticipated coverage amounts, our business staff will contact your insurance provider before your procedure. Our team at Made Ya Smile Dental wants everyone to have access to the quality care needed for optimal oral health. To make getting the treatment you need convenient and affordable, we proudly accept several payment options and can provide you with information on low-interest dental financing through CareCredit®.

Will a tooth extraction hurt?
Extractions, including wisdom tooth removal, shouldn't hurt on the day of the extraction. We do whatever possible to make you comfortable, including using sedation and carefully removing the tooth. This will leave you with minimal discomfort if any.

How long does it take to recover from tooth extractions?
It can take anywhere from two weeks to a month. Recovery depends on how many teeth got removed and where they were in the mouth. Detailed instructions are sent home with you. Contact our team if you have questions about tooth extractions in Houston, TX.

What can I eat after a tooth extraction?
Sticking to soft food and a liquid diet is key to keeping you comfortable. Stay on this diet for at least three days or until the initial soreness had faded. You should avoid using straws, as the sucking motion has the potential to pull out stitches and cause bleeding.

Sometimes achieving a healthier smile involves losing a tooth. Made Ya Smile Dental offers simple and surgical tooth extractions to improve the health and wellness for patients of all ages. Your smile and general health may be better served when impacted, decayed, or damaged teeth are removed by one of our skilled general dentists. As a comprehensive practice, we also offer effective tooth replacement options that blend seamlessly with your smile. Learn more about our gentle tooth extraction procedures by contacting our Houston, TX dental practice today.