Tooth Extraction | Comprehensive Guide
Tooth Extraction Dentist in Houston TX
A Tooth extraction, put simply, is the removal of a tooth from the mouth. Dental extractions are most often performed because a tooth has sustained damage or decay, or cannot be saved by Root Canal treatment, or to prepare for the placement of a Dental Implant. Advanced gum disease may be another contributing factor in a tooth extraction.
Other reasons for a tooth extraction include making space in the mouth for braces or other orthodontic treatment, or in the case of pediatric patients, to allow room for adult teeth to grow. Our dentist will need to perform either a simple or surgical extraction. This may as well require a different procedure which then impacts the cost for tooth extraction When does a tooth removal become necessary? We will share some information with you to help you make a good decision
Types of tooth extraction
There are two main types of tooth extraction, simple extraction and surgical/complex extraction. both are categorized depending on a number of factors. visibility of the tooth and condition of the tooth been extracted in the mouth.
Simple tooth extraction
It involves using an instrument called an elevator to loosen the tooth. The dentist will then pull the tooth out using forceps. Most of the time, you just need an injection of local anesthetic, but you can also receive a sedative if you are particularly nervous. You will be awake throughout the entire procedure, but you will feel no pain. The dentist will usually use a simple extraction when the tooth is visible in the mouth. To be sure this is an appropriate method, the dentist will first take X-rays of your teeth and ask you about your medical history, including whether you are currently taking any medications.
Surgical tooth extraction
You need a surgical extraction if your tooth is broken off at the gum line or it has not yet erupted. Only some general dentists are qualified to carry out surgical extractions, along with all oral surgeons. The process involves cutting a small incision into your gum to access the tooth. Sometimes, it is also necessary to remove some of the bone around the tooth or cut the tooth into pieces to extract it. This is most common with Molars and Wisdom teeth Extraction Although the procedure is more complex than a simple extraction, it is often possible to receive a surgical tooth extraction under local anesthetic. This may be administered through an injection or IV.
Tooth Extraction Procedure What to Expect.
The firsts step that precedes most Dental extractions is a radio graphic image of the tooth. When you visit our office on Highway 6 N Houston TX to have your tooth extracted, The Dentist will usually request a Dental Assistant to take a panoramic or 3d image of the tooth as necessary to better understand and visualize the condition of the tooth in the mouth. This X-ray is critical to help the Doctor plan and choose the best technique to safely remove the tooth.
Review of Xray’s
Physical Examination of the Patients Mouth
Patient Consent and Cost
Numbing the Patient
Numbing your mouth is the second step during your tooth extraction procedure. The Dentist will deliver a shot of anesthetic to your gum to numb your mouth, specifically the area around the which the tooth is to be extracted. If the patient has requested for sedation, iv sedation or nitro-us gas, this would be administered prior to the shot of anesthesia been delivered with a needle and syringe.
Removal of Soft Tissue (Surgical Extraction)
This simply means our doctor has to open your gums slightly to expose and safely remove the tooth. you would not even feel it. this is most common for wisdom teeth extraction, 3rd molars. So, if you are needing any other tooth pulled, most likely we would not need to do this.
Bone Trimming around the tooth if necessary (Surgical Extraction especially wisdom tooth Removal
- sectioning the tooth (Surgical Extraction Only if needed)
- Loosening the tooth and pulling it
- placing stitches if needed especially if we had to raise a flap i.e., cut your gums open.
- Bleeding control and swelling (post op)
Tooth Extraction process / Pulling the tooth
Using an Elevator and or a forceps the doctor will attempt to elevate the tooth out firmly rocking the tooth around in order to widen the socket for tooth removal. During the extraction process you will feel a lot of pressure. This is from the process of firmly rocking the tooth in order to widen the socket for removal. It is normal to feel the pressure but not pain as the anesthetic has numbed the nerves stopping the transference of pain, yet the nerves that transmit pressure are not profoundly affected. If you do feel pain at any time during the extraction please let us know right away and the Doctor will simply administer more dosage of anesthesia.
When it is a surgical extractions, usually the doctor would be required to section the tooth before pulling it out or removing some bone around the tooth.
Sectioning the tooth
When it is a surgical extraction, the Dentist cannot simply just pull the teeth out with an elevator or forceps usually the doctor would be required to section the tooth before pulling it out. often at times it might require that the gum be cut open and some bone around the teeth be removed before it can be successfully extracted. teeth sectioning is a very common procedure done when a tooth is so firmly anchored in its socket or the root is curved and the socket can’t expand enough to remove it. The doctor simply cuts the tooth into sections then removes each section one at a time.
Closing the Space and placing stitches
After the tooth has been successfully extracted, the Dentist will attempt to close the space left by the tooth. Bone graft might be placed if the patient is considering replacing the tooth with additional surgery like Dental implants in the nearest future. Stitches will be used to join the gum together where it might have been necessary to cut the gum open or if a flap of gum was raised to access the tooth.
Controlling bleeding and swelling after tooth extraction
The dentist places a folded gauze over the site of tooth extraction and asks you to bite down on it to create firm pressure, which will control bleeding. You may be required to retain the firm pressure on the bite for about an hour. The doctor may give you an ice pack that you will put against your face, if he expects post-operative swelling.
Infected tooth extraction. Can you pull an infected tooth
There are primarily two schools of thought on this and several experts have varying opinions. The option we recommended for our patients here at Keem Smile Dentistry Houston as treatment for an infected tooth is to get the tooth out which is the cause of the infection and then place the patient on Antibiotics. Now because of the infection, it is very hard to get the patient numb 100%. Most patients do not want to feel anything during an extraction and the Doctor would often recommend some dosage of Antibiotics to suppress the infection to a bearable level before the extraction is done. However, antibiotics alone cannot solve the problem and infection can get even worse which can lead to a surgical emergency. Infection can spread from the mouth to the chest or brain.
Cost and Dental Insurance for Tooth Extractions
Affordable tooth extraction is the goal. But determining the cost of a tooth extraction depends on a variety of factors, which can only be determined by a having a dental exam, Some of such factors include: the type of tooth (e.g. molar, incisor, wisdom tooth), and if the tooth is broken, fractured or impacted. The location of the tooth, gum health and previous procedures performed on that tooth can also affect the cost. Prior to your procedure, The dentist will review what treatment is needed, and our staff will provide you with information about any fees associated with the procedure, as well as options available to help make sure you receive the dental care you need in a way that fits into your budget.
If you have dental insurance, your coverage often includes preventative care including regular exams and x-rays. Depending on the kind of extraction required, simple or surgical your insurance may cover it fully or partially or may not cover it all. Usually, simple extraction is covered in the basics. It is important to stay up to date with your insurance coverage. Our staff is happy to review your coverage with you to ensure you are maximizing your insurance benefits while minimizing any out of pocket expenses.
Does Insurance cover tooth extraction?
Most insurances (including HMO and PPO) cover tooth extraction as this is still considered a basic service by most insurances here in the USA. This also Includes both government and private insurance. Percentage of coverage will vary depending on the type of extraction (Coverage is usually 80% or 50% of the cost). It is not uncommon to find an Insurance carrier that will cover simple extractions but not surgical extractions. Coverage essentially depends on the type of plan you have with your Insurance carrier.
What is the average cost of tooth extraction without insurance?
How much does it cost to have a tooth extracted? The average cost of a single tooth extraction in Houston is $200. Depending on which tooth and the type of extraction (simple/surgical ) this can go up to $400. It should also be noted that surgical extraction is mostly commonly associated with wisdom teeth extractions, rotten or decayed teeth. If you need to pull any tooth other than wisdom tooth, it will cost from $150 – $250 at Keem Smile Dentistry. This price is assuming there are no “possible complications” which happens only 5% of the time and excludes the cost for any additional procedures.
How much does a tooth extraction cost with Dental insurance?
For patients with some form of Dental insurance (preferably PPO Plans) in Houston, TX or any nearby city, you can get your tooth pulled for an out of pocket cost of $100 – $200 depending on the type of insurance coverage at Keem Smile Dentistry. 6434 HWY 6 N, Houston TX 77084. Surgical extractions like wisdom teeth that require removal of bone or sectioning of tooth will cost a little bit more depending how impacted the tooth is.
Post-procedure care for Dental Extractions
It is very important for patients to follow the dentist’s post-procedure recovery instructions, which include
- Avoid any chewing until the effect of the anesthesia wears out.
- Avoid Drinking Alcohol, any carbonated drinks, smoking or drinking anything with a straw for 48hrs
- Avoid chewing hard or tough foods, and strenuous physical activity for a period of time to allow the gums and jaw to heal.
- If Nitrous Oxide or local anesthetic only was used during the extraction, you will be able to drive yourself home if you’d like. If a prescription sedative or anti-anxiety medication was used, you will need to have a friend drive you home. After an extraction, some pain and swelling can be expected for a while. Your dentist will tell you what you might expect, and also let you know when it may be a good idea to call the office to report if you are experiencing any problems beyond what is normally expected, such as bleeding or a dry socket.
Once the healing process is complete, people who have had tooth extractions can typically get right back to life as usual. (read more on post op instructions after tooth extraction)
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Frequently asked questions
When can I start brushing after a tooth extraction?
You can start brushing your teeth on the same day as your extraction but with extra caution just so you do not upset the extraction area and rinse mildly afterwards with water.do not use a mouthwash until after 48hours.
Can I have Sex after A Tooth extraction ?
Any strenuous activity or highly aerobic activity including sex in some forms should be avoided for at least 2 days after getting a tooth pulled. Giving Oral Sex on the other hand should be avoided until a reasonable healing time of few weeks have passed. Self-pleasing or by a partner i.e. masturbation is also fine.
How long should swelling last after wisdom tooth extraction
On Average swelling from a tooth extraction should subside within 2-4 days: Recovery from any surgery depends on many factors, from patient age and health, to the difficulty of the surgery. If you continue to have swelling after 5 days, please call us 832-906-6127 to schedule a post-op. Swelling that does not subside may be due to an infection, slow-healing, bone fracture, residual root, or any number of other complications related to the surgery.
How long does pain last after tooth extraction ?
Pain after tooth extraction is usually at its worst 24 – 48 hours after surgery, and it can be mild to moderate pain depending on if it was a loose tooth, a simple extraction or surgical extraction and of course your pain threshold. we will prescribe you pain medication to keep you comfortable post surgery. Once you take the pain medication before the numbness from the anesthesia wears off, you should be just fine.
How long does bleeding last after tooth extraction
Active bleeding with oozing of blood should stop within a few hours after extraction with the formation of a blood clot. Slight bleeding and or redness of saliva may continue for up to 24 hours or even 48 hours in some patients with some other medical conditions like High blood pressure or patients taking blood thinners. Keep biting on the gauze pack and putting pressure on the wound will help with the bleeding. Placing a tea bag on the socket also helps.
Can I use a mouthwash after a tooth extraction
NO! You should restrain from using a mouthwash for 24-48 hours to prevent blood clot from falling out. Most mouth wash also contains alcohol and other ingredients that cause just that.
Can I drink soda after a tooth extraction?
The short answer is that you should avoid drinking soda for at least 24-48 hours after getting a tooth pulled be it your wisdom tooth or any other regular tooth to avoid delayed healing.
Will I be able to drive or do I need someone to drive me after getting my tooth pulled?
If the extraction was done with the Doctor administering just a local anesthesia, you will be able to drive. However, if any form of sedation was administered ( Oral Sedation or IV sedation) you will not be able to drive as you will be drowsy and barely conscious until it wears off.
How long does it take for your gums to heal after tooth extraction ?
This will vary from individual to individual. It will also depend on which tooth we are talking about and if it was a simple or surgical extraction. Either way, complete healing of the gums after a tooth extraction will take about 2-6 weeks. It should however be noted that healing starts with blood clot formation and that is why you should not do anything that will distort the clot like spitting continuously, rinsing vigorously, eating/drinking warm or hot stuff, smoking, drinking alcohol and the use of straw to drink following an extraction. It takes about 6 months for the socket (new bone formation) to fully heal.
How soon can I eat and or drink after a tooth extraction?
You can eat and drink shortly after you get your tooth extracted as long as the numbing has gone away and the bleeding has stopped. It just has to be a food that does not require a lot of chewing. A food that can easily be swallowed. If you must chew, you should wait at least 2-3 hours after getting a tooth pulled. This is because the numbness from the anesthesia usually lasts about 3 hrs. during which if you try to chew on anything, you might bite or chew on your tongue, cheek and lips unknowingly causing more damage to your mouth. So wait till the effect of the anesthesia has worn off before chewing. It is also advisable to be on a soft diet after getting a tooth pulled. Cold coffee is allowed but hot coffee, hot drinks/foods, soda and spicy food should also be avoided. Also no straws for drinking for 48 hours.
Can the emergency room pull a tooth?
Only a dentist is trained and licensed to perform dentistry hence an emergency tooth extraction procedure. So no. Emergency room doctors can’t do much more than prescribe antibiotics and/or painkillers. This is to suppress the pain but it doesn’t fix the problem and you will still need to see a dentist. Either way, you are better off seeing a dentist as the cost of an ER visit is usually higher than an Emergency Dental visit. Also, you won’t have to wait forever if you visit a dentist office unlike ER. We see emergency/walk-in patients at Keem Smile all the time.
Can I go to work after getting a tooth pulled?
A simple answer to this would be yes, but that would leave out so many other important factors that need to be considered before you decide to get back to work after getting a tooth pulled. The time it takes to return to work is relative to the type of extraction, type of anesthesia used, overall health status and how well you follow the post op Instructions. Even though we expect some pain or discomfort after the anesthesia wears off, this can easily be managed with the prescribed pain medication. The best practice however is setting aside about 24 hours after tooth extraction for recovery to avoid post operative complications. Patients with jobs that require more vigorous activities however may not be able to return to work until after 48 hours.
Is it dangerous to have a tooth pulled?
Tooth extraction is a minor surgery with very minimal risks. Still, it is worth putting the risks in perspective. While there is no accurate figure as to how often tooth extractions get bluffed, it is estimated that only 1 in about 365,000 patients suffer a brain injury or death when they are sedated during a tooth extraction procedure. Having the procedure done without being put to sleep reduces the risk significantly. Other complications might include infection spreading, bleeding or nerve damage; all of which are relatively uncommon. Nerve damage can mostly be avoided with a 3-dimensional X-ray.
Is tooth extraction painful?
Does tooth extraction hurt? No! Getting a tooth Pulled should not be painful. It might sound scary though especially considering that a lot of patients have dental anxiety and are scared of the dentist. The truth of the matter, however, is dentistry has really evolved with so many new tools and techniques for surgical extraction and pain management. The dentist would usually administer local anesthesia to numb the extraction area so that you don’t feel pain while the tooth is being pulled. You could also be put to sleep so you sleep right through the procedure. Dentistry has evolved from the days of pulling teeth with the dentist’s knee on your chest! Older generations would understand this better. Discuss pain management with your doctor and tooth extraction should not hurt.
ppo Insurance accepted
For Patients with Dental Insurance coverage. Prices may differ, usually less than in office based on patients plan with insurance and coverage.
