Tooth Extractions
Kingwood TX
Serving the Kingwood community& surrounding areas since 1998
Tooth Extractions Kingwood TX
Serving the Kingwood community & surrounding areas since 1998
Tooth Extractions For Problem Teeth
Although preserving your natural teeth is one of our primary goals, there are times when having a tooth extracted is in your best interest. A tooth extraction may be necessary for a variety of reasons, the most common of which include:
- Wisdom Teeth: Wisdom teeth are the most common type of teeth extracted. Wisdom teeth are typically extracted because they often grow in crooked, which causes surrounding teeth to grow in different directions, resulting in overall misalignment.
- Gum Disease: Gum disease is one of the leading causes of loss of natural teeth. Gum disease causes deepening pockets between the gums, which collects an increasing amount of bacterium. If left untreated long enough, this accumulated bacterium will cause gums to recede, become inflamed, and prone to bleeding. Eventually, this deterioration will result in teeth becoming loosened to the point where an extraction will be necessary.
- Infection: When the soft tissue inside of a tooth (pulp) becomes damaged or infected, the overall health of the tooth can become compromised, resulting in significant pain. This can typically be corrected with a root canal procedure, but there are times when the infection is so significant that the tooth can no longer be saved, and an extraction is necessary to alleviate the pain, and prevent the infection from reaching your jawbone.
- Decay or Trauma: If significant decay or trauma occurs to a tooth, we will try to correct the issue by placing a filling or dental crown to fill any damaged areas and/or prevent infection or decay from developing. If neither of these dental procedures adequately corrects the issue, or is able to stop the spread of infection, a tooth extraction may be necessary to prevent additional issues from developing and protect surrounding teeth.
To ensure that you have a clear understanding of what is involved in the tooth extraction process and/or to determine if you require a tooth extraction, please refer to the information provided below. If you have additional questions or would like to schedule an appointment, contact us today at 281-359-9100, or visit our office at 1542 Green Oak Pl, Kingwood, TX 77339.
The Tooth Extraction Process
The tooth extraction process will vary from patient to patient and depend on the severity of your case, how many teeth need to be extracted, whether or not socket preservation will be performed following the extraction, and what type of dental sedation (if any) is used. In general, though, the tooth extraction procedure will begin with administration of a local anesthetic, which will numb the area where the tooth is being pulled. If necessary, sedation will also be administered at this time. Once you are properly numbed, the tooth is loosened and pulled using special instruments (elevator and forceps). For more complex tooth extractions, an incision will be made into your gum line so the dentist can adequately reach your tooth, and if necessary, break it into smaller pieces. Once the tooth has been loosened and removed, the area of extraction is cleaned and stitched shut.
Tooth Extraction Aftercare
Following the extraction of a tooth, you can manage bleeding by gently biting on a gauze pad for 30-45 minutes, replacing the gauze as needed. Once a blood clot has formed, it is important to avoid disrupting the site. Avoid brushing the site, rinsing vigorously, drinking alcohol, and/or smoking or using straws for at least 72 hours, and avoid strenuous activity for the first 24 hours. It is common to experience mild discomfort during this recovery period, but this can typically be managed with over-the-counter pain relieving medication. Swelling is also common, but will typically subside within the first 48 hours.
Once you have completed the healing process, it will not be necessary to modify your self-care, although it is important to consistently follow good oral hygiene practices. In addition to brushing and flossing twice daily (at a minimum), be mindful of the types of food and beverages you consume, and avoid foods or substances that can negatively impact your oral health (chewing tobacco, staining foods, sugary drinks). It is equally important to schedule regular dental cleanings every six months, or more frequently, depending upon your unique oral health needs. If you follow these general guidelines, you will enjoy a healthy smile for many years to come!
Extraction Cost & Insurance Coverage
The cost of having a tooth extraction will depend on a variety of factors, including whether or not the tooth is impacted, how many teeth need to be extracted, and what insurance coverage from your dental plan can be applied. It is important to be aware that you are fully responsible for all fees of treatment, and payment is due at the time of service, regardless of your insurance coverage. Monthly payment plans can be arranged, but this will need to be established prior to the procedure being performed. Although we may not have a contractual arrangement with your provider, our staff is happy to assist with processing your insurance claim to ensure that you maximize your benefits and receive the high-quality care you need and deserve. For your convenience, we accept Mastercard, Visa and Discover.
Schedule an Appointment Today
At Kingwood Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, we are dedicated to creating an environment where open dialogue is encouraged, so we can ensure you have a thorough understanding of the procedure being performed, and confidence that you are receiving high-quality specialized care designed to meet your unique needs. To learn more about the tooth extraction process, or to schedule an appointment, contact us today at 281-359-9100, or visit our office, which is located at 1542 Green Oak Pl, Kingwood, TX 77339.
We look forward to hearing from you and are committed to providing you with exceptional quality dental care that is grounded in a deep sense of respect!