Tooth Extractions – Austin, TX
Remove Damaged Teeth. Improve Your Smile.
Do you need a tooth extracted to restore your oral health, so your teeth can move with braces, or so you can address tooth loss head-on with dentures? Good news: our team at Magnolia Family Dentistry of Austin provide pain-free extractions with the help of our highly skilled dentist, powerful numbing agents, and sedation dentistry. If you want to learn more about the process of removing a tooth, you can read on. If you’re ready to schedule your appointment, you can contact us here !
Why Choose Magnolia Family Dentistry of Austin for Tooth Extractions?
- Highly Experienced and Gentle Dentist
- Sedation Dentistry Available
- Affordable Payment Options, like CareCredit
Reasons Why Tooth Extractions Are Necessary
Although every patient’s dental needs are unique, tooth extractions are a last resort. As such, we only recommend them when absolutely necessary, which is often the case if:
- A severe infection has developed to the point where it can spread to your surrounding teeth and gums.
- The tooth in question isn’t strong enough to support a restoration, like a dental crown.
- Your teeth are so overlapped and crowded that we need to make room for them to shift.
- You are getting dentures and need to have a damaged tooth removed beforehand.
As always, our Austin dental team will share all of the available treatment options with you during your consultation as well as why we recommend having the tooth (or teeth) removed.
The Process of Removing a Tooth
After determining that removing your tooth is the best option to restore the look, health, and function of your smile, Dr. Burton will create your custom treatment plan. Rest assured that whether you’re having your tooth extracted for your orthodontic treatment or for dentures, the first step is always the same: thoroughly numbing your mouth. If you’re at all nervous or anxious, don’t worry – we can add sedation dentistry onto your treatment plan as well to keep you calm and comfortable.
When it comes time to actually remove your tooth, Dr. Burton will perform a simple or surgical extraction. In the case of a simple extraction, she will use a small dental instrument to gently rock the tooth loose until it slips out. If the tooth is trapped underneath the gumline, then a surgical extraction is performed, which requires a small incision to be made in the gums to access the underlying tooth.
Tooth Extraction Aftercare
Aftercare is extremely important. To heal without any hiccups, we recommend:
- Taking OTC pain medication as directed
- Sticking to soft foods, like yogurt, and not chewing on that side of your mouth.
- Avoiding all tobacco products
- Keeping your head elevated while you sleep
- Not drinking through a straw, spitting, or exercising
- Keeping your mouth clean (we will provide you with detailed instructions on how to do so)
Understanding the Cost of Tooth Extractions
Tooth extractions are typically reserved as a last resort for preserving a patient’s oral health. If your dentist has recommended that you undergo this procedure, then it’s likely the most viable way to protect your smile. Our team will walk you through every detail of the process as well as discuss the cost of tooth extractions so that you know what to expect. Until then, here’s what you should keep in mind regarding the price of the treatment.
Factors That Can Affect Tooth Extraction Cost
Our team will first need to thoroughly evaluate your oral situation as well as the affected or compromised tooth to determine a more accurate price estimate for the extraction. Some of the main things we’ll consider include:
- The complexity of the process: Teeth that are impacted or unusually angled will be more difficult to remove or require a more extensive procedure compared to regular tooth extractions, which will likely raise the price.
- The number of teeth: Removing a single tooth will typically cost less than if you had to extract multiple teeth.
- Additional or preliminary procedures: If our team needs to perform other services to treat gum disease or decay, then we’ll need to address these as well, which can raise the overall cost.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Tooth Extractions?
Tooth extractions are usually partially covered by dental insurance, as the procedure is likely necessary to preserve oral health. Of course, you’ll have to consider whether your benefits kick in after you’ve met the deductible or any other restrictions, such as a waiting period or a specific number of teeth that can be covered. Since no plan is exactly the same as another, you’ll need to verify the details of your policy with your provider to see how they can help you. Our team will also be happy to help you navigate this process as well as file claims on your behalf for a stress-free experience.
How to Make Tooth Extractions Affordable
If you aren’t insured right now, we can also offer certain promotions and welcome financing to help you work within your budget! For instance, you might make the most of our limited emergency visit special so that you can undergo an exam for $59. We’re also partnered with CareCredit—a third-party financier that offers low-to-no-interest plans so you can pay for your dental treatment in monthly installments. You’ll be able to save more over time while getting the services you need to enjoy a healthier smile in the long run.
Tooth Extraction FAQs
Does Getting a Tooth Extracted Hurt?
You will find that when having a tooth extracted, the pain itself is non-existent. Your dentist will administer local anesthesia before starting the removal process. If necessary, sedation dentistry can also be provided to ensure that you remain calm and comfortable throughout the entire procedure. You will feel nothing while your tooth or teeth are being removed.
Once the procedure is over, though, you can expect there to be some soreness in the following days. Your gums and bone will need to heal, so it is wise to take over-the-counter pain relievers as well as use cold compresses to decrease any discomfort. You’ll also want to stick to soft foods to avoid adding more pressure to the inside of your mouth.
What Are My Options for Replacing a Missing Tooth?
Unless you are having a wisdom tooth extracted, you will need to discuss your options for tooth replacement with our dental team. At our dental office in Austin, we offer dental bridges, dentures, and dental implants. The choice is ultimately yours, but we will need to evaluate the status of your jawbone and existing oral and overall health to determine if you are a candidate for one or more of these treatments.
While dentures and dental bridges remain popular among patients, dental implants are far superior because of how well they stand up to daily wear and tear and their ability to last 30+ years.
Can I Smoke After Getting a Tooth Extracted?
It is strongly advised that you do not smoke after having a tooth extracted. Your mouth needs to heal properly, and the nicotine found in cigarettes, cigars, vape pens, and other tobacco products can slow the recovery process, making it harder to heal successfully. If your immune system is suppressed because of your smoking habit, you may experience complications that require additional treatment (i.e., dry sockets). Waiting at least five days before smoking is fine, but it’s best to hold off for at least two weeks just to be safe.
If you would like to try and quit before undergoing a tooth extraction, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. There are multiple cessation resources available that can help you to kick the habit for good.
How Should I Prepare for My Tooth Extraction?
Before arriving for your tooth extraction appointment, your dentist will provide you with special instructions so that you are fully prepared. This means that you may not be able to eat certain foods the day of your procedure or take some of your regular medications, especially if you’re receiving sedation dentistry.
You’ll also want to make sure that you have someone ready to take you to and from your appointment, as you will feel somewhat groggy and tired after the procedure. It will take some time for the anesthesia (and sedation) to fully wear off.