Tooth Extractions – Center, TX

We Make Extractions Safe, Simple, & Comfortable

While it is always our doctors’ top goal to help patients maintain a complete smile that lasts for life, some unfortunate circumstances can arise where the extraction of one or more teeth is the best choice for your health and wellbeing. Rest assured that Dr. Thomas Youngblood and Dr. Mireya Martinez make extractions safe, simple, and comfortable for our patients. Contact us today if you have any questions or if you’d like to schedule an appointment here in Center, TX.

Why Choose Family Dental Center of East Texas for Tooth Extractions?

Sedation Dentistry Available
We Care for Children & Adults
Dedicated Care for Dental Emergencies

Reasons Why Tooth Extractions Are Necessary

Our dentists always do everything they can to save teeth, but sometimes, it just isn’t a viable option. Tooth extraction can become necessary for the following reasons:

A traumatic dental injury has occurred
Advanced gum disease and/or tooth decay is present that cannot be properly treated
Additional room needs to be created in the mouth for orthodontic treatment and/or the placement of a new denture
A primary (or “baby” tooth) is overstaying its welcome and must be removed to make way for the emerging adult tooth.

By extracting troublesome teeth, future infections and other problems are significantly less likely to occur.

The Process of Removing a Tooth

Tooth held in forceps after tooth extraction in Center

Teeth are generally removed by pulling or surgical extraction. Teeth can only be “pulled” when they have fully emerged from the gumline. In this case, we start by numbing the area around your tooth and use a clasping tool to shift the tooth around until it breaks away from the gumline. If pulling a tooth isn’t possible, the tooth will need to be surgically extracted. For this procedure, a small incision is made into your gum tissue to allow us to reach enough of the tooth to fully remove it.

To determine which extraction method is right for you, we will need to evaluate your smile. During this time, we can also discuss potential tooth replacement options if necessary to prevent further oral health issues as a result of tooth loss.

Tooth Extraction Aftercare

Woman resting with head elevated after tooth extraction in Center

Before you leave our practice, we will provide you with a detailed aftercare plan to help you stay comfortable and avoid complications, like infection. Here are some steps that we usually recommend for patients:

Rinse with saltwater 24 hours after your extraction.
Avoid smoking until your mouth has healed.
Elevate your head while resting and sleeping.
Get plenty of rest to promote quick healing.
Take recommended and prescribed medications as directed.
Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling and discomfort.
Stay away from hard, crunchy, and sticky foods.

Understanding the Cost of Tooth Extractions

Wallet of money for cost of tooth extraction in Center

A tooth extraction is never your dentist’s first choice, but sometimes it’s necessary in order to preserve the health of the rest of your smile. If you have been told that you’re needing to have one or more of your teeth removed, it’s understandable to be concerned about cost. Here are some things that you should know about the price of having a tooth extraction.

Woman at dentist for tooth extractions in Center

It can be difficult to know the exact cost of tooth extractions until we have done a thorough examination to identify the root of the problem. During your appointment, we will take a look to find out precisely what’s necessary for you. Here are some of the main factors that we will be considering:

Location: The type and location of your tooth will influence the cost of your procedure.
Number of Teeth: The more teeth you have extracted, the more the treatment will cost.
Complexity: Some cases are more complex than others, and this will influence the price. For instance, an impacted tooth extraction will most likely cost more than a simple extraction.

Does Dental Insurance Cover Tooth Extractions?

Dental insurance form for tooth extraction in Center

It’s common for dental insurance to cover approximately 50% of cost of tooth extractions after the deductible has been met. However, there are sometimes limits in place to cover up to a certain number of teeth or a waiting period before your coverage will kick in. Since every plan is different, it is a good idea to check with your insurance provider beforehand. We are happy to help you out with this process.

Other Options for Making Tooth Extractions Affordable

Man calculating cost of tooth extractions in Center

If you don’t have dental insurance, this doesn’t necessarily mean that you are left completely on your own. We work with CareCredit – a third-party financing company that can break the cost of your treatment into manageable monthly installments with little-to-no interest. Talk to one of our friendly team members to learn more about your options.

To find out exactly how much you can expect your tooth extraction to cost, schedule an appointment with us. We are happy to help you get some relief!

Tooth Extraction FAQs

Have you been told that you’re in need of a tooth extraction? You may still have some unanswered questions about the procedure, so we’re here to help! Here are the answers to some of the most common questions we receive about tooth extractions in Center. If you don’t see the information that you’re looking for, give us a call! We’d be happy to walk you through the procedure so you know what to expect.

Does Getting a Tooth Extracted Hurt?

Many patients are hesitant to commit to treatment because they worry that the procedure will hurt. The good news is that whether you are getting one tooth pulled or multiple, the first step is always numbing the area with a local anesthetic. While you shouldn’t feel any discomfort during your procedure, you are likely to experience some soreness for a few days afterwards. Following your aftercare instructions is necessary to prevent infections, reduce puffiness, and promote healing. If discomfort worsens, give us a call.

Can I Leave the Space Empty After a Tooth Extraction?

If the tooth that is being pulled is toward the back of the mouth, many patients think that they don’t need to have it replaced. After all, if no one can see it, why replace it? The truth is that your teeth do so much more than create a beautiful smile. They are essential to chew properly and speak clearly. One missing back tooth can make it difficult to chew, leading to poor nutrition and indigestion. It is recommended that when you are finished healing, you schedule an appointment to find a tooth replacement that’s right for you.

Can I Smoke After Getting a Tooth Extracted?

Tobacco products can delay healing, so you shouldn’t smoke immediately following your tooth extraction. It’s recommended that you abstain from smoking for at least 5 days afterwards. However, if you can, you should avoid smoking for at least two weeks. If you’ve had difficulty quitting in the past, let us know so we can help you prepare in advance.

How Should I Prepare for My Tooth Extraction?

Preparing for your tooth extraction is just as important as following all of the aftercare instructions. Before your procedure, be sure to be open with your dentist about any questions you have, like what to bring and what to eat the morning of. Check to see if your dentist has any specific instructions, like sticking to just water the morning of or picking up prescription medication.

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