Dentistry of Highland Village

The Tooth Extraction Procedure in Houston, TX

How Tooth Extraction Works at Dentistry of Highland Village

The tooth extraction process is a routine procedure in which a dentist or oral surgeon removes a tooth from a patient’s mouth. At Dentistry of Highland Village our experienced Houston, TX,  dentists, Drs. Amy Milman, Mili Shah, and Rushi Dave, take many precautions to protect the patient’s gums and bone structures surrounding the extracted tooth. There are two variations of the tooth extraction process — simple and surgical tooth extractions.

Read the following guide to understand what to expect when you have a tooth pulled at our Houston dental office or call us at (713) 360-7700.

Why Our Dentists Recommend Tooth Extraction

When a patient visits Dentistry of Highland Village for a tooth extraction, our dentists will carefully evaluate the situation and discuss all available options before deciding whether extraction is the best method for the patient’s oral health. Ultimately, the decision to extract a tooth is made on a case-by-case basis, considering the patient’s overall oral health condition and the specific circumstances surrounding the affected tooth.

Our dentists may recommend tooth extraction for various reasons, including:

  • Tooth Decay: When a tooth is extensively decayed, it may not be possible to save it with a filling, crown, or other restoration.
  • Periodontal Disease: If a tooth has been severely affected by gum disease, it may become loose and need an extraction.
  • Overcrowding: If a patient’s mouth is overcrowded and there’s not enough room for all the teeth, our dentists may recommend extracting one or more teeth to create space.
  • Impacted Teeth: Sometimes teeth become impacted, meaning they’re trapped beneath the gum line and cannot erupt properly. In these cases, extraction may be necessary to prevent further dental complications.
  • Orthodontic Treatment: When a patient undergoes orthodontic treatment, sometimes teeth need to be extracted to make room for proper alignment of the remaining teeth.

The Tooth Extraction Process at Our Houston Dental Office

The tooth extraction process at Dentistry of Highland Village involves several steps and may vary slightly depending on the specific situation, the type of tooth removal, and the dentist’s approach. You can expect to encounter the following:

  • Evaluation: Before the extraction, our dentist will evaluate the tooth and surrounding area, taking X-rays if necessary, to determine the best approach and identify any potential complications.
  • Anesthetic: Our dentist will administer a local anesthetic to numb the area around the tooth. In some cases, we may employ dental sedation.
  • Loosening the Tooth: Using specialized tools, our dentist will gently loosen the tooth from the surrounding gum and bone tissue.
  • Extraction: Once the tooth is sufficiently loose, our dentist will use forceps to carefully rock it back and forth, removing it from the socket. The tooth may need to be sectioned or cut into pieces to make removal easier.
  • Cleaning and Suturing: After the tooth extraction, our dentist will clean the area and may place stitches to help the tissue heal properly. A small piece of gauze or other material may be placed over the extraction site to help stop bleeding.
  • Post-operative Care: Our dentist will provide instructions on how to care for the extraction site and manage any discomfort or swelling. These directions may include taking pain medication, avoiding certain foods and activities, and using ice or heat therapy.

Following our dentist’s instructions carefully after a tooth extraction is crucial to minimize the risk of complications and promote proper healing. With gentle care, most people fully recover within a few days to a week after tooth extraction at our Houston dental office.

The Simple and Surgical Extraction Processes

A simple tooth extraction is performed on a tooth visible in the mouth and not impacted, meaning it’s not hidden beneath the gum line. This procedure at Dentistry of Highland Village involves numbing the area around the tooth with a local anesthetic, loosening it with specialized tools, and gently removing it from the socket. A simple extraction can usually be completed in a single visit and doesn’t require incisions or sutures.

In contrast, surgical tooth extraction is a more complex procedure performed on impacted, broken, or difficult-to-access teeth. This type of permanent teeth extraction may also be necessary if the tooth has multiple roots or is close to sensitive structures such as nerves or sinuses.

During a surgical extraction at our Houston dental office, our dentist or oral surgeon may need to make a small incision in the gum tissue to access the tooth and remove some bone tissue to extract it. This procedure may require dental sedation or general anesthesia, and it may require several visits to complete the surgical procedure. Following a surgical extraction, the patient may need to follow more detailed aftercare instructions to promote proper healing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tooth extraction is safe, but like any medical procedure, it does carry some risks. These risks may include bleeding, infection, damage to surrounding teeth or structures, and dry socket, a painful condition that can occur when the blood clot in the extraction site becomes dislodged. Our dentists will discuss potential risks or complications with you before the procedure.

Most tooth extractions require a local anesthetic to numb the area around the tooth. In some cases, our dentist or oral surgeon may recommend sedation or general anesthesia to ensure your comfort and safety during the procedure.

If you receive only a local anesthetic, you should be able to drive home after the procedure. However, if you receive sedation or general anesthesia, you’ll need someone to drive you home and stay with you for a while until the effects of the anesthesia wear off.

The length of a tooth extraction procedure can vary depending on the complexity of the extraction and your individual situation. A simple extraction may take only a few minutes, while a surgical extraction may take up to an hour or more.

Learn More About Compassionate Tooth Extraction in Houston

At Dentistry of Highland Village, we understand that the thought of having a tooth extracted can be intimidating. However, our team is dedicated to ensuring your comfort and safety throughout the entire process. Our modern techniques and anesthesia options minimize discomfort, and our experienced dentists prioritize your well-being.

If you have any questions or concerns about the tooth extraction process, please don’t hesitate to contact our Houston dental office at (713) 360-7700. We proudly serve patients from Houston, Pasadena, Sugar Land, Pearland, and surrounding areas in Texas.

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