Tooth Extraction

Tooth ExtractionYou can get safe tooth extraction and removal in Plano, TX from an experienced dentist who can manage any potential issues while being compassionate to your needs and potential fears.

Tooth extractions are sometimes necessary to remove infected teeth, for orthodontic correction, or wisdom teeth problems. Whatever your need for tooth extraction, Dr. Wilhite and his team can help.

Call for an appointment: (972) 964-3774

Dr. Wilhite understands the importance of keeping as many healthy, natural teeth in your mouth. Although we do our best to save adult teeth, occasionally a tooth has so much decay that it must be removed. Eventually teeth with significant decay can cause a dental abscess, a painful infection that is often treated through a root canal. However, if the tooth has reached a state of decay that cannot be remedied, we must extract the tooth.

Other times teeth must be removed for orthodontic correction. Too many teeth in your mouth can cause overcrowding, which causes teeth to shift. Shifting teeth cause tooth and jaw pain, affects the bite of your mouth, and can give your smile a crooked appearance. In order to prevent or treat these issues, sometimes we remove problematic teeth.

Additionally, pediatric tooth extractions are needed when a baby tooth does not fall out as it should. Baby teeth need to fall out in a way that allows room for the permanent adult tooth to erupt. If the adult tooth’s position will be affected, sometimes a pediatric tooth extraction is the solution. In some cases, we use a space maintainer to retain space for adult teeth when a baby tooth has fallen out too soon.

How much does Tooth Extraction cost?

Contact us today to set up your consultation. We can discuss your goals and options for tooth extraction. Plus, we’ll talk about affordable financing and dental insurance options to make sure you get the dental care you need.

When Is Tooth Extraction Required?

A dentist will always try to save natural teeth whenever possible. Tooth extraction is often used as a last resort when other restorative procedures like dental fillings, dental crowns, and root canals are not enough to solve the problem. There are several situations where it is necessary for a dentist to perform tooth extractions.

Tooth Decay

When severe tooth decay leads to cavities and damage to the pulp in the center of the tooth, a root canal treatment may not be enough to stem the damage. In such extreme cases, where there is immense dental pain and the infection is severe, having the tooth pulled is necessary to prevent the damage from spreading to nearby tissue and bone.

Damaged/Impacted Tooth

Fractured teeth or tooth trauma can often be repaired using dental crowns and fillings. But in some cases, the damage is so severe that the tooth is beyond repair. Sometimes, your wisdom teeth can get impacted. In such situations, the only possible solution is tooth extraction.

Crowded Teeth

Mild cases of crowded teeth can be solved through traditional braces and Invisalign treatment. But in severe situations, especially cases involving adults, the dentist may have to remove one tooth to make room for perfect alignment of the remaining teeth.

Risk of Infection

Some individuals suffer from a compromised immune system due to genetics or treatments like chemotherapy. In these cases, having even a risk of infection due to dental defects can be dangerous and surgical extraction is considered the preferred option.

What to Expect During a Tooth Extraction?

Your dentist or oral surgeon will give you an injection of local anesthetic in the area where the tooth is located. This will numb that part of the mouth and remove the risk of pain. The dentist may also opt for nitrous oxide or oral sedation; both of which help you relax during the procedure.

The actual oral surgery procedure of tooth extraction can vary depending on the issue being corrected. If the tooth is loose due to injury or gum disease, the dentist can gently pry it loose without making any cuts to the gum tissue.

In case it is an otherwise healthy tooth with cracks or damages, the dentist will make an incision into the gums and use forceps to gently rock the tooth and loosen it from the jawbone. Don’t worry – with anesthesia, this whole surgical procedure will be relatively painless.

Once the tooth is removed, the dentist will pack gauze into the empty tooth socket. This will help reduce bleeding and help a blood clot form in that space. If any incisions were involved, the dentist will also place a few self-dissolving stitches in the area to close the gums.

Things to Tell Your Dentist Before a Tooth Extraction

Tooth extractions are relatively minor procedures with excellent chances of quick recovery. With that said, there is a raised risk of infection in the affected area during the healing process. You may need to take antibiotics to reduce the risk of infection. Always give your dentist a complete medical history, along with information about any current medications, before you undergo this procedure.

Experienced dentists like Dr. Wilhite will ask you for the following information before a surgical tooth removal procedure or any other oral and maxillofacial surgery:

  • Any history of heart disease, COPD, liver disease
  • Recent surgical procedures
  • Any known immune system issues
  • Any allergies to medication or local anesthesia

Things to Do After Getting a Tooth Extraction

After the procedure, the doctor will allow you to go home for recovery. Depending on the type of anesthetic used, you may require assistance in getting home. If local anesthetic or nitrous oxide was used, you can usually drive back on your own.

If oral sedation was used, you cannot drive for at least a few hours. You will need to arrange a driver, a friend, or a family member to take care of your transportation from the dentist’s office.

Most people recover from the procedure within 24–72 hours. While you can go back to normal life within that period, expect the jaw to take at least several weeks to heal. If you want to replace the gap in your mouth with a dental implant, you will have to wait at least a few months.

Take the following precautions after the procedure:

  • Keep the extraction site clean using an antimicrobial mouthwash several times a day.
  • Avoid brushing and flossing in the immediate vicinity for a few days or until the dentist tells you it is safe.
  • Take all the medications prescribed by your dentist at the right time to reduce severe pain and prevent infections.
  • Avoid any heavy exercises, jogging, or high-intensity sports for at least 72 hours to reduce the risk of excessive bleeding.
  • Eat soft foods for the next few days and avoid hot liquids.

You can rely on Dr. Wilhite for all your dental health needs. To book an appointment, fill out the contact form available on this page or call our office at 972-964-3774.

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