Extractions in Friendswood, TX

Although our team of experienced dental professionals at MINT dentistry focus on saving and preserving your teeth, there are cases where a tooth or teeth may need to be extracted. Simple extractions remove a tooth that has erupted from the gums. This is usually performed for a tooth that is damaged or decayed beyond repair. A surgical extraction removes one or more teeth that have not erupted above the gumline. Surgical extractions are often used to remove the wisdom teeth and impacted teeth that do not have enough room to fit comfortably in your bite. Whatever the reason is for your need for a tooth extraction, our experienced team will provide professional care. Our office in Friendswood, TX offers several sedation techniques, like oral conscious sedation and nitrous oxide gas, to help keep you comfortable during your procedure. Contact MINT dentistry in Friendswood, TX to get more information or to schedule an exam to help us determine if you need a simple or surgical dental extraction.

If your tooth has been broken or damaged from decay, your dentist will try to fix it with treatments, like a crown, dental bonding, or filling. However, if these treatments cannot successfully save the tooth, you may be a candidate for tooth extraction. Dental extractions may also be needed to remove a tooth or teeth that do not have enough space to fit correctly in your smile. This is why most people need an extraction for their third molars, commonly called wisdom teeth, that develop around the ages of 17 – 21 years old. At a certain point, baby teeth may need to be extracted if they have not fallen out naturally so they don't block the permanent teeth. Before you get Invisalign^® or traditional metal braces, an extraction may be needed to make room for others as your teeth move into alignment.

Simple and surgical extractions are performed in our advanced practice with anesthesia to keep you comfortable. The form of sedation used depends on the complexity of your treatment plan and to alleviate any anxiety. Before the procedure, you will be allowed a few moments to relax in a luxurious treatment chair in the procedure room. When you're ready, your team will begin the extraction. In a simple extraction, your dentist will use advanced techniques and cutting-edge tools to gently remove the tooth or teeth. A surgical extraction will start when your dentist makes incisions through your gums to the tooth. In some cases, your dentist will break the tooth into smaller pieces to make it easier to remove. When the tooth or teeth are removed, we will close the incision.

Based on the type of sedation used during your procedure, you may need to arrange for a ride to take you home. Your dentist will give you specific instructions to keep you comfortable during your recovery. The instructions will vary, depending on the complexity of your extraction; however, you may prefer to eat a liquid or soft food diet for the first few days after the extraction. Your mouth may be swollen after the extraction, which can be treated with cold compresses and over-the-counter pain medication. In some cases, your dentist will prescribe antibiotics or pain medication. Along with any suggested follow-up appointments, you should keep scheduling twice-yearly professional cleanings at our office in Friendswood, TX so our team can help maintain the health of your teeth.

A dental extraction is generally covered partially by dental insurance, but your coverage will vary for any sedation needed. Once we have created your extraction treatment plan, we will contact your insurance provider to confirm your coverage and then calculate your out-of-pocket costs. If you do not have insurance, our support staff can explain how to better afford your dental care with our MINT Discount Plan, medical financing, and taking several payment methods. Talk to a member of the MINT dentistry team to get information.

If your tooth is damaged or there's not enough room in your bite for another tooth, an extraction by a board-certified MINT dentistry professional can improve your oral health and smile. Schedule an exam and consultation at our beautiful practice in Friendswood, TX to learn more about dental extractions, both simple and surgical. MINT dentistry also offers multiple sedation options if you have dental fears or anxieties to help you remain calm and relaxed throughout your extraction.