Tooth Extractions—Dallas, TX
Safe & Comfortable Tooth Removal
While Dr. Barnett’s goal is to help our patients preserve their natural teeth for as long as possible, sometimes, the best way to protect someone’s oral and overall health is to remove one.
Thanks to our team’s light touch and variety of sedation options, we’re able to take a procedure that causes many patients to feel nervous and ensure it’s a smooth and comfortable process.
If you have a tooth that is bothering you and think it might need to come out, click here to schedule an appointment.
Why Choose Mariya Barnett, DDS Family & Cosmetic Dentistry for Tooth Extractions?
- Same-Day Emergency Dental Appointments
- Advanced Technology & Sedation Dentistry for Precise, Comfortable Treatments
- Variety of Options to Make Emergency Dental Care Affordable
Reasons Why Tooth Extractions Are Necessary
Dr. Barnett may suggest an extraction if a tooth is…
- Too damaged or decayed to be restored with a dental filling or crown
- Being held together by a large filling that is starting to fail
- Loose because gum disease has weakened the supporting bone
- Necessary to place a secure-fitting denture
- Preventing the teeth from shifting due to orthodontics
- Impacted or causing pain (wisdom teeth)
- Preventing a permanent tooth from coming in (for baby teeth)
The Process of Removing a Tooth
Every tooth extraction starts with an exam and a conversation. Dr. Barnett will take a close look at your tooth to make sure there isn’t an option to save it, and she’ll explain why an extraction might be the best choice for your smile. She’ll answer any questions you have so you know what to expect on the day of the procedure.
Once that time comes, it will start with our team thoroughly numbing your mouth. You can also opt for sedation to help calm any anxiety you might have as well.
From there, Dr. Barnett will use a special tool called a dental elevator, which will allow her to wiggle the tooth until it slips out on its own. There is never any pulling, and most patients don’t realize when their tooth is actually out!
Tooth Extraction Aftercare
The first 24 hours are crucial to ensure proper healing. Gauze will be placed over the treatment area to control the bleeding, and this should be replaced every few hours. During that first day, the patient should also avoid spitting, drinking with a straw, smoking, or engaging in rigorous physical activity.
This will allow for the formation of a blood clot that will protect the tissues, nerves, and bone that are exposed due to the extraction. A patient can simply rinse their mouth the first night but can resume brushing and flossing the next day while being careful to avoid the treatment site.
A soft food diet is recommended for at least the first few days, so be sure to have items like yogurt, eggs, pudding, applesauce, and others so that you can just relax after you get home and don’t need to go to the store!
Understanding the Cost of Tooth Extractions
While it can be surprising to learn that you need a tooth extraction, you’ll probably also be interested in knowing what you can expect to pay for the procedure. Though each extraction is different, there are several factors that largely determine the overall cost. Here’s a brief guide to what you can expect to pay for tooth extractions at Dr. Barnett’s office in Dallas.
Factors That Can Affect Tooth Extraction Cost
While we cannot offer you a proper cost estimate until Dr. Barnett has evaluated you at her office, there are several factors that contribute most to the overall price. These include:
- The type of tooth being extracted, as teeth that are located farther back in the mouth are harder to reach and have more roots, making them more difficult to remove
- The number of teeth being removed, as each extraction will be noted on the final bill
- The complexity of the procedure, as more complicated cases such as impacted teeth may require us to refer you to an oral surgeon who uses a different pricing structure
- The cost of the restorative appliance you use to replace your tooth, such as a denture or dental implant
Does Dental Insurance Cover Tooth Extractions?
Dental insurance plans usually cover tooth extractions including wisdom teeth at about 50% after the deductible has been met since they are considered medically necessary. However, your policy may have limits such as covering only a particular number of teeth or a waiting period before your coverage begins. Since each plan is different, it’s important to confirm what your insurance provider covers before committing to the procedure. We’ll be more than happy to help you go over your policy so you can get the most out of it.
How to Make Tooth Extractions Affordable
Since we know that some of are patients are uninsured or underinsured, we offer several options that can help make tooth extractions more affordable. These include:
- The Mariya Barnett, DDS Family & Cosmetic Dentistry Membership Plan: For a low annual fee, you and your family can have your general dental needs covered at our office while receiving significant discounts for all other treatments.
- Financing Options: We partner with CareCredit and Lending Club to offer you financing plans that break your overall bill into small, easily manageable monthly payments with little to no interest.
We understand that you may still have concerns about the cost of tooth extractions and will be more than happy to assist you with navigating your insurance, financing, and payment options. If you need any assistance, please do not hesitate to contact our office.
Tooth Extractions FAQs
Having a tooth extracted can be stressful, especially if you don’t know what to expect from the procedure or if it’s really necessary. Rest assured, however, if Dr. Barnett has recommended an extraction, she has likely exhausted all other options to save your tooth. Here are some common questions about tooth removal that can help you make a more informed decision about your oral health.
Does Getting a Tooth Extracted Hurt?
Many patients are hesitant to agree to tooth extraction because they are afraid it will be painful. Thankfully, however, Dr. Barnett will make sure that your mouth is completely numb before beginning. In fact, the only thing most patients report feeling during the procedure is a little pressure.
In the days following your extraction, it is likely that you will feel some soreness and discomfort, however you can greatly reduce this by following your aftercare instructions. This will not only bring relief and reduce your risk of infection, but it will also promote healing, so you feel better, faster.
Should you experience worsening pain or exhibit any signs of infection such as a fever, contact Dr. Barnett’s office as soon as possible.
What Should I Do After My Tooth Extraction?
Once your tooth extraction is complete, you should return home to get some rest. In fact, you should not be doing anything strenuous for at least 24 hours after your procedure.
To avoid the painful condition dry socket, be sure that you follow your aftercare instructions closely. Keep the gauze pad from Dr. Barnett in place as instructed, stay hydrated, and do not use a straw or spit. Furthermore, avoid touching your incision site with your tongue or fingers. You can relieve pain and swelling with the help of a cold compress applied to the outside of the mouth. If you have been prescribed pain medicine, take it only as instructed.
Once you are ready to attempt eating, stick to soft foods such as yogurt or applesauce, and follow all other aftercare instructions from Dr. Barnett.
What Risks Are Involved with Tooth Extractions?
Tooth extractions are considered very safe, though they still do carry some risks, including infection. Infection can easily start in your incision site and spread throughout your body, so be careful to follow your aftercare instructions to reduce your risk.
Another danger following tooth extraction is dry socket. This painful condition occurs when the clot forming in your incision site falls out prematurely, causing pain and delays in healing. Thus, do not use a straw or spit, as these activities can dislodge the clot before it’s ready to come out on its own. Dr. Barnett will provide you with a complete list of aftercare instructions, including ways to prevent dry socket and infection.
Is There an Alternative to a Tooth Extraction?
While you are always free to choose to keep your tooth against Dr. Barnett’s recommendation, if she has suggested extraction rest assured that there are most likely no suitable alternatives for saving it.
Thankfully, there are many options for replacing extracted teeth should yours require removal. Dental implants are the gold standard in tooth replacement. They are permanent, natural-looking, and fully functional restorations. Other options to consider include bridges, dentures, or implant dentures, all of which look natural and help slow bone loss. Dr. Barnett will discuss suitable options for replacement if needed.
For patients needing wisdom tooth removal or teeth extracted for orthodontic treatment, those teeth will not need to be replaced, however keeping them will likely cause greater oral health problems down the road such as crowding, cavities, gum disease, and breaks or damage to nearby healthy teeth.
