Extractions in Houston Heights

Although MINT dentistry's team of board-certified professionals try to repair the health of your teeth, it is possible you will need one or more teeth extracted. Simple extractions remove a tooth that has erupted from the gums. Simple extractions are usually performed for a decayed or damaged tooth that cannot be repaired. Surgical extractions remove one or more teeth that are still below the gumline. Extractions using the surgical technique are often performed to remove impacted teeth, like your wisdom teeth, that cannot fit comfortably in your bite. No matter the reason for an extraction, our team will provide professional care. MINT dentistry in Houston, TX offers multiple sedation options, including oral conscious sedation and nitrous oxide gas, to help keep you relaxed throughout the extraction process. Contact MINT dentistry in Houston, TX to schedule a consultation and oral exam so we can decide if you need an extraction using either the simple or surgical technique.

When a tooth or teeth have been infected or damaged, your dentist will first try to fix it with treatments like a crown or tooth-colored filling. However, if these treatments cannot successfully save the tooth, the tooth may need to be extracted. 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, popularly known as wisdom teeth, that begin to erupt from the gumline in the late teen years. At a certain point, baby teeth can be extracted if they haven't fallen out on their own so the adult teeth aren't blocked. Before you get an orthodontic treatment (for example, Invisalign^® or braces), we may recommend the extraction of one or more teeth to create space as your teeth as the treatment aligns your bite.

Extraction procedures are completed in our modern practice with anesthesia to make sure you are comfortable. We may recommend adding a sedation method depending on the complexity of your treatment plan and to alleviate any anxiety. Before the extraction, we will give you time to settle into a comfortable treatment chair in our well-equipped procedure room. As soon as you're prepped, your team will start the procedure. In a simple extraction, your dentist will use advanced tools and techniques to carefully remove the tooth or teeth. Surgical extractions will start when your dentist makes an incision through your gums to the tooth. In some cases, your dentist will break the tooth into several pieces, which will make it easier to remove. When the tooth or teeth are extracted, your dentist will close the incision.

If you received sedation for your procedure, you might need to arrange for a ride to take you home. Your team will give you aftercare instructions to keep you comfortable during your recovery. The instructions will be different depending on the technique used for your extraction treatment plan; however, you may prefer to stick to a liquid or soft food diet for at least a few days. Swelling and inflammation in your mouth and lower face are common after an extraction, which can be treated with over-the-counter pain medication and cold compresses. If needed, your dentist will prescribe antibiotics or pain medication. Along with any recommended appointments for check-ups, you should keep scheduling cleanings at least twice a year at our office in Houston, TX, so we can help maintain the health of your teeth.

A simple or surgical extraction is typically covered partially if you have dental insurance, but your coverage will vary for any sedation needed. Once we have created your extraction treatment plan, our team will reach out to your insurance provider to confirm your coverage and then calculate your remaining bill. If you do not have insurance, our team can explain how you can more easily afford your treatment with our MINT Discount Plan, low-interest financing, and taking several methods of payment. Ask our team to get information on your different options.

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 state-of-the-art practice in Houston, TX to get more information on surgical and simple dental extractions for one or more teeth. MINT dentistry also offers multiple sedation options if you have dental fears or anxieties to help you remain comfortable throughout your extraction.