Tooth Extractions in Plano, TX
Comfort-Focused Emergency Dental Care
When tooth pain is severe enough to distract you from your day, it could be the sign of a serious infection. In some cases, antibiotics just aren’t enough—and removing the affected tooth may be the best way to protect your overall health. At Stonebriar Smile Design in Plano, our priority is to make the extraction process as stress-free and comfortable as possible. Here’s what to know about when and why tooth removal may be necessary.
When Does a Tooth Need to Be Removed?
We do everything we can to help you keep your natural teeth. But sometimes, removing a damaged or problematic tooth is the best option to prevent more serious issues. A tooth extraction may be recommended if:
How We Perform Tooth Extractions
The type of extraction depends on the condition and position of the tooth. There are two main approaches:
Simple Extractions
Used when the tooth has fully emerged from the gumline. We numb the area, offer sedation if needed, and gently loosen the tooth until it can be removed.
Surgical Extractions
Used for impacted or partially erupted teeth. A small incision is made to access the tooth, and in some cases, it may be sectioned and removed in pieces.
During your consultation, we’ll discuss exactly what to expect and how we’ll keep you comfortable throughout the process. No two extractions are alike—so we plan carefully to ensure yours goes as smoothly as possible.
TTooth Extraction Aftercare and Recovery
Once the tooth is removed, we’ll walk you through the recovery steps and provide instructions tailored to your situation. That may include:
- A pain relief plan using over-the-counter or prescription medications
- Cold compress instructions to reduce swelling and discomfort
- Guidance on when to change gauze, how to brush and floss, and when to resume normal eating
If you experience unusual symptoms—such as persistent pain, swelling, bleeding, or signs of infection—don’t wait. Give us a call so we can check on your healing.
Tooth Extraction FAQs
Having a tooth removed can sound intimidating—but today’s techniques make it much easier than people expect. If you’re wondering what the procedure feels like, what recovery involves, or how your smile will look afterward, we’re here to answer those questions and walk you through every step. Our Plano team has also put together a FAQ section to address the most common concerns we hear from patients before their extraction.
Before your appointment, our Frisco dentist will provide you with a specific list of to-dos. This often includes things like what to eat the morning of, what medication to pick up, and which foods you should stock up on for the recovery process. If you’re receiving local or general anesthesia, then you will also need to arrange for a trusted adult to drive you home following your procedure.
Worried that the tooth extraction procedure will hurt? Then you’ll be happy to know that the first step is always the same: thoroughly numbing your mouth. Once the numbing agent wears off, you may experience some discomfort. While not always ideal, it is completely normal. The good news is that there are several ways to mitigate any soreness, including using a cold compress for 10 minutes at a time, getting plenty of rest, and taking an OTC pain reliever. If your symptoms worsen after the first two or three days, then get in touch with your dental team.
If the new gap is toward the back of your mouth, then you may be thinking that leaving it alone is a viable option. Unfortunately, this can lead to several complications, including a compromised bite and unwanted tooth movement. For these reasons, it’s always best to discuss your tooth replacement options beforehand. Depending on your dental needs, our dentist will recommend a dental bridge, dentures, or dental implants. Each option is custom-made just for you and available in a wide variety of shades, ensuring your smile will look completely natural to both you and any onlookers.
As mentioned above, there are three popular tooth-replacement solutions. The first is a dental bridge, which is designed to replace one missing tooth or several consecutive missing teeth. The second, and one of the most common options, is full and partial dentures. The third is dental implants, which are widely considered to be the most ideal. Not only are they designed to last for 20+ years with proper care, but they are also the only ones that replace both the root and crown of the missing tooth. Don’t worry – your dental team will review each of the available options during your initial appointment so you can ultimately decide which one is best for you.
In short, no. Tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, can result in delayed healing. Therefore, you should avoid smoking for at least two weeks following the procedure. Forgoing this guideline can cause complications, requiring more time and money spent on restorative treatments.
