Tooth Extraction
Professional tooth extraction for painful, damaged, or infected teeth
Nobody comes in hoping to lose a tooth. We don’t want that for you either, so we always look at ways to save it first. But some teeth are too cracked, too decayed, or too infected to repair. Leaving them in can cause more trouble than taking them out.
Pecos Dental provides tooth extraction in Henderson and nearby areas. Before we start, we show you your X-ray and explain what we see. You’ll know why we’re recommending removal, what your other options are, and what the days afterward will look like.
What is a Tooth Extraction?
A tooth extraction means taking a tooth out of your jaw. We do it when a tooth is too cracked, decayed, or infected to fix.
First, we numb the area. You’ll feel pressure and some tugging, but it shouldn’t hurt. If something feels sharp, tell us right away and we’ll stop and numb you more.
Once the tooth is out, the gum heals over the empty space. For a lot of patients, that ends weeks or months of pain. It also keeps the infection from spreading to the teeth beside it.
When Is a Tooth Extraction needed?
Most toothaches don’t end in extraction. A lot of them can be fixed with a filling, a crown, or a root canal. Still, a few warning signs mean you should get the tooth looked at soon:
- A toothache that comes back after a few days, or wakes you at night
- Swelling in your gum or cheek, or a small bump on the gum that leaks
- A tooth that feels loose when you're an adult
- Pain every time you bite down
- A tooth that broke and left a sharp edge cutting your tongue
If you notice swelling along with a fever, call us the same day. That can mean the infection is spreading.
Types of Tooth Extraction
Which type you need depends on the tooth itself, mainly how much of it we can see and how its roots are shaped.
Simple Extraction
This is for a tooth that's fully visible above the gum. We loosen it and lift it out. It's usually fairly quick, and most people are back to their day soon after, though you'll want to take it easy for the rest of it.
Surgical Extraction
This one is for teeth that snapped at the gumline, have curved roots, or never came through the gum. We make a small opening in the gum to reach the tooth. Sometimes we divide the tooth into pieces so it comes out with less force. It takes longer than a simple extraction, and you're numb the whole time.
Wisdom Tooth Extraction
Wisdom teeth are the last molars, way in the back. They usually show up between the late teens and mid twenties, and a lot of mouths simply don't have room for them. When that happens, they can come in sideways, get stuck, or sit so far back that you can't clean them well. The result is often sore, swollen gums or decay in the tooth next to them. Not every wisdom tooth has to go. If yours are healthy and clean, we may just keep an eye on them. If they're causing trouble or likely to, we'll show you on the X-ray and talk through when to remove them.
What Happens During a Tooth Extraction
Most extractions follow the same basic steps. Here’s what to expect when you come in.
- Exam and X-ray. We look at the tooth, the roots, and the bone around it. Then we talk about whether taking it out is really the best option.
- Numbing. We numb the area and give it time to work. We check that you’re fully numb before we start. If dental visits make you nervous, tell us. It helps us pace things for you.
- Removal. We loosen the tooth and lift it out. You’ll feel pressure and may hear a crunch or pop. That’s normal and doesn’t mean something is wrong.
- Stopping the bleeding. We place gauze over the spot. Some extractions need a few stitches to help the gum close.
- Aftercare. Before you go, we walk you through what to eat, what to avoid, and when to call us.
Expect some soreness for the first few days. When you rest, keep your head slightly raised, and try not to poke the area with your tongue or fingers. That can disturb the healing.
If the extraction leaves a gap, we’ll talk about replacing the tooth with a bridge or an implant. Without one, the nearby teeth can slowly drift into the empty space.
frequently asked questions
Does tooth extraction hurt?
The procedure itself shouldn't. Soreness after the numbness wears off is normal, and we'll tell you what to take for it.
How long does it take to recover from a tooth extraction?
The first three or four days are the roughest. The gum closes over in a couple of weeks, but the bone underneath takes months to fill in.
When can I eat after a tooth extraction?
Soft foods like yogurt, scrambled eggs, mashed potatoes, and lukewarm soup. Skip straws for the first few days. Sucking can pull the blood clot loose, which causes a painful problem called dry socket.
How do I know if my tooth needs to be extracted?
Not always. Back teeth and front teeth are different, and so is every mouth. We'll go over what makes sense for you.
Why Choose Pecos Dental for Tooth Extraction
We know most people don’t come in for an extraction by choice, so we try to make it as easy as we can. You get a clear explanation before anything starts. We show you your X-ray, tell you what we see, and walk through your options. If a filling, crown, or root canal can still save the tooth, we’ll say so, even if that means you don’t need an extraction.
During the visit, you decide the pace. Raise your hand and we’ll stop. Before you leave, you’ll get written aftercare steps and a number to call if something feels off at home. If the tooth needs replacing, we’ll go over your choices with you, so you know what to do about the gap.
Schedule your Tooth Extraction consultation
A tooth that keeps aching, feels loose, or just doesn’t feel right shouldn’t be ignored. If you’re not sure whether it can be saved, come in and let us take a look. A quick exam will show what’s going on, and you’ll head home knowing your next step.
Pecos Dental welcomes patients from across Henderson. You can contact our dental office or schedule an appointment, and we’ll get you in at a time that works for you.
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