Tooth Extractions – Kerrville, TX
Safely Removing Teeth to Protect Your Oral Health
At our Kerrville family dental office, saving teeth is our favorite part of dentistry. However, there are times when a tooth is too badly damaged to save. Leaving these damaged teeth in the mouth could actually cause even more damage, especially if decay or an infection is present. In situations where a tooth extraction is recommended, Dr. Butler and our team will ensure your comfort, and if necessary, we can even plan to replace the tooth with a dental implant once it’s extracted to rebuild your smile to be even healthier. Call us today to learn more about this procedure or schedule an emergency appointment if you’re in pain.
Why Choose Carroll R. Butler, DDS Family Dentistry for Tooth Extractions?
- State-of-the-Art Diagnostic Imaging Technology
- Dentist with Several Decades of Experience
- Implant Placement & Restoration Available
When are Tooth Extractions Necessary?
There are many reasons why teeth may need to be extracted, but gum disease is actually one of the most common. Additionally, if tooth decay has damaged the root beyond repair, the tooth may not be able to survive in the mouth any longer. If you suffered an oral injury that significantly damaged or cracked the tooth, there may not be a restoration effective enough to restore it. Furthermore, teeth may be removed if they are trapped underneath gum tissue or causing overcrowding, which can make the bite misaligned.
The Tooth Extraction Process
A tooth extraction is a relatively simple process. In many cases, patients are able to comfortably undergo the procedure without sedation, just with the use of local anesthesia, which numbs the area that Dr. Butler will be operating on. Once the area is fully numb, Dr. Butler will gently lift the affected tooth out of its socket and gently rock it back and forth to loosen any connective tissues. Then, he can just lift it out of the mouth.
An extraction isn’t fun, but it doesn’t have to be painful. Dr. Butler will prescribe medication to minimize discomfort for the first few days after the surgery. If necessary, Dr. Butler and our team can also discuss tooth replacement options with you.
Emergency Tooth Extractions
An emergency extraction is sometimes called for when a tooth has been damaged by trauma or has been neglected until it is infected, and the decay or damage is too extreme for the tooth to be saved. Dr. Butler will go over your options, including plans for a restoration to prevent additional tooth loss.
Tooth Extraction Aftercare
Following your procedure, the most important precaution to take is to protect the blood clot within the socket—this protects the underlying bone and allows for a smoother, complication-free healing process. You can do this by eating a soft diet for the days following your tooth extraction in Kerrville, avoiding drinking from a straw and spitting, and stopping smoking. It’s also important to maintain good dental hygiene as you heal to avoid plaque and bacteria build-up within the mouth.
If you find your pain getting worse instead of better, it’s crucial that you contact Dr. Butler immediately.
Understanding the Cost of Tooth Extractions
If you’re experiencing dental pain, you may find yourself asking, “How much does it cost to pull a tooth?” The truth is, no two cases are exactly alike, and the cost can vary depending on your needs. At Carroll R. Butler, DDS PA Family Dentistry, we focus on providing fast, effective care that helps patients live pain-free again. With decades of experience, Dr. Butler and our team are here to make the tooth extraction process straightforward and stress-free, especially when it comes to your budget.
Factors That Can Affect Tooth Extraction Cost
It’s impossible to give patients an exact quote over the phone because every case is different. Several factors must be taken into account, and that’s why a one-on-one consultation with Dr. Butler is a must. Here are a few of the variables we consider when making an estimate:
- The Type of Extraction: Whether simple or surgical, this is the factor that has the biggest impact on cost. Impacted wisdom teeth, for example, are typically more complex and often require surgical methods to remove them safely.
- The Location of the Tooth: Where the tooth is located can also make the extraction procedure more or less complex.
- The Number of Teeth Being Removed: The more teeth that need to be removed at once, the higher the overall cost of your treatment will be.
- Sedation Options: If you opt for nitrous oxide sedation during your procedure, it’s typically an additional fee.
By meeting with you, Dr. Butler can assess your situation, explain your options, and provide a cost estimate before treatment begins.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Tooth Extractions?
Many dental insurance plans provide some coverage for tooth extractions, especially when it’s medically necessary. However, our Kerrville practice is a fee-for-service dental office, which means we do not contract directly with insurance companies.
That said, we are more than happy to file claims on your behalf to help you maximize any available benefits. Our team will walk you through what’s covered, what’s not, and what out-of-pocket costs to expect so you can make an informed decision about your care.
Other Options for Making Tooth Extractions Affordable
For patients without insurance—or for those who need additional help covering out-of-pocket costs—we offer financing through CareCredit and Alphaeon. These fantastic financing options allow you to break treatment costs into smaller monthly payments, often with little to no interest.
With these tools, you don’t have to put off your care or deal with dental pain. You can get the treatment you need now and fit it into your budget later. No matter what your financial situation is, our Kerrville dental team will work with you to find a solution that fits.
Our goal is to work fast and with care, so you can get back to living comfortably again. Call today or go through our online portal to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward better oral health.
Tooth Extractions FAQs
Does Getting a Tooth Extracted Hurt?
Whether it’s preventive or cosmetic, no matter what type of oral health treatment they need, many patients are hesitant to commit to a procedure because they’re afraid it will hurt.
The good news is that whether you’re getting one tooth pulled or multiple, the first step will always be the same: numbing your mouth.
While some soreness and discomfort are expected after the procedure, following your aftercare instructions can help keep it to a minimum. Not only will this reduce your risk of infection, but it will also help keep swelling and puffiness down and promote healing.
Should your pain worsen or if you begin to experience any signs of infection such as a fever, please contact Dr. Butler right away.
Is There an Alternative to a Tooth Extraction?
Although it’s true that today’s tooth replacement options like dental implants are extremely lifelike and durable, Dr. Butler’s top priority will always be to save your natural teeth.
However, the answer to whether there’s an alternative to having your tooth extracted really depends on the reason why he’s recommending it in the first place. For example, if it’s due to extensive decay, then a root canal may be an option. If the culprit is gum disease, root scaling and planing could help restore your oral health. But chances are if he’s recommending an extraction, these may no longer be viable solutions.
Rest assured that if a tooth extraction is necessary to restore your smile and bite, it is the best and safest way to get back your strong, healthy, pain-free smile.
What’s the Difference Between Tooth Extractions and Wisdom Tooth Surgery?
While they may both involve pulling a tooth, tooth extractions and wisdom tooth surgery are very different treatments.
One of the biggest and most obvious differences is that while wisdom tooth surgery is designed to remove your third and final set of molars, tooth extractions can remove any tooth that is irreparable or that could cause overcrowding.
Another key difference is that wisdom tooth removal is often a surgical procedure, which allows an impacted tooth to be removed from below the gumline.
Can I Smoke After Getting a Tooth Extracted?
Because tobacco products including cigars, cigarettes, and even e-cigarettes (vapes) can delay healing, it is important that you do not smoke immediately following a tooth extraction.
Dr. Butler recommends that you abstain from smoking for at least five days following your extraction. However, if you can, you should quit smoking for at least two weeks or more.
If you’ve struggled to quit in the past, don’t hesitate to speak to Dr. Butler or your primary care physician. They aren’t interested in passing judgement, they just want to help you prepare for a successful tooth extraction in advance!
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