Tooth removal is a common dental procedure that dentists may perform for different reasons like removing a damaged tooth or preparing for orthodontic treatment. Understanding the process can help you in many ways. Here, we will provide you with comprehensive information about this dental treatment. So, stop Googling “tooth extraction near me in AZ” and read on to learn more.
What Is Tooth Extraction?
It is a dental procedure that removes your tooth from its socket in the bone. If you have a tooth that is severely damaged, infected or causes alignment issues, you are in need of tooth extraction in Phoenix. This dental procedure falls into 2 types, including simple and surgical extraction. The common reasons for this dental treatment are:
- Decay or damage
- Crowding
- Gum disease
- Infection
- Wisdom teeth
Wisdom Tooth Extraction
Wisdom teeth are located at the back of the mouth and often cause problems like pain, infection, or misalignment of other teeth. You better extract your wisdom tooth to prevent future dental complications. The common reasons to extract your wisdom teeth are:
- They don’t fully emerge and can cause infections or damage to nearby teeth.
- They push on the rest of your teeth and misalign them.
- They are infected.
Tooth Extraction Procedure
This general dentistry service in Phoenix is usually a quick process, but it may vary based on the type of procedure. Let’s see all the steps together:
- First, we examine your tooth and take X-rays to assess your oral condition.
- Then, we numb the area around your tooth by using a local. For more complex procedures, we may use sedation or general anesthesia.
- For simple procedures, we use an instrument called an elevator to loosen the tooth from its socket. For surgical ones, we make a small incision in the gum.
- Next, we remove the tooth. For impacted teeth, we may break your teeth into smaller pieces to make removal easier.
- After removal, we clean the tooth socket to remove any debris and ensure the area is ready for healing.
- Our dentists place a piece of gauze over the affected site to help stop bleeding and promote clotting.
- After the procedure, we give you instructions on how to care for the site, manage pain, and prevent infection.
- Finally, you need to schedule a follow-up appointment to check the healing progress, remove sutures if necessary, and ensure there are no complications.
How Long Does a Tooth Extraction Take?
The time it takes depends on the complexity of the procedure. Let’s see how long it takes based on different procedures:
- 20-40 minutes for simple procedures.
- 45-90 minutes for surgical procedures.
- 30 minutes to 2 hours for wisdom teeth.
- 1-2 hours for multiple teeth.
- 30-60 minutes for infection or abscess.
Tooth Extraction Recovery
The tooth extraction healing timeline can vary depending on different factors. Let’s take a closer look at the tooth extraction healing process in Phoenix:
- The first night after tooth extraction, you may experience light bleeding, swelling, and pain.
- In the next 2 to 3 days, the pain and swelling may peak, but both should gradually improve.
- Within 1 to 2 weeks, most of the tooth extraction pain and swelling subside.
- Within 3-4 weeks, the soft tissues in your mouth heal, and the socket will begin to close.
During your recovery, you need to watch for signs of complications. A dry socket after tooth extraction can cause severe pain and typically happens 2 to 3 days after the procedure. If you experience dry sockets or any other signs like swelling and infection after tooth extraction in Phoenix, contact us immediately.
Tooth Extraction Aftercare
After the procedure, you need to follow care instructions. Don’t forget that care after tooth extraction in Phoenix can promote healing and avoid complications like infection or dry sockets. Here’s what you need to do after the procedure:
Things to Avoid After Tooth Extraction
After this dental procedure, you better avoid:
- Smoking
- Drinking through a straw
- Spicy, hard, or crunchy foods
- Alcohol
- Physical activity
- Touching the affected site
- Brushing directly on the affected site
- Hot drinks
- Ignoring pain or discomfort
What Can I Eat after Tooth Extraction?
Foods to eat after tooth extraction are:
- Soft food like mashed potatoes, yogurt, and applesauce.
- Cool or lukewarm foods like smoothies, ice cream, or chilled soups.
- Broth or soup without any chunks or pieces that might irritate the wound.
- Pudding and jell-O
- Oatmeal or cream of wheat
- Scrambled eggs
- Avocados
- Soft, cooked vegetables like carrots or squash
- Ice cream or sorbet
How Much Does a Tooth Extraction Cost?
Tooth extraction cost in Phoenix depends on factors like the complexity of the procedure, the location of the tooth, and the insurance coverage. Simple procedures are less expensive, while surgical ones cost more due to the complexity of the procedure. To learn tooth extraction costs without insurance or with it, call us at (602) 246-0385.
Tooth Extraction Cost with Insurance
Most dental insurance plans cover up to 50% to 80% of the cost. The coverage depends on your plan. They may provide more coverage for simple procedures. But, the exact coverage depends on your plan type, annual deductible, and maximum coverage limits. You can contact us to confirm the details and any additional costs, like anesthesia or follow-up care.
Affordable Tooth Extractions Near Me in AZ
If you are in Phoenix and looking for a good place for dental services, we can help you. We offer you the best dental services and ensure that you receive the care you need. All you need to do is make an online appointment for free consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Avoid smoking for at least 72 hours to prevent complications like dry sockets.
You can stop using gauze once the bleeding has stopped, typically within a few hours.
You won’t feel pain during the procedure due to anesthesia, but mild discomfort is common afterward.
The worst pain usually happens within the first 24 to 48 hours after the procedure.
Wait at least 24 hours before eating solid foods, and stick to soft foods for the first few days. Avoid anything hard, crunchy, or hot.