Tooth Extractions in McAllen, TX

The ultimate goal of routine dental care, including brushing, flossing, and regular trips to the dentist, is to preserve your natural teeth for as long as possible. In some situations, it may be necessary to have a tooth removed. This may be a result of disease, decay, or dental neglect. A tooth extraction may also be necessary should teeth become impacted, meaning they are submerged beneath gum tissue rather than erupting as they are meant to.

At Valley OMS, our doctors have ample experience performing safe and expedient tooth extractions. In fact, our practice employs pioneering methods of tooth extraction that minimize bone loss and create more optimal outcomes. We welcome you to learn more about our approach to tooth extraction, a service we provide to patients throughout Texas.

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What is a Tooth Extraction?

A tooth extraction simply refers to the removal of a tooth that has become damaged or diseased to the point that it cannot be salvaged.

Most oral surgeons complete tooth extractions via a couple of basic methods. Simple extractions can be performed fairly quickly, primarily for teeth that are fully erupted and that remain in one piece. In situations where the tooth is impacted or has broken into multiple pieces, a surgical approach may be necessary, including incisions made in the gum tissue to allow the surgeon clearer access.

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Tooth Extraction at Valley OMS

Our practice founder, Dr. Gary Schwarz, is an innovative oral surgeon and in-demand teacher and lecturer. Over the years, he and his associates have focused on conservative ways to remove teeth. Our methods allow damaged or diseased teeth to be removed with no to minimal incisions and removal of any bone matter. This not only leads to an abbreviated recovery time but also preserves the ideal bone for a dental implant.

With any questions about Valley OMS and our unique approach to tooth extraction, we welcome you to contact our office at your convenience.

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Am I a Good Candidate for a Tooth Extraction?

Your dentist will do anything they can to preserve your natural tooth. However, in cases when the tooth can no longer be saved, the dentist will typically refer the patient to an oral surgeon to have the diseased tooth extracted.

Removal of the tooth not only prevents the spread of disease to other teeth but also allows the patient to replace their bad tooth with a healthy prosthesis, such as a dental implant.

Some of the most common reasons why patients require a tooth extraction include:

• Tooth decay
• Advanced gum disease
• Impacted teeth
• Crowding or spacing issues
• Tooth fracture

If you still have questions about your own candidacy for tooth extraction, we welcome you to contact Valley OMS to schedule a consultation.

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Meet Your Oral Surgeons

Valley OMS is a full-scope oral surgery practice, offering comprehensive solutions to patients across the State of Texas. Our oral surgeons are known not only for their innovative, minimally invasive techniques but also for their compassionate patient care, enthusiasm, and friendly demeanor. These surgeons boast combined decades of experience performing treatments ranging from dental implants to corrective jaw surgery to tooth extractions.

To get to know our oral surgeons better, please take a moment to browse their individual bios.

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Will Insurance Cover My Tooth Extraction?

It is important to keep in mind that all insurance policies are different, and it is always wise to consult with your plan before you schedule a procedure.

Our office is always happy to address any insurance questions you may have or discuss financing. Contact the team at Valley OMS at any time.

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Will My Tooth Extraction Be Painful?

At Valley OMS, one of our foremost concerns is creating a comfortable experience for all of our patients. As such, we are pleased to provide a range of anesthesia options to keep you out of pain while your treatment is performed. During your consultation with us, your doctor will go over the different options and recommend an anesthesia level that aligns with the procedure as well as your level of anxiety.

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Recovery from a Tooth Extraction: What to Expect

While the specifics for recovery may vary from patient to patient, here are some general guidelines to help you set the right expectations.

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How Long Will It Take For Me To Recover?

Most patients feel more or less like their normal selves within seven to ten days. The majority of your pain and discomfort will subside within 48 hours, and you will likely feel prepared to return to school or work after just a couple of days. When possible, we advise patients to schedule their tooth extraction for mid-week, which allows you to take a couple of days off from work and then have the weekend to continue resting and recovering.

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Will I Experience Pain During My Tooth Extraction Recovery?

It is normal to experience some mild to moderate pain during the first two or three days following your tooth extraction. To ensure a comfortable recovery, your oral surgeon will give you instructions on how to take your pain medication. Most patients never need prescription pain medications and instead take over-the-counter remedies to alleviate their discomfort.

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When Can I Eat Following Tooth Extraction?

After your tooth extraction, you will have a gauze bandage placed over the extraction site to prevent any bleeding. You can remove the bandages within an hour or so, at which point you may wish to get something to eat.

For at least 3 days, you will want to stick with soft foods and liquids. We would also recommend steering clear of anything too hot or spicy, which may cause inflammation. You can gradually shift back to your regular diet as you begin to feel more comfortable. Most patients are eating like normal after one week.

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Replacing a Tooth Following Extraction

As you consult with your oral surgeon about a tooth extraction, one important consideration is how you will replace your diseased tooth with a healthy new one. While there are a number of options for tooth replacement, the most common is with dental implants.

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are small titanium posts, which are surgically placed into the jawbone. Over the course of several weeks, they fuse with the underlying bone tissue and become steady and secure. On top of those implants, dental crowns are put into place, resulting in a healthy set of teeth that look and feel completely natural.

Different Options for Dental Implants

At Valley OMS, we can provide a number of dental implant options for our tooth extraction patients. If you need to replace several teeth, we may point you toward All-on-4, which can completely rehabilitate your smile.

Do I Really Need to Replace My Tooth Following Extraction?

Replacing teeth is always recommended, and not just because it allows you to restore the aesthetics and the functionality of your smile. Tooth replacement also prevents the further degradation of bone tissue and can prevent any unwanted changes to your facial appearance.

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Is it Necessary for Me to Have a Tooth Extraction?

Nobody ever wants to have their tooth extracted. Your dentist will do everything they can to help you avoid this possibility, but there may come a point at which your tooth simply cannot be saved. Leaving it in place may result not just in ongoing dental pain but also in the spread of disease or decay to other teeth.

For this reason, we always recommend that our patients take care of their tooth extraction sooner rather than later. We would love to tell you more about our minimally-invasive approach, and also to reassure you with our anesthesia and tooth replacement options. To set up an appointment with one of our oral surgeons, reach out to Valley OMS at your convenience.

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Schedule a Tooth Extraction in Texas

Valley OMS is a full-scope oral surgery practice, proudly treating patients throughout the State of Texas. We have ample experience performing tooth extractions, always putting patient safety and comfort above all.

We would love to talk with you further about your tooth extraction needs and invite you to schedule a consultation.