Tooth Extractions

While general dentistry aims to keep the teeth intact and healthy, this is not always an option. At Local Dental San Antonio, Dr. Joung Lee and Dr. Minkyung Lee expertly handle dental extractions with skill, grace, and ease.

What is a tooth extraction?

A dentist removes the entire tooth from the dental alveolus (socket) during a tooth extraction.

When is pulling a tooth necessary?

Generally, tooth removals are considered a last resort. With early intervention, the need for dental extractions is relatively rare. For example, many teen and young adult patients turn to early wisdom teeth extractions before their third molars can impact, infect, and cause severe tooth pain.
Additionally, those that suffer from a badly infected tooth from tooth decay or gum disease. Have you had a filling, crown, or root canal? There is a chance that severely damaged restorative dentistry work might warrant a tooth extraction.

Treatment Expectations

For new patients, we strongly suggest filling out new patient forms and submitting insurance information for a more efficient first visit.

How long does a teeth cleaning take? Paired with a standard dental check-up, patients typically anticipate basic dental cleanings and exams to last between 60 and 90 minutes. We’ve outlined what to expect before, during, and after each check-up and cleaning appointment:

Before

First, our Local Dental team inspects the teeth, gums, and jaws for signs of infection, decay, damage, and overcrowding. Additionally, our dentists might order low-radiation digital x-rays to look for signs of damage and decay inside the tooth and jaws. If pulling a tooth is the most suitable treatment option, our dental team numbs the area with local anesthesia and can help patients feel less nervous with sedation dentistry.

During

There are two types of extractions: Simple: When the tooth that needs to be removed is visible, our dentists perform simple dental extractions. Typically, they use a dental elevator to lift the entire tooth from the socket and remove it. Surgical: Comparatively, surgical extractions are a little more complicated than simple tooth extractions. Surgical extractions are for teeth trapped below the gum line (impacted). After numbing the surgical site, our dentist incisions the gum line. Then, they carefully remove the tooth from the socket. If necessary, they stitch the gum line back together.

After

After pulling a tooth, the dentist will provide tooth extraction aftercare instructions to help manage pain and speed up recovery, typically including temporary diet changes, medications, and avoiding certain activities. We also remind our younger patients that the tooth fairy is on her way and celebrate with a balloon and other goodies

Consider Gentle Tooth Extractions at Local Dental San Antonio

Although pulling a tooth can feel vulnerable or scary for some, our patients can rest assured that Drs. Joung and Minkyung Lee ensure that you feel protected, relaxed, and better by the end of your recovery journey.

Are you suffering from unbearable tooth pain or worried about your wisdom teeth? Take advantage of our online booking or conveniently call (210) 686-1486. The San Antonio community can trust the Local Dental team to keep individuals and families healthy, happy, and feeling at home.