Frequently Asked Questions
Tooth extractions may be necessary for patients suffering from an extremely severe cavity, severe damage from oral trauma, or an infected tooth that cannot be saved with root canal therapy. In most cases, it is possible to save your tooth with a crown or root canal therapy, but sometimes an extraction may be your only option.
A tooth extraction may be required if severe periodontal disease is compromising the health of the tooth, causing it to loosen from the gums. Your dentist may want to extract these teeth to prepare you for a strong and long-lasting tooth replacement option, such as dental implants or dentures.
You can rest assured that modern dentistry offers comfortable extraction procedures. Thanks to local anesthesia and sedation options, the extraction itself is typically painless.
However, it’s normal to experience some discomfort, swelling, and bruising in the days following the procedure. These symptoms usually peak within the first few days and gradually subside. To aid in healing, it's recommended to consume soft foods for about a week and follow your dentist’s post-operative care instructions carefully.
Complete healing from a tooth extraction typically takes 1-2 weeks. 1 If you experience severe pain or discomfort beyond this timeframe, it’s essential to contact your Pasadena dentist for evaluation
Many dental insurance plans cover extractions necessary to remove damaged or decayed teeth.
At Foundation Dental Specialists, we work closely with patients and insurance providers to provide clear cost estimates and maximize insurance benefits. We believe in transparent pricing and will discuss treatment options and associated costs with you upfront.
In many cases, we will recommend a bone graft after an extraction. By performing a ridge preservation graft, we can fill the space left by the extracted tooth to maintain the integrity of your jawbone. Not only does this help preserve your bone, it can also provide a solid foundation for a dental implant in the future.