Tooth Extractions in McKinney, TX

The area is thoroughly numbed before any instrument touches the tooth. You will feel pressure and movement but no pain. Oral conscious sedation is available for patients who want to be more relaxed throughout the procedure. Post-procedure soreness is manageable with over-the-counter medications and typically resolves within a few days.

Always. Extraction is a last resort. Dr. Steven evaluates every option for restoring the tooth, including root canal treatment, crown placement, and other interventions, before recommending removal. Saving natural tooth structure is always the preferred outcome when it is clinically feasible.

Most patients feel close to normal within two to three days. The extraction socket continues healing over several weeks, but the significant discomfort resolves within the first few days. Following aftercare instructions carefully is the most important factor in a smooth recovery.

For any extraction other than wisdom teeth, replacement is strongly recommended. A missing tooth creates a gap in the arch that allows neighboring teeth to drift and the opposing tooth to over-erupt. Over time this affects the bite and accelerates bone loss in the jaw. Dental implants, bridges, and partial dentures are all options that Dr. Steven reviews as part of your post-extraction plan.

Dry socket occurs when the blood clot that forms in the socket is dislodged or dissolves prematurely, exposing the underlying bone. It causes significant pain, typically starting two to four days after extraction. It is most common in lower back teeth and in patients who smoke. Following the aftercare instructions, especially avoiding straws and smoking, makes it uncommon.

A simple extraction removes a tooth that is fully erupted and visible above the gumline using forceps. A surgical extraction is needed when a tooth is impacted, broken below the gumline, or has curved or complex roots that require gum tissue and sometimes bone to be removed for access. Both procedures are performed under local anesthesia with sedation available.

In some cases, an implant can be placed at the same appointment as the extraction (immediate implant placement). More commonly, the socket is allowed to heal for several months before implant placement to ensure sufficient bone volume. Dr. Steven will outline the sequence and timeline based on your specific anatomy.

Yes, for procedures using only local anesthesia. If you are receiving IV sedation or oral sedation, specific fasting instructions will be provided. Follow the pre-procedure instructions Dr. Steven gives you at your consultation.