Tooth extraction
Tooth extractions in Cedar Park
An extraction removes a tooth that cannot be saved: one cracked below the gumline, loosened by advanced gum disease, or decayed past the point where a crown or root canal would help. We also remove teeth to make room for clear aligner treatment or a denture.
Most extractions at Cedar Park Dental Studio are done under local anesthetic in 45 to 60 minutes, including numbing time. Dr. Patel or Dr. Whitfield reviews your X-ray first and will tell you plainly if the tooth can be saved instead; an extraction is the last option, not the first.
How it works
What to expect
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Exam and X-ray (15 minutes)
A digital X-ray shows the root shape and nearby structures. You get a written cost quote and a chance to ask questions before anything starts.
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Numbing (10 to 15 minutes)
Local anesthetic around the tooth, with a second check before work begins. You feel pressure during the procedure, not pain.
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The extraction (5 to 30 minutes)
A loose or single-rooted tooth can be out in minutes; a broken or multi-rooted tooth takes longer. Stitches are placed if needed.
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Aftercare review (10 minutes)
You bite on gauze while we go over written aftercare: what to eat, how to protect the clot, and when to call us.
Before your extraction
- Eat a normal meal 1 to 2 hours before, unless you were told to fast for sedation.
- Bring a list of current medications; blood thinners can require coordination with your physician.
- Arrange a ride home if you choose sedation; local anesthetic alone leaves you fine to drive.
- Stock soft foods for 2 to 3 days: yogurt, eggs, and soup that is warm, not hot.
- Plan not to smoke for at least 72 hours after; smoking is a leading cause of dry socket.
Cost
Extraction pricing
From $180
A routine extraction starts at $180, with a written quote after your X-ray; surgical extractions cost more and are quoted before you commit. We accept 8 insurance plans including Delta Dental, Cigna, and MetLife, and we file claims the same day.
Extraction questions
Does an extraction hurt?
You feel pressure but not pain during the procedure. Afterward, most patients manage with over the counter ibuprofen or acetaminophen for 2 to 3 days.
What is dry socket and how do I avoid it?
A dry socket is a lost blood clot in the healing site, and it hurts. Skip straws, smoking, and vigorous rinsing for 72 hours; those three cause most cases.
How long does healing take?
The gum closes over in 1 to 2 weeks; the bone underneath fills in over 3 to 6 months. Most people return to work or school the next day.
What are my options for replacing the tooth?
A dental implant (from $3,200), a bridge, or a partial denture (from $1,400). Dr. Patel or Dr. Whitfield will go over timing at your visit; implants are often placed about 3 months after an extraction.
Get the tooth looked at first
An exam and X-ray tell you whether the tooth can be saved. Book online or call (512) 555-0142.