When a tooth becomes too damaged or decayed to save, a tooth extraction may be necessary to protect your oral health and prevent further complications. You and Dr. Prince or Dr. Papez-Berg may determine you need a tooth extraction in Reno for any number of reasons.
Some teeth are extracted because they are severely decayed; others may have advanced periodontal disease, or have broken in a way cannot be repaired. Other teeth may need removal because they are poorly positioned in the mouth (such as impacted teeth), or in preparation for orthodontic treatment.
The removal of a single tooth can lead to problems related to your chewing ability, problems with your jaw joint, and shifting teeth, which can have a major impact on your dental health.
To avoid these complications, in most cases, our Reno dentists will discuss alternatives to tooth extractions as well as replacement of the extracted tooth.=
At the time of tooth extraction the doctor will need to numb your tooth, jaw bone and gums surrounding the area with a local anesthetic.
During the extraction process you will feel a lot of pressure. This is from the process of firmly rocking the tooth in order to widen the socket for removal.
You feel the pressure without pain as the anesthetic has numbed the nerves stopping the transference of pain, yet the nerves transmit pressure are not profoundly affected.
If you do feel pain at any time during the extraction please let us know right away.
Some teeth require sectioning. This is a very common procedure done when a tooth is so firmly anchored in its socket or the root is curved and the socket can’t expand enough to remove it. The doctor simply cuts the tooth into sections then removes each section one at a time.
After your tooth extraction in Reno, it’s important for a blood clot to form to stop the bleeding and begin the healing process. Bite on a gauze pad for 30-45 minutes immediately after the appointment. If the bleeding or oozing still persists, place another gauze pad and bite firmly for another 30 minutes. You may have to do this several times to staunch the flow of blood.
After the blood clot forms it is important to not disturb or dislodge the clot. Do not rinse vigorously, suck on straws, smoke, drink alcohol or brush teeth next to the extraction site for 72 hours. These activities may dislodge or dissolve the clot and hinder the healing process. Limit vigorous exercise for the next 24 hours, as this increases blood pressure and may cause more bleeding from the extraction site.
After the tooth is extracted you may feel some pain and experience some swelling. An ice pack or an unopened bag of frozen peas or corn applied to the area will keep swelling to a minimum. Take pain medications as prescribed. The swelling usually subsides after 48 hours.
Use pain medication as directed. Call our office if the medication doesn’t seem to be working. If antibiotics are prescribed, continue to take them for the indicated length of time even if signs and symptoms of infection are gone. Drink lots of fluids and eat nutritious, soft food on the day of the extraction. You can eat normally as soon as you are comfortable.
It is important to resume your normal dental routine after 24 hours. This should include brushing and flossing your teeth at least once a day. This will speed healing and help keep your mouth fresh and clean.
After a few days you should feel fine and can resume your normal activities. If you have heavy bleeding, severe pain, continued swelling for 2-3 days, or a reaction to the medication, call our office immediately at (775) 825-6655.
At White Pine Family Dental, tooth extractions cost $304, providing relief from severely damaged, infected, or problematic teeth. Our team ensures your comfort throughout the procedure and provides detailed aftercare instructions for optimal healing. We accept most dental insurance plans including Delta Dental, Guardian, Humana, and Cigna and offer payment options to make this necessary treatment affordable.
Don’t let tooth pain control your life any longer. At White Pine Family Dental, our Reno, NV dentist provides gentle, professional tooth extractions to eliminate your discomfort and protect your overall oral health. Whether you’re dealing with severe decay, infection, or a tooth cannot be saved, we’ll guide you through the entire process with compassion and care. Call us today to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward a pain-free smile.
Tooth extraction costs vary based on procedure complexity, starting around $150-$300 for simple extractions. Simple extractions involve teeth are fully erupted and easily accessible. Surgical extractions, required for impacted or broken teeth, typically range from $225-$600 per tooth. Additional factors affecting cost include necessary X-rays, 3D imaging, tooth location, and whether sedation is used. Most dental insurance plans cover a significant portion of extraction costs, especially when medically necessary. At White Pine Family Dental, we’ll provide detailed cost estimate before your procedure and work with you to find affordable payment solutions fitting your budget. We work with most insurance providers including Delta Dental, Guardian, Humana, and Cigna. Contact us at (775) 871-1186 to discuss your specific situation and payment options.
Most patients feel back to normal within 48-72 hours after simple extraction, though complete jawbone healing takes several weeks. You’ll experience some bleeding for first 24 hours—bite down on gauze as directed to help form protective blood clot. Swelling and discomfort typically peak on day three, but over-the-counter pain medication and ice packs provide effective relief. Stick to soft foods like yogurt, applesauce, and soup for first few days, avoiding anything hard, crunchy, or spicy. Don’t use straws, smoke, or rinse vigorously, as these actions can dislodge blood clot and cause painful dry socket. Follow our post-operative instructions carefully for smoothest, fastest recovery. Contact White Pine Family Dental at (775) 871-1186 if you experience concerning symptoms.
You shouldn’t feel pain during extraction itself because we use local anesthesia to completely numb the affected tooth and surrounding area. If you choose sedation dentistry, you’ll feel even more relaxed and comfortable throughout the procedure. After anesthesia wears off one to two hours later, you may experience some discomfort and swelling, which is normal. Most patients find over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen effectively manage post-extraction discomfort. Day three typically brings the most soreness, but pain steadily decreases after that. At White Pine Family Dental, we provide detailed pain management instructions and prescribe medication if needed to keep you comfortable during recovery. Our team ensures your comfort throughout the entire process. Call (775) 871-1186 to discuss your concerns about pain management.
Tooth extraction becomes necessary when a tooth is too damaged to save through other treatments like fillings, crowns, or root canals. Common reasons include severe tooth decay destroying most of tooth structure, advanced gum disease causing tooth loosening, dental trauma resulting in irreparable fractures, or impacted wisdom teeth causing pain and infection. Overcrowding may require extraction before orthodontic treatment. While our goal is always to preserve your natural teeth whenever possible, extraction prevents infection from spreading, eliminates chronic pain, and protects surrounding teeth from damage. After extraction, we’ll discuss tooth replacement options like dental implants or bridges to restore your smile’s function and appearance.
A simple tooth extraction typically takes 20-40 minutes from start to finish, including time needed for anesthesia to take effect. More complex surgical extractions may require 45-60 minutes or longer, depending on factors like tooth position, root structure, and whether it’s impacted. Multiple extractions performed in one appointment will naturally take more time. Before beginning, we’ll explain exactly what to expect and approximately how long your specific procedure should take. Our team works efficiently while prioritizing your comfort and safety throughout the process. Most patients appreciate tooth extraction is faster than they anticipated, and modern techniques make the experience much more comfortable than many people expect. Schedule your consultation at White Pine Family Dental to discuss your specific situation and timeline.
Monday – Thursday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday – Saturday: 8:00 AM – 3:30 PM
Phone: (775) 825-6655
Fax: (775) 825-8691
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