Dr. Hickson may recommend extraction when a tooth is severely damaged by decay or trauma, infected beyond repair, causing crowding, or impacted (like wisdom teeth). Extractions are always a last resort - we explore all options to save your natural tooth first, but sometimes removal is the best choice for your overall oral health.

We use local anesthesia to numb the area completely, so you shouldn't feel pain during the procedure - only pressure. After the anesthesia wears off, you may experience some discomfort, but this is manageable with prescribed or over-the-counter pain medication. Most patients report the procedure is much easier than they expected.

A simple extraction is performed on a tooth that's visible above the gumline and can be removed in one piece. Dr. Hickson gently loosens and lifts the tooth out. A surgical extraction is needed when a tooth is broken at the gumline, hasn't erupted, or requires removal of bone tissue. This involves a small incision in the gum tissue.

Initial healing typically takes 1-2 weeks, though complete bone healing can take several months. Most patients return to normal activities within a few days. We'll provide detailed aftercare instructions and follow up to ensure proper healing. Following post-operative instructions carefully promotes faster, more comfortable recovery.

Bite gently on gauze for 30-45 minutes to control bleeding. Rest for the first 24 hours and avoid strenuous activity. Don't smoke, use straws, or rinse vigorously - these can dislodge the blood clot. Eat soft foods, take prescribed medications, and gently rinse with warm salt water after 24 hours. Contact us if you experience severe pain, excessive bleeding, or signs of infection.

We typically recommend wisdom teeth removal when they're impacted, causing pain or infection, damaging adjacent teeth, or creating crowding. Many people have their wisdom teeth removed in their late teens or early twenties. Dr. Hickson will monitor your wisdom teeth and recommend removal if they pose problems or are likely to cause issues in the future.

Dry socket occurs when the blood clot at the extraction site becomes dislodged, exposing bone and nerves. This causes significant pain 3-4 days after extraction. Prevent it by not smoking, avoiding straws, not rinsing vigorously for 24 hours, and following all post-operative instructions. If you suspect dry socket, contact us immediately for treatment.

Stick to soft foods for the first few days - yogurt, smoothies, mashed potatoes, eggs, and soup are good choices. Avoid hot foods initially and chew on the opposite side of your mouth. Gradually reintroduce normal foods as healing progresses. Avoid hard, crunchy, sticky, or spicy foods until the extraction site has healed completely.

Dr. Hickson can discuss several replacement options including dental implants, bridges, or partial dentures. Replacing missing teeth prevents neighboring teeth from shifting, maintains your bite alignment, and restores function and appearance. We'll help you choose the best solution based on your specific situation, budget, and goals.

Extraction costs vary depending on whether it's a simple or surgical extraction and the tooth's location. Many dental insurance plans cover a significant portion of medically necessary extractions. Our team will provide a detailed cost estimate and discuss your insurance coverage and payment options before proceeding with treatment.

We prescribe antibiotics when there's an existing infection or if you have certain medical conditions that increase infection risk. For routine extractions in healthy patients, antibiotics usually aren't necessary. Dr. Hickson will evaluate your individual situation and prescribe antibiotics if they're needed to ensure proper healing.

If you receive only local anesthesia, you can typically drive yourself home. However, if sedation is used, you'll need someone to drive you home and stay with you for a few hours. We'll discuss anesthesia options during your consultation and let you know what arrangements you'll need to make for your procedure day.