Gentle, same-day tooth removal in Richmond, TX. Simple extractions, surgical extractions, and wisdom tooth removal all performed in-house.
A tooth extraction, also referred to as dental removal of teeth or a dental extraction, is the procedure of removing a tooth from its socket in the jawbone. It is one of the most common procedures in tooth extraction dentistry and is performed both as a planned treatment and as an emergency intervention.
Extractions fall into two categories: simple and surgical. A simple extraction is performed on a tooth that is fully visible above the gumline and can be loosened and removed with forceps. A surgical extraction is needed when the tooth is broken below the gumline, has curved or fused roots, or has not fully erupted from the gum tissue.
There are several clinical reasons why dental extractions are recommended. Dr. Unegbu recommends tooth removal only when preserving the tooth is no longer viable or safe. The most common reasons include:
When decay has destroyed too much of the tooth structure for a filling or crown to restore it, extraction is the safest option. Leaving a heavily decayed tooth in place risks spreading infection to adjacent teeth and the jawbone.
If a tooth infection has progressed beyond what a root canal can resolve, or if the infection is spreading to surrounding bone and tissue, tooth removal stops the spread. Dental abscesses that are not treated promptly can become systemic infections.
Periodontal disease in advanced stages breaks down the bone and tissue supporting the tooth. When a tooth becomes loose due to bone loss, extraction removes the source of infection and prepares the area for future restorative treatment.
A tooth that has fractured at or below the gumline cannot support a crown or filling. Dental extraction is typically the only option when the fracture extends into the root.
Orthodontists sometimes request the extraction of one or more teeth before braces or Invisalign to create the space needed for proper alignment. This is planned tooth extraction dentistry as part of a broader treatment plan.
Understanding the difference between the two types of dental extractions helps set realistic expectations for your appointment and recovery.
| Simple Extraction | Surgical Extraction |
Best for | Fully erupted, visible tooth with intact crown | Impacted, broken below gumline, or complex root structure |
Anesthesia | Local anesthetic only | Local anesthetic. Sedation available |
Incision needed | No | Yes. Small incision in gum tissue |
Time in chair | 20 to 40 minutes | 45 to 90 minutes depending on complexity |
Recovery | 2 to 5 days | 5 to 10 days. Longer for impacted wisdom teeth |
Cost range | $150 to $300 per tooth | $250 to $600 per tooth |
Stitches | Usually not required | Often required. Dissolvable in most cases |
Wisdom tooth removal is one of the most requested extractions in Richmond, TX. Most people develop four wisdom teeth (third molars) between the ages of 17 and 25. Because the jaw often does not have enough room for them, they frequently become impacted.
How long wisdom tooth removal takes depends on how many teeth are being removed, whether they are impacted, and how deeply they are positioned in the bone.
Plan to spend approximately 60 to 90 minutes at the practice for a single wisdom tooth. If you are having all four removed in one appointment, allow two hours including the pre-procedure consultation and post-procedure instructions.
Recovery from wisdom tooth removal typically involves three to five days of swelling and tenderness, with most patients returning to normal activity within a week. We provide sedation options for patients who are anxious about the procedure.
Some tooth extractions cannot wait. You need same-day or emergency tooth extraction in Richmond, TX if you experience any of the following:
Do not wait on dental infections. An untreated dental abscess can spread to the jaw, sinuses, or bloodstream. Call us at (346) 843-8743 immediately. My Glow Up Dentistry sees urgent cases as quickly as possible, including same-day appointments for patients in pain.
Following your dentist’s aftercare instructions is the most important factor in tooth extraction recovery. Here is a week-by-week guide.
Timeframe | Do this | Avoid this |
First 1 hour | Bite firmly on gauze. Rest with head elevated | Talking, eating, drinking |
Hours 1 to 24 | Ice pack 20 mins on/off. Take medication as prescribed. Soft cool foods only | Straws, smoking, alcohol, hot food or drinks, rinsing forcefully |
Day 2 to 3 | Warm salt water rinse gently (start at 24 hrs). Soft foods. Keep the area clean | Exercise, heavy lifting, chewing on the extraction side |
Day 4 to 7 | Expand diet gradually as comfort allows. Continue gentle rinsing | Hard, crunchy, or sticky foods until cleared |
Week 2+ | Return to normal activity. Follow up if advised | Ignore unusual pain, swelling, or bleeding. Call us if concerned |
Dry socket (alveolar osteitis) is the most common complication after a tooth extraction. It occurs when the blood clot that forms in the socket is dislodged or dissolves prematurely, leaving the bone exposed. Pain typically begins two to four days after extraction and is sharper and more radiating than normal post-extraction soreness.
If you develop dry socket, call us at (346) 843-8743. Dr. Unegbu will place a medicated dressing in the socket that provides rapid relief. Most patients feel significantly better within hours of treatment.
The moment a tooth is removed, the jawbone at that site begins to resorb. Within months, significant bone volume can be lost, which affects both the shape of your face and your options for tooth replacement.
Socket preservation, also called a ridge preservation graft, is a procedure performed at the time of extraction. Bone graft material is placed in the socket before it closes, preserving the bone structure needed for a future dental implant in Richmond, TX.
If you are considering an implant to replace the extracted tooth, socket preservation is strongly recommended. It is far simpler and less costly to preserve the bone at extraction than to rebuild it later with a larger graft.
Leaving an extracted tooth unreplaced leads to bone loss, shifting of adjacent teeth, and changes to your bite. Tooth replacement after extraction is almost always recommended. Here are your options at My Glow Up Dentistry in Richmond, TX:
Dental Implant is the gold standard for replacing a missing tooth. A titanium post is placed in the jawbone and topped with a custom crown. Implants look, feel, and function like natural teeth and are the only option that prevents jawbone loss. Treatment typically takes three to six months from extraction to final crown.
A fixed dental bridge uses the teeth adjacent to the gap as anchors to support an artificial tooth in between. No surgery required. A good option for patients who are not candidates for implants or prefer a faster result.
A removable partial denture replaces one or more missing teeth. It is the most affordable option and can be fabricated quickly. Long-term it does not prevent bone loss the way an implant does.
We discuss replacement options at your extraction appointment so you leave with a full plan, not just a gap. Call (346) 843-8743 to book a consultation.
The cost of tooth extraction in Richmond, TX depends on the type of extraction, the complexity of the case, the tooth’s position, and your insurance coverage. General price ranges in the area are:
Most PPO dental insurance plans cover simple extractions at 80 percent and surgical extractions at 50 percent after the deductible. We accept Delta Dental, Cigna, Aetna, MetLife, Guardian, BCBS Texas, and most major PPO plans. CareCredit and flexible payment plans are available for patients without insurance or with remaining out-of-pocket costs.
We provide a full itemized cost estimate and insurance verification before your procedure. No surprises.
Dr. Ginger Unegbu, DDS, is a Board-eligible dentist with hands-on training in both simple and surgical tooth extractions in Richmond, TX. As a member of the Academy of General Dentistry and the International Dental Implant Association, she brings current clinical practice to every case.
If you are in pain or have been told you need a tooth extraction in Richmond, TX, do not wait. The earlier an infected or damaged tooth is removed, the simpler the procedure and the better the outcome.
Call (346) 843-8743 or book online. Visit Glow Up Dentistry at 10310 W Grand Pkwy S Suite 202, Richmond, TX 77406. Same-day appointments available. Dr. Unegbu is accepting new patients.
The most common reasons for dental extractions include severe tooth decay that cannot be restored with a filling or crown, a tooth infection or abscess that has not responded to root canal treatment, advanced gum disease causing tooth looseness, a cracked or fractured tooth below the gumline, impacted wisdom teeth causing pain or crowding, overcrowding before orthodontic treatment, and retained baby teeth blocking permanent teeth from erupting. Dr. Unegbu recommends tooth removal only when saving the tooth is no longer clinically viable.
How long wisdom tooth removal takes depends on the number of teeth, their position, and whether they are impacted. A single erupted wisdom tooth takes 20 to 40 minutes. A single impacted wisdom tooth takes 45 to 75 minutes. All four wisdom teeth at once typically takes 60 to 120 minutes. Plan to spend 60 to 90 minutes at our Richmond, TX office for a single tooth and allow two hours if all four are being removed at one appointment.
Initial soft tissue healing after a tooth extraction takes 7 to 14 days. The socket closes and most discomfort resolves within this period. Full bone healing of the socket takes 3 to 6 months. For wisdom tooth removal, most patients feel close to normal within 5 to 7 days. Socket preservation grafts do not significantly change the surface healing timeline.
No. Modern tooth extraction dentistry uses effective local anesthetics that numb the tooth, gum, and surrounding bone completely before the procedure begins. You will feel pressure and movement during the extraction but no pain. Mild to moderate soreness is normal after the anesthesia wears off and is managed with over-the-counter or prescribed pain medication. Sedation is available for anxious patients.
Dry socket (alveolar osteitis) occurs when the blood clot in the extraction socket is dislodged before the wound heals, exposing the underlying bone. It causes sharp, radiating pain starting two to four days after extraction. It is treated with a medicated dressing placed in the socket by your dentist. Pain relief is usually rapid. Avoiding straws, smoking, and forceful rinsing in the first 72 hours are the most effective prevention measures.
Yes, in most cases. After tooth removal, the surrounding teeth tend to shift toward the gap over time, the opposing tooth can over-erupt, and the jawbone at the extraction site begins to resorb. Replacement options include dental implants, dental bridges, and partial dentures. Dental implants are the only option that prevents bone loss. Dr. Unegbu discusses replacement options at every extraction appointment.
For the first 24 hours after a dental extraction, stick to cold or room-temperature soft foods: yogurt, smoothies, ice cream, applesauce, and soft mashed foods. Avoid hot foods, hard foods, and anything that requires chewing near the extraction site. Most patients can gradually expand their diet from day three onward as comfort allows. Dr. Unegbu provides specific dietary guidance based on the type of extraction performed.
Your dentist determines this from an examination and X-rays. A simple extraction is used when the tooth is fully visible above the gumline and has a straightforward root structure. A surgical extraction is required when the tooth is impacted, has broken below the gumline, has curved or fused roots, or cannot be accessed without making an incision in the gum tissue. Most impacted wisdom teeth require surgical extraction.
Most PPO dental insurance plans cover tooth extractions as a basic or major procedure. Simple extractions are typically covered at 80 percent after the deductible. Surgical extractions are often covered at 50 percent. Wisdom tooth removal is generally covered but may be classified as major depending on the plan. My Glow Up Dentistry accepts Delta Dental, Cigna, Aetna, MetLife, Guardian, BCBS Texas, and most major PPO plans. We verify your benefits before your appointment.
Socket preservation (ridge preservation graft) is a procedure performed at the time of extraction where bone graft material is placed in the empty socket to prevent the bone loss that naturally follows tooth removal. It is strongly recommended if you plan to get a dental implant in the future. Preserving the bone at extraction is simpler and less costly than rebuilding it with a larger graft procedure later. Ask Dr. Unegbu whether socket preservation is right for your case at your consultation.
