You shouldn’t feel pain during the procedure. We numb the area with local anesthesia, so you may notice pressure but not sharp pain. Some soreness afterward is normal, and your dentist will give you a plan to keep it manageable.

Most people feel noticeably better within a few days and are back to normal activities in about 3 to 7 days, depending on how complex the extraction was. Swelling and soreness tend to peak in the first two to three days. To help things along:

• Use cold compresses during the first day or so.
• Stick to soft foods, and skip straws, smoking, and hard rinsing.
• Follow the aftercare instructions we send home with you.

The gum and bone take longer to heal fully, but you won’t feel that in your daily life.

Dry socket happens when the blood clot over the extraction site comes loose or dissolves too soon, leaving bone and nerve exposed. It causes throbbing pain that usually shows up a few days after surgery and doesn’t ease with ordinary pain relievers. To lower your risk, avoid smoking, straws, and spitting, and eat soft foods for the first few days. If your pain suddenly gets worse a few days in, call our Braeswood office so we can treat it.

The cost depends on how many teeth are coming out, how deeply they’re impacted, and the type of anesthesia used. A simple extraction costs less than a surgical removal of impacted teeth. Before any treatment begins, we’ll walk you through a clear plan and cost estimate, and our team can help you check your insurance coverage.