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Extractions

General and Cosmetic Dentistry located in Houston and Pearland, TX

Extractions services offered in Houston and Pearland, TX


Extractions can help prevent common oral health problems like deep cavities and impacted wisdom teeth. At TLN Family Dental, general and cosmetic dentists Tammeka Nickleberry, DDS, Esther Oluwo, DDS, Taylor Provost, DDS, and Precious Ude, DDS, boast years of experience performing simple and surgical extractions. To make an appointment, call the nearest office in Houston or Pearland, Texas, or book online today.

Extractions Q&A


What are extractions?

An extraction is an outpatient procedure that removes a tooth. Before treatment begins, your TLN Family Dental provider administers a local anesthetic, ensuring the process is comfortable and painless.

Why would I need extractions?

TLN Family Dental performs extractions for various reasons, including:

  • Excessive tooth decay
  • Orthodontic treatment
  • Crowding
  • Impacted wisdom teeth
  • Gum disease

Depending on your oral health needs, you may benefit from extractions at TLN Family Dental. 

How do I prepare for extractions?

Before recommending extractions, your TLN Family Dental provider reviews your dental records and performs an oral exam. It’s important to let your provider know if you have any underlying health problems, like heart disease or diabetes. These conditions won’t prevent you from getting extractions, but they may increase the risk of complications.

What are the types of extractions?

TLN Family Dental performs several types of extractions, including:

Simple extractions

If you have a tooth that’s above the gum line and easy to access, your dentist performs a simple extraction.

First, they numb your mouth with a local anesthetic. Then, they loosen your tooth and remove it. Your provider fills the empty socket with gauze and provides care instructions.

Surgical extractions

If you have an impacted wisdom tooth or another tooth that’s hard to access, your dentist performs a surgical extraction. 

First, they numb your mouth with a local anesthetic. Then, they make a small incision above the tooth and separate it into several pieces. Your dentist removes each piece of the tooth, closes the incision, and stuffs the empty socket with gauze.

What is recovery like after extractions?

After extractions, you may experience swelling, increased sensitivity, or bleeding once the anesthesia wears off. Get plenty of rest during the first 24 hours and stay hydrated. It’s also important to take any medication as prescribed and eat soft foods, like eggs or soup, for the first few days.

You can return to work and other activities within a day. However, you should avoid strenuous activities until your mouth fully heals.

To see if you’re a candidate for extractions, make an appointment at TLN Family Dental by calling the nearest office or booking online today.