Tooth Extractions & Wisdom Teeth in Pflugerville, TX
A tooth extraction removes a tooth that is too damaged, infected or crowded to keep. At Radiant Dentistry ATX in Pflugerville, Dr. Richa Wahi performs simple and many surgical extractions, including wisdom teeth, under local anesthetic with nitrous oxide available, and refers complex impactions to a trusted oral surgeon. Same-day visits are available for painful teeth.
In the Austin area a simple extraction commonly runs $150–$350 and a surgical extraction $300–$650. Most PPO plans cover 70–80%. Exact quote after your X-ray. Insurance & financing.
When a tooth needs to come out
Saving a tooth is always the first choice, and a root canal or crown rescues most of the teeth people assume are lost. An extraction is the right answer when there is not enough tooth left to restore, a crack runs below the gumline, an infection has destroyed the bone around the root, advanced gum disease has loosened the tooth, or a wisdom tooth is damaging its neighbour. Baby teeth that refuse to fall out, and teeth removed to make space for straightening, are the other common reasons. Dr. Wahi shows you the X-ray and explains why before anything is decided.
Simple vs. surgical extractions
A simple extraction is a tooth that is fully through the gum and can be loosened and lifted out with instruments, usually in 20 to 30 minutes under local anesthetic. A surgical extraction involves a small incision in the gum, sometimes removing a little bone or dividing the tooth into pieces: for broken-off teeth, teeth with curved roots, and wisdom teeth that are partly covered by gum. We do both in the office. Deeply impacted wisdom teeth, or roots lying against the nerve in the lower jaw, are referred to an oral surgeon. The ADA’s guide to wisdom teeth explains why they so often need removing.
What happens at the appointment
- X-ray and plan. A digital X-ray shows the roots and the bone; a panoramic image for wisdom teeth.
- Numbing. Local anesthetic, with nitrous oxide if you want it. We check the tooth is completely numb before starting.
- The extraction. Pressure and some noise, but no pain. Most teeth are out within minutes.
- Care of the socket. Gauze to form the clot, a bone graft if an implant is planned, and stitches when needed.
- Written aftercare and a direct number if anything worries you that evening.
Aftercare: the first 72 hours
Bite on the gauze for 30 to 45 minutes, then leave the clot alone. For three days: no smoking, straws, spitting or hard rinsing, and nothing hot the first day. Eat soft food on the other side, sleep with your head slightly raised, and take ibuprofen or acetaminophen before the numbness wears off. Swelling peaks on day two or three and a cold pack helps. Call us for bleeding that will not stop with pressure, swelling that grows after day three, or pain that gets worse instead of better. The ADA’s extraction aftercare page lists the same advice.
Replacing the tooth
Apart from wisdom teeth, a gap is rarely something to leave. Neighbouring teeth tip into it, the opposing tooth grows down, and the bone shrinks within a year. We plan the replacement before the extraction, whether that is a dental implant, a bridge or a partial denture, so the timing works and the bone is preserved where it matters.
Cost and insurance
A simple extraction commonly runs $150 to $350 in the Austin area and a surgical extraction $300 to $650, depending on the tooth; a bone graft is quoted separately. Most PPO plans cover extractions at 70 to 80% as a basic service, and some cover wisdom teeth under medical insurance. We verify your benefits and give you the number before we start. For a painful tooth without insurance, the $99 emergency exam covers the diagnosis, and the extraction is quoted at that visit.
Serving Pflugerville, Wells Branch, Round Rock, North Austin, Hutto and Manor from our office just east of I-35 on Wells Branch Pkwy, with free parking at the door. Directions and hours.
Tooth Extractions: your questions answered
You feel pressure but not pain: the area is fully numbed first, and we do not start until it is. Nitrous oxide is available if you are anxious. Afterwards, expect soreness for two to three days, managed with ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
Yes, in the office when they have come through or are only partly covered by gum. Deeply impacted wisdom teeth, or roots close to the nerve, are referred to an oral surgeon we trust. A panoramic X-ray tells us which applies.
The socket closes over in one to two weeks and the bone underneath fills in over a few months. Most people are back to work or school the next day after a simple extraction, and within two to three days after a surgical one.
Dry socket is when the blood clot in the socket is lost early, exposing bone and causing a throbbing ache around day three. Avoid smoking, straws, spitting and vigorous rinsing for the first 72 hours. If it happens, come in: a medicated dressing relieves it quickly.
Neighbouring teeth drift into gaps and the bone shrinks, so we talk about replacement before the tooth comes out: an implant, a bridge, a partial denture, or nothing at all for wisdom teeth and some crowded cases. A bone graft at the time of extraction keeps the implant option open.
Often, yes. If you are in pain, call and we will see you the same day, take an X-ray and, where the infection allows, remove the tooth at that visit. Some infected teeth need antibiotics first.
Often considered together
Emergency Dentist
Same-day care for toothache, broken teeth, swelling and lost fillings — call and we'll get you comfortable fast.
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Dental Implants
A permanent, natural-looking replacement for a missing tooth — and the only option that protects the bone underneath.
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Dentures
Custom full, partial or implant-supported dentures that fit securely and look like your own teeth.
Learn moreWhat our patients say
“Best dental clinic experience I've had in Austin. Appointments are smooth and quick, staff are professional and friendly, and Dr. Wahi is amazing!!! Highly recommend.
“Saw me same day on a Saturday and was very informative and accommodating and made sure I was comfortable. I never leave reviews but this was a great experience will be back for all my dental needs
“Great first visit! Super kind dental staff and no upselling. After having a horrible experience at a prior dentist this one made feel comfortable and taken care of!
Ready to talk about tooth extractions?
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