We do everything in our power here at The Dental Specialists to help our little patients preserve all of their natural teeth for as long as possible, but sometimes, a tooth may simply be beyond repair. When this is the case, an extraction is usually the best option, and we go above and beyond to make the process comfortable and stress-free for both children and parents. If you believe your child might need an extraction, we’ll make it as easy as possible, so contact us today to schedule an appointment to learn more about tooth extractions in Garland, TX.
I can’t say enough good things! My daughter has sensory issues and the entire staff is so understanding and patient with her. She ha a million questions at every step, it helps her process and be more ok with everything - everyone is so kind and just good with her. Garland is a bit of a far drive but I happily make my way over every six months. Each visit my daughter gets more and more comfortable, which is amazing!
- Stephany J.
Love this office, been here for years. There was an insurance issue for one of my daughters this week but Rachel did everything she could to help me resolve it over the phone and in person is always so sweet to my girls. Very helpful, knowledgeable and kind. We will always come back to this office :)
- Cubbie T.
From Greet to Service the Team did an amazing job. Kids usually afraid of the dentist. They made our daughter feel comfortable and she enjoyed her dental visit. Absolute professional staff.
- Tan N..
Why Choose The Dental Specialists Pediatric Dentistry
for Tooth Extractions?
Same-Day Emergency Appointments Available
Friendly Team Led by 2 Board-Certified Pediatric Dentists
Reasons for Kids’ Tooth Extractions
Decay: If a cavity has already damaged most of a tooth, and the infection is about to
spread to the surrounding teeth, we will remove the tooth.
Trauma: Teeth can be broken to the point that the remaining enamel can’t be trusted
to support a filling or crown.
Orthodontics: Extremely crowded teeth need room to move in response to orthodontics, and an
extraction can sometimes be necessary to create enough space.
The Tooth Extraction Process
We’ll give your child a thorough examination and consider all other restorative options before we
recommend a tooth extraction. For the procedure itself, we’ll numb your child’s mouth, gently wiggle
the tooth back and forth, and it will painlessly slide out on its own. For teeth that are still trapped below
the gum line, we may need to perform a surgical extraction, which involves making a small incision in the gums
and bone so we can safely access the tooth.
What to Expect
1
Schedule Your Visit
Call or fill out our form to book your child's appointment.
2
Comprehensive Exam
We'll gently examine your child's teeth and discuss their oral health needs.
3
Personalized Plan
We'll create a customized plan to keep your child's smile healthy and strong.
4
Comfortable Care
Experience a supportive, stress-free environment every step of the way.
Aftercare for Your Child’s Tooth Extraction
While your child likely won’t feel anything during their extraction, a little swelling, tenderness, and
bleeding can be expected afterward. Make sure your child takes the rest of the day off to relax, as this will
allow a blood clot to form over the treatment area, which is essential for healing. Don’t let them spit,
drink with a straw, or eat anything that requires a lot of chewing for the first 24 to 48 hours.
Understanding the Cost of Tooth Extractions
If your child needs a tooth extracted, it’s normal to wonder ‘how much does it cost to pull a
tooth?’. However, because there are many important factors that can affect the price, it is impossible to
give an accurate quote without examining the tooth or teeth in person. To that end, please schedule an
appointment with us at your earliest convenience. Your child’s dentist can take a closer look at their
smile and customize a treatment plan that includes the exact price of the extraction. In the meantime, please
feel free to take a closer look at how we determine the cost of tooth extractions at The Dental Specialists
Pediatric Dentistry.
Factors That Can Affect Tooth Extraction Cost
It is difficult to determine the exact cost of a tooth extraction until your child’s dentist has had
the opportunity to assess the tooth or teeth in question. That’s because there are several important
factors that can influence the total amount, including:
The type and location of the tooth, and how many teeth need to be extracted.
The overall difficulty of the extraction itself, and whether we’ll need to bring in a specialist
to assist with the procedure.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Tooth Extractions?
In most cases, dental insurance will cover tooth extractions at around 50% of the total cost after your
deductible has been met. However, there may be limits in place that cover only a certain number of teeth, or
a waiting period before your coverage takes full effect. Because every plan is different, it is extremely
important to confirm your coverage with your insurance company first. Our friendly insurance team is also
happy to assist you with this process if you’d like us to!
Other Options for Making Tooth Extractions Affordable
In addition to being an in-network provider for a variety of popular dental insurance plans, we also
welcome Medicaid plans from MCNA and Dentaquest, as well as flexible financing from CareCredit.
These plans are an excellent way to break up the cost of your child’s dental treatment into multiple,
low-to-no-interest monthly payments that may be better suited to your budget.
At The Dental Specialists Pediatric Dentistry, our team is ready to assist your child with their tooth
extraction. We’re here to help you and your family navigate the cost of this treatment, so please feel
free to contact us with any questions or concerns. We can’t wait to see your child smile!
Tooth Extractions FAQs
Is There an Alternative to Tooth Extraction?
While the preservation of the patient’s natural teeth is one of the primary goals of pediatric
dentistry, there are cases where it is necessary to remove one tooth to protect the health of the rest of
the mouth. We offer several ways to address dental damage and infection and prevent tooth loss, including:
Pulp therapy: These treatments can treat the soft tissue inside a tooth if it is
damaged.
Tooth-colored fillings: These can eliminate infected material and restore the structure
and strength of a decayed tooth.
Metal-free crowns: These devices can rebuild teeth damaged by injury or decay.
That being said, if one of the dentists at The Dental Specialists Pediatric Dentistry recommends tooth
extraction for your child, you can rest assured that all alternative treatments have been eliminated and
tooth removal is the best course for your child’s oral health.
What Is Recovering After Tooth Extraction Like?
The team at The Dental Specialists
Pediatric Dentistry will be happy to provide you with a detailed list of aftercare instructions that will
help your child stay comfortable while healing after tooth extraction. These will probably include:
Getting plenty of rest
Not poking at or otherwise disturbing the blood clot forming over the surgical wound
Refraining from spitting or drinking through straws, as these actions can break the clot protecting the
surgical wound and lead to a painful condition called dry socket.
Practicing excellent oral hygiene after receiving approval to brush and floss.
Rinsing with a solution of salt and water to reduce irritation and inflammation.
Changing gauze as necessary
Addressing discomfort with over-the-counter pain medication and cold compresses.
Sticking to a soft diet.
Your child should start feeling better after about three days, but contact our office if their pain seems to
be getting worse or if you notice signs of infection like fever, fatigue, or chills.
What Risks Are Involved with Tooth Extractions?
Tooth extractions are considered extremely safe, but there are a few risks to keep in mind. If the surgical
wound isn’t properly cared for, it can become infected, which may lead to dangerous secondary
infections if the issue is not addressed in time. Dry socket is a severely painful condition that can happen
if the blood clot forming over the surgical wound is broken or disturbed, and it can leave the patient more
susceptible to infection. To prevent these issues, make sure your child adheres to the detailed set of
aftercare instructions we will be sure to provide.
Meet the Dentist
Dr. Lucely Santillan
Board-certified Pediatric Dentist
Dr. Lucely Santillan is a pediatric dentist in Garland dedicated to helping children achieve healthy smiles.
Inspired to pursue dentistry through volunteer work with Texas Mission of Mercy, she earned her degree from
Texas A&M College of Dentistry and completed specialized training in pediatric dentistry and special needs
care. She also serves as a part-time Clinical Assistant Professor, is fluent in Spanish, and enjoys spending
time with family, traveling, cooking, and exploring new restaurants.