Toothaches & Extractions
When a tooth hurts, the first job is finding out why and getting you comfortable. Taking it out is the last resort, not the first.
What it is
A toothache has causes — decay into the nerve, a crack, an abscess, a tooth pushing where there isn't room. What we do about it depends entirely on which one it is, which is why the first visit is about finding out.
Sometimes the answer is a filling. Sometimes it's a root canal to save the tooth. Sometimes the tooth is too far gone and coming out is genuinely the kindest thing.
If it does need to come out, we'll tell you what your options are for the gap before we do it, not after.
What happens when you come in
- Where and when it hurtsHot, cold, chewing, at night, constant or comes and goes. It narrows things down more than you'd think.
- Look and imageThe tooth, the ones either side, and under the surface.
- The optionsWhat can be saved, what can't, and what each path involves — including doing nothing for now, if that's reasonable.
- Getting comfortableWe don't start until the area is properly numb. If you can still feel it, say so and we'll wait.
This might be for you if
- A tooth is aching, throbbing, or waking you up
- It hurts to bite down on one side
- Hot or cold sets off pain that lingers
- You've been told a tooth needs to come out and want another look first
None of this is a diagnosis — it’s just what tends to bring people in. If you’re not sure whether it applies to you, call and ask.
Questions people ask
Will you pull it the same day?
Sometimes, if that's clearly the right answer and you want it done. Often the better move is to settle the pain first and do the work when you're not in the middle of it.
I'm frightened of the needle.
Tell us before we start rather than after. There's a lot we can do about how this goes, and none of it works if we don't know.
What happens to the gap?
Depends where it is. Some gaps genuinely don't need filling; others affect your bite over time. We'll walk through the options and what each one involves before you decide.
What it costs
We can’t put a number on this page honestly — it depends on your mouth and your plan. What we can tell you is how it works: we look first, we explain what we think you need, and you get the cost in writing before anything starts. We don’t begin work you haven’t agreed to, and we won’t pressure you into treatment you don’t need.
We're out of network with all insurances. We do file your claims as a courtesy, so the paperwork isn't left to you — but what your plan pays back is between you and them, and we won't guess at a number. Bring your plan and we'll tell you what we know before anything starts.
CareCredit and Sunbit are available if you’d rather spread the cost. If you’d like to ask before you come in, call (903) 856-6688.
Ready when you are
We’ll greet you by name, explain things clearly, and never rush you.