Caring For Your Mouth:
A Dental Extraction Guide
for Relief and Recovery
Welcome to Dougherty Cosmetic Dentistry, where Dr. Larry Dougherty and his dedicated team provide comprehensive dental care, including dental extractions, in Garden Ridge, TX. Dental extractions, including wisdom teeth removal, are sometimes necessary to maintain oral health.
Is an Extraction Right For Me?

To Start Your Smile Journey Fill Out the Form Below
When is a tooth extraction necessary?
Extraction is necessary when a tooth is severely damaged or decayed beyond repair. Common reasons for extraction include significant tooth decay, advanced periodontal disease, or a broken tooth that cannot be restored with a crown or filling. Additionally, extractions are commonly done for impacted wisdom teeth that cause pain or crowd other teeth. Dr. Dougherty will assess your oral health and recommend extraction if it is the best choice for maintaining your overall dental health.
Are extractions only considered as a last resort?
Yes, extractions are typically considered a last resort. We prioritize preserving your natural teeth whenever possible. Extractions are only recommended when other treatments, such as fillings, crowns, or root canals, cannot save the tooth. We will thoroughly evaluate your condition and discuss all possible treatment options with you. If extraction is deemed the best option, we will ensure the procedure is as painless and stress-free as possible. Additionally, we will discuss tooth replacement options if needed.
Will dental insurance cover a dental extraction?
Most dental insurance plans cover dental extractions, mainly when considered medically necessary. The coverage can vary depending on your insurance provider and specific plan. Our knowledgeable staff can help you understand your insurance benefits and provide a detailed cost estimate before the procedure. We are committed to making dental care as affordable and accessible as possible.

Our Mission
We are proud to serve our patients with the highest quality dental care. We strive to deliver a personalized healthcare experience in a comfortable environment to all of our patients.
Meet Our Providers
If you want to know MORE ABOUT THE TEAM, a description of the providers are:

Larry Dougherty, DDS
Larry Dougherty of Garden Ridge is the owner and lead dentist at Dougherty Cosmetic Dentistry. He earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from Nova Southeastern University College of Dental Medicine in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. As a dental student, he was awarded the College of Dental Medicine Service Award for his commitment to welcoming all prospective students interviewing for dental school.
While serving as Chair of the San Antonio District Dental Society New Dentist Committee, Dr. Dougherty won an award from the American Dental Association for Outstanding Program by creating a Fantasy Football league involving members and sponsors.

Kelsey Edmondson, DDS, MS
Dr. Kelsey Edmondson was born and raised in Houston, TX and obtained her bachelor’s degree in Human Biology from The University of Texas at Austin. She then attended The University of Texas School of Dentistry at Houston where she received her Doctorate in Dental Surgery.
After graduation from dental school, Dr. Edmondson completed three years of post-graduate surgical training and received her Master of Science degree and earned a Certificate in Periodontics from The University of Texas School of Dentistry at Houston.

Richard D’Avanzo, DMD
Dr. D’Avanzo is a Board Certified Orthodontist. He graduated from Albright College with a degree in biology and then obtained his DMD degree from Fairleigh Dickinson School of Dental Medicine.
He also obtained his Master of Science degree in oral biology from Temple University School of Dentistry with a specialty in orthodontics.

Robert Busch, DMD, MD
Dr. Robert Busch is a board-certified dental surgeon. He earned his dental degree from the University of Florida College of Dentistry before completing medical school at the University of Texas Southwestern. He went on to complete a general surgery internship followed by a residency in oral and maxillofacial surgery at UT Southwestern.
In addition, Dr. Busch trained at the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, further strengthening his clinical and scientific expertise.
His work as a dental surgeon includes everything from single-tooth implants to full-arch restorations (All-on-4®). Dr. Busch also offers a comprehensive range of anesthetic options to ensure patient comfort throughout every stage of treatment.
