Is Tooth Extraction Necessary?
- Baby teeth that are not falling out naturally
- Teeth removal for orthodontic purposes
- Teeth that are causing pain or are infected
- Extraction of a fractured tooth
Various situations might necessitate a tooth extraction, such as:
Nevertheless, extraction isn’t always the sole solution. For those experiencing dental pain, there may be options to alleviate discomfort quickly and retain the tooth. Prompt identification is key to these alternatives.
- Intense toothache
- Increased pain with pressure or while chewing
- Jaw stiffness or discomfort
- Swollen gums surrounding a tooth
- Indicators of gum disease like discoloration, bleeding, or unpleasant odour.
Reach out to us if you notice any of these symptoms:
The Treatment Plan
Typically done in a single visit, a tooth extraction is handled by either a dentist or an oral surgeon. Our comprehensive approach includes determining if extraction is necessary, executing the procedure, and offering thorough aftercare guidance:
Looking for Solutions
Our dentists will conduct a detailed assessment of your symptoms and review all possible treatments to find the optimal solution for your dental health, ensuring that extraction is the best and last option.
The Removal Process
To ensure your comfort, a local anesthetic will be applied to numb the extraction site, with sedation available if needed. Our oral surgeons focus on using gentle, minimally invasive techniques for tooth removal. Prioritizing your comfort and promoting a quick recovery are our main goals.
Feeling Better
After the procedure, you’ll receive detailed aftercare instructions, which include:
- Tips for caring for your mouth during the healing process.
- What to anticipate during recovery.
- Steps to take if any complications arise.
We’re pleased to arrange a follow-up appointment to address any further concerns or questions you might have.
Cost Of A Dental Extraction
The cost of tooth extraction varies based on several factors. For those without insurance, you can expect to pay between $200 and $600 or more per tooth. With typical insurance coverage, out-of-pocket expenses usually range from $100 to $200 or higher. We can provide a detailed quote beforehand, allowing you to submit it to your insurance provider to determine your exact out-of-pocket costs.
It’s impossible for any dental practice to give a precise quote over the phone, as a personalized treatment plan can only be devised after an oral examination. However, dental extractions typically fall into two primary categories, helping to give you an idea of the potential costs and reasons for the procedure:
Simple Tooth Extraction
Simple extractions are for teeth that are easily visible and accessible in the mouth. These procedures, usually carried out by a general dentist with local anesthesia, tend to be more affordable due to their straightforward nature and lack of complications.
Surgical Tooth Extraction
Surgical extractions are typically more costly due to the higher level of skill and care required. These procedures are necessary for teeth that are difficult to access, such as those not fully erupted or broken at the gum line, and are usually performed by an oral surgeon.
Contact us today
to schedule an initial consultation & exam.
Your consultation will include an examination of everything from your teeth, gums and soft tissues to the shape and condition of your bite. Generally, we want to see how your whole mouth looks and functions. Before we plan your treatment we want to know everything about the health and aesthetic of your smile, and, most importantly, what you want to achieve so we can help you get there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Contrary to popular belief, removing wisdom teeth isn’t always necessary. They only need to be extracted if they become impacted or cause issues with your jaw and other teeth.
Tooth extractions are nearly painless thanks to advanced dental techniques and equipment. Patients often find the procedure quick and straightforward! While minor discomfort may occur, we offer aftercare instructions to ensure your comfort during the rapid healing process.
Typically, you can remove the gauze sponges about an hour after your tooth extraction procedure and begin eating. Stick to soft foods for the first 24 hours and avoid hot foods and using straws for several hours to promote healing.
We’ll give you personalized aftercare instructions during your appointment. Here are some general tips to support a smooth recovery after tooth extraction or dental surgery:
- Refrain from spitting, mouth rinsing, blowing your nose, using a straw, or smoking in the first 24 hours
- Avoid touching the extraction site with your finger or tongue
- Stay away from hot foods and drinks
- Avoid aspirin, as it can hinder blood clotting
- Steer clear of physical activities and exercise for the time being
Recovery time after a dental extraction can vary based on the complexity of the procedure. For simple tooth removal, expect a recovery period of around 7 to 10 days. In more complex cases, such as surgical or wisdom tooth extraction, recovery may take approximately 2 weeks. Despite the procedure’s complexity, discomfort during recovery is typically minimal.
The duration of a tooth extraction procedure typically lasts around 45 minutes or less, barring any unexpected complications.
It’s generally recommended to have someone accompany you to and from the appointment, especially if sedation is involved. Driving immediately after the procedure may not be safe due to potential drowsiness or impaired reflexes.
If bleeding persists or worsens after the first few hours, gently bite down on a clean gauze pad placed over the extraction site for 30 minutes. If bleeding continues, contact your dentist for further instructions.