Tooth Extractions - Lawrenceville
Our Extractions Are Safe, Smooth & Comfortable
At Transforming Smiles, we will always strive to help patients maintain a full set of strong, healthy teeth for life. Unfortunately, unexpected circumstances can arise that may require one or more to be extracted from the mouth for the sake of your overall wellbeing. Rest assured that Dr. Bruce Carter and Dr. Zafrani will handle this procedure comfortably and smoothly when it’s deemed necessary, providing sedation dentistry as needed to help patient feel at ease from beginning to end. Don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions, or if you’re ready to schedule a first visit.
Why Choose Transforming Smiles for Tooth Extractions?
- Conscious Oral Sedation Available
- Over 3 Decades Of Tried-And-True Clinical Expertise
- State-Of-The-Art Dental Implants For Optimal Tooth Replacement
Why Do Teeth Need To Be Extracted?
When a tooth is too badly injured or decayed to be successfully preserved, removal is the only option left. Dr. Carter or Dr. Zafrani may recommend this procedure when the following circumstances are present:
- The tooth has a large infection that won’t respond to root canal therapy.
- The tooth is obstructing other, nearby teeth from properly erupting into the patient’s smile. These may be primary/baby teeth or adult teeth, depending on the person’s stage of development.
- The tooth has suffered too much physical trauma to be restored with a filling or crown.
- The patient is in need of braces and one or more teeth must be removed to make way for proper orthodontic movement.
The Tooth Extraction Process
If the tooth is fully emerged through the gumline and visible to Dr. Carter or Dr. Zafrani, a simple extraction will likely be all that’s required to remove it. This process involves a gradual loosening of the tooth before it’s carefully removed with forceps. In most cases, patients will only need local anesthetic to feel comfortable. However, surgical extractions may become essential in the following cases:
- The tooth has overly large or curved roots.
- The tooth hasn’t fully erupted yet.
- The tooth has broken away from the patient’s gum line.
Oral conscious sedation is available here in Lawrenceville upon request to help patients feel calm and at ease throughout these procedures. Any discomfort will be kept to an absolute minimum!
Understanding the Cost of Tooth Extractions
If you’ve recently been informed that you need to undergo tooth extraction, one of the first questions that might come to mind is: “How much is this form of treatment going to cost?” It’s normal to wonder about the cost of tooth extraction, especially if you’ve never undergone the procedure before. You should know that we won’t be able to provide you with an exact cost estimate until you’ve come in for your initial consultation, since there are several factors in play that contribute to the price. Read on to learn more, or contact our team to ask us any questions you have!
Factors That Can Affect Tooth Extraction Cost
Since every patient’s dental needs are unique, every treatment plan needs to be completely personalized—whether one tooth is being extracted or multiple. This means the price will vary from person to person. In most cases, some relevant factors that can include the total cost include:
- The number of teeth being extracted – It’s going to be cheaper to have one tooth extracted versus having multiple teeth removed.
- The type and location of the tooth – The molars tend to be more expensive to extract compared to the front teeth, due to their number of roots and positioning.
- The kind of extraction necessary – For a simple extraction, your dentist will remove the tooth using forceps; this method is used when the tooth has already erupted. For teeth that are impacted, or partially erupted, surgical extraction is usually needed, which can hike up the price.
- The type of tooth replacement solution – Certain restorations, like dental implants, have higher upfront costs compared to traditional options like bridges and dentures.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Tooth Extractions?
Tooth extractions are considered major dental procedures, so it’s normal for dental insurance companies to offer partial coverage of about 50%, assuming your plan’s deductible has been met. Keep in mind that every policy is different, so you’ll always want to consult with your provider before committing to any form of treatment. You’re also welcome to contact our team for assistance; we’re more than happy to help you navigate your plan, figure out the extent of your benefits, and ensure that you’re saving whenever possible!
How to Make Tooth Extractions Affordable
Fortunately, lacking dental insurance won’t limit your options when it comes to making this important procedure more affordable. Our office is partnered with CareCredit, a third-party financer who offers qualifying patients the chance to enroll in a flexible, low-interest payment plan. We also have a wellness plan that’ll allow you to save on several types of important dental services, including emergency exams. Remember, putting off a tooth extraction could very well lead to the development of additional, costly oral health issues—so it’s in your best interest to seek timely care when you need it!
Tooth Extractions FAQs
How Should I Prepare for My Tooth Extraction?
Maybe you didn’t know, but preparing for your tooth extraction is crucial. Doing so ensures you’re ready for your upcoming treatment. That way, your tooth removal will go more smoothly than it would’ve otherwise.
There are several things you should do to prep for an extraction. First, ask your dentist about any remaining concerns – what to bring, what to eat the morning of care, etc. You should then follow any specific instructions your dentist has. For example, they may tell you to drink only water on the morning of your treatment. Lastly, arrange for someone to drive you home after your procedure. The lingering effects of anesthesia will leave you too dizzy to use a car.
What Risks Are Involved with Tooth Extractions?
Honestly, tooth extractions are pretty safe. Dentists work to ensure the removal process has no complications. So, your treatment should go without a hitch.
All that said, extractions do have some risks. The main one is a subsequent infection of your gums, which can spread through your body if it isn’t treated quickly. Another potential risk is a dry socket – a condition where your socket’s blood clot is dislodged. In this latter case, you’d experience pain and delays in recovery.
Fortunately, our dentists will give you aftercare instructions to avoid these risks. They’ll also share some common signs to look out for.
Can I Smoke After Getting a Tooth Extracted?
No, you shouldn’t smoke soon after your extraction. This habit could delay your recovery from treatment. Worse, it could cause many unwanted health oral health issues.
You see, most smokable products – cigars, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, etc. – use tobacco. This substance makes it harder to fight off gum infections and the like. Plus, it keeps your gums from healing their prior damage. That means the extraction site will take longer to recover and handle a restoration.
If you struggle to quit smoking, please talk to your dentist. They won’t judge your circumstances; they’ll just consider them and prepare you accordingly.
What Can I Do to Speed Up the Healing Time?
As it happens, you can speed up your recovery from an extraction. Just make sure to use the following tips:
- Take it Easy – In the 24 hours after treatment, don’t exercise or do anything strenuous. Similarly, try to keep your head elevated.
- Leave Gauze Alone – Keep your gauze in place as instructed by the dentist. You’ll preserve your blood clot that way. Also, don’t touch the wound with your tongue or hands.
- Avoid Certain Oral Habits – To prevent a dry socket, don’t use a straw to drink for a while. Its suction force would dislodge your blood clot. In the same way, don’t spit.
- Reduce Symptoms – Reduce puffiness by placing an icepack against your cheek. You can also take pain medication suggested by your dentist.