Tooth Extractions – Kent, WA
Removing Damaged Teeth to Restore Oral Health
Sometimes we may determine that a tooth extraction is the only viable way to resolve a dental emergency and protect the health of your smile. Many patients find the idea of having a tooth removed nerve-wracking, but you can rest assured that you have nothing to worry about; our team at Complete Dental Care will be by your side to make sure that the process goes smoothly. Don’t hesitate to contact us if you have a problematic tooth that you think might need to be taken out soon.
Why Choose Complete Dental Care for Tooth Extractions?
- Same-Day Appointments for Dental Emergencies
- High-Quality Tooth Replacement Options
- Trustworthy Dentists and Caring Team
Reasons Why Tooth Extractions Are Necessary
A tooth extraction should never be your first choice. Even if a tooth is damaged or decayed, it can often be saved with the right treatment. A full set of natural teeth is ideal for your oral health.
Unfortunately, though, there are a number of situations where tooth extraction is the only feasible option remaining. For example, a tooth that is severely infected or too badly damaged to fix will typically need to be removed. Additionally, we may need to take out teeth that have come loose due to advanced gum disease.
The Process of Removing a Tooth
The decision to remove a tooth is one that requires careful consideration on our part. We’ll perform a detailed examination of the tooth (which might include taking X-rays if need be) to ensure that we understand the nature of the problem. An extraction will only be suggested if we find that saving the tooth is not an option.
Tooth extractions can fall into one of two categories:
- Simple Extractions: A simple extraction is the removal of a tooth that has completely emerged from beneath the gums and is fully visible in your mouth. Special instruments will be used to gently loosen the tooth until it can be removed.
- Surgical Extractions: A surgical extraction is performed on teeth that have been unable to fully erupt. The procedure will typically involve removing a small amount of gum and bone tissue to allow us to access the tooth.
Rest assured that you shouldn’t experience any discomfort during the extraction process; our team will use a local anesthetic to numb your mouth first.
Tooth Extraction Aftercare
Do you have a firm grasp on what you need to do to take care of your mouth after your tooth extraction? Here are some important aftercare steps you’ll need to follow:
- If you are prescribed any sort of medication, take it according to the provided instructions.
- Keep your head elevated while you’re asleep.
- Plan your diet carefully. Eat plenty of soft or liquid foods while avoiding hard or crunchy foods.
- Don’t drink any beverages through a straw; doing so may disturb the blood clot that has formed at the extraction site, potentially resulting in a dry socket that slows down the healing process.
Understanding the Cost of Tooth Extractions
It’s natural to have concerns about the amount that you’ll need to pay for a tooth extraction, which is why we want to make sure that you have all the information you need before you agree to the procedure. We’ll go over the factors that influence cost with you so that you can set accurate expectations. Here’s a quick look at the basics that you will need to keep in mind.
Factors That Can Affect Tooth Extraction Cost
The most important thing to remember is that the tooth extraction process is not exactly the same for every patient. There are several variables that could affect the overall cost, such as:
- Tooth Location: Extractions that involve the back teeth tend to cost more due to factors that can make the removal process more difficult (such as being located in an area of the jaw where the bone is thicker).
- Number of Teeth: The more teeth you need to have extracted, the more you can expect to pay.
- Type of Extraction: Since a surgical extraction is more complex than a simple extraction, it normally comes with a higher price tag.
- Follow-Up: If you plan on having your tooth replaced after the extraction process, then you will need to make room in your budget for a dental bridge, a denture, or a dental implant.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Tooth Extractions?
We accept both in-network and out-of-network dental insurance plans, and we’re always happy to help ensure that you’re able to save as much money as possible by showing you how to maximize your benefits. If you let us know what plan you have, we can review the details with you and help you figure out what coverage is available for tooth extractions.
Most plans will indeed help pay for tooth extractions, but the details can vary. Coverage is usually around half of the cost of the procedure. However, you will usually need to meet your deductible for the year before your benefits kick in. On top of that, if you just signed up for a new dental insurance plan, there could be a waiting period before you can use your coverage for certain procedures. It may help to call your dental insurance provider if you have any questions about your plan.
How to Make Tooth Extractions Affordable
Even if you don’t have a dental insurance plan to reduce your out-of-pocket costs for a tooth extraction, you can still apply for financing. Why stress out about paying the entire cost of the procedure all at once when you can pay in smaller monthly installments that are more convenient for your bank account? On top of that, many financing plans have low interest or even no interest. Feel free to speak to our team members if you would like more information about financing and how it works.
Tooth Extractions FAQs
Does Getting a Tooth Extracted Hurt?
It’s very normal to feel some nerves prior to your procedure, especially if you’ve never had a tooth extracted before. The good news is that you have nothing to worry about; we will thoroughly numb your mouth beforehand to ensure you don’t experience any pain during your time in the treatment chair. Before you leave our office, we will provide you with aftercare instructions to keep discomfort, soreness, and sensitivity to a minimum during the healing process as well.
What Are My Options for Replacing a Missing Tooth?
If we’re removing your tooth because of overcrowding, then the space will be left as it is for now. If, on the other hand, your tooth was removed because it was badly decayed or damaged in some way, then we will need to replace it so the look, health, and function of your smile don’t suffer in the long-term. At Complete Dental Care, we offer our patients three options: dental implants, dentures, and dental bridges. At your initial consultation, we will explain the benefits of each one in-depth and share our recommendations with the goal of helping you decide what’s best for you.
Can I Smoke After Getting a Tooth Extracted?
Patients are asked to avoid using any tobacco products (including e-cigarettes) for at least two weeks after their procedure. There are a few reasons for this, but the most noteworthy one is that smoking can delay healing. So, make sure that you steer clear of cigarettes, cigars, and everything in between.
What Can I Do to Speed Up the Healing Time?
Unfortunately, you can’t snap your fingers and be instantly healed. That said, there is something you can do to avoid complications, like infections and dry sockets: follow the aftercare instructions provided. Staying hydrated, not using a straw, and eating really soft foods might not seem like a big deal, but they go a long way in helping you recover.
What Can I Eat During the Recovery Period?
Immediately following your procedure, you’ll need to stick to a liquid and soft foods diet. So, it’s a good idea to find easy, healthy meals that you genuinely enjoy beforehand, like seedless smoothies. It’s also a good idea to stock up on snacks that meet these requirements as well, like plain yogurt and applesauce. The more you heal, the more you’ll be able to eat. Usually, patients resume their usual diet after five days or so.
How Can I Prepare for My Tooth Extraction?
We mentioned above that stocking up on soft, easy-to-eat meals and snacks is important. We also recommend buying over-the-counter pain medication or picking up your prescription medication before your appointment so you already have everything you need at home. Lastly, arrange for someone you trust to drive you home from your appointment and, if possible, stay with you for the first night.