When learning you need to have a tooth removed, trust that your dentist is only recommending this type of procedure because it is necessary for the future of your oral health. It is the goal of every dental professional to help individuals keep their natural teeth as long as possible; however, when problems arise that put your oral and overall health at risk, the only viable solution may be to remove an infected or injured tooth. At Elite Oral Surgery Associates, our specialists will ensure your comfort throughout the entire procedure as well as provide detailed aftercare instructions for a swift and successful recovery. Call us today to learn how we can keep you safe and at ease while undergoing tooth extractions in Worcester.
Why Choose Elite Oral Surgery Associates for Tooth Extractions?
Oral Surgeons with Decades of Experience
We Welcome Dentist Referrals
Advanced Dental Technology Used for Added Comfort
When Are Tooth Extractions Necessary?
Not all patients undergo tooth extractions, but your dentist may recommend that you see an oral surgeon for this type of treatment if:
You require orthodontic treatment, but your teeth are crowded
You have developed advanced gum disease that is causing your teeth to loosen and bone to deteriorate
You have a severe infection inside a tooth that cannot be restored with a dental crown or root canal
You’ve suffered serious facial trauma that causes the tooth to no longer be viable
There is a tooth that is impacted and needs to be removed to avoid damaging nearby healthy structures
The Process of Removing a Tooth
When arriving for your appointment, our team will administer local anesthesia to help you feel completely relaxed and in no pain throughout the procedure. We will then use specialized dental instruments to remove the tooth or teeth.
It will be necessary to gently loosen the tooth from the socket. If necessary, a small incision will be made in the gums to better access the tooth structure. Using dental pliers and an elevator, it will detach from the socket before our team begins to clean and disinfect the area. It will then be necessary for us to place clean gauze over the area and have you bite down gently. This will help to cease bleeding and create a blood clot, which is necessary for proper healing.
Tooth Extraction Aftercare
We will provide you with ample aftercare instructions to ensure that you do not develop a dry socket or experience other possible complications (i.e., continuous bleeding, swelling, etc.). You will need to replace the gauze frequently, and there is a strong possibility that you will experience some soreness once the anesthesia wears off.
If you are prescribed any medication, make sure to take it as instructed. You can also opt for over-the-counter pain relievers to minimize discomfort during recovery. Depending on how many teeth were removed, your time at home may be longer than others, but the average timeframe of returning to normal activity is anywhere from 48-72 hours. Your mouth and jawbone will continue to heal, and you’ll need to adhere to the instructions provided by our team (i.e., eating soft foods, rinsing with saltwater, etc.).
Understanding the Cost of Tooth Extractions
There are many preparations you’ll need to make if you’re expecting to have a tooth removed, but you should always make sure that you’ve taken the time to figure out how much the treatment will cost. Not all patients will pay the same amount, but we can give you an idea of what the final price will be. If you plan on using dental insurance or financing to manage the cost of tooth extractions in Fitchburg, please let our team know so that we can go over the details with you.
Factors That Can Affect Tooth Extraction Cost
Our treatments are always customized according to the needs of our patients. As such, there are a few aspects of the tooth extraction process that can vary, and this fact ultimately affects the amount you pay. Important cost-determining factors include:
The Number of Teeth Involved: How many teeth need to be extracted to protect your smile? The cost will go up with each tooth that requires removal.
Type and Location of Tooth: Some tooth extractions are more complex and thus more costly. Teeth near the back of the mouth tend to be more difficult to extract since they have more roots.
Type of Extraction: An extraction where the tooth just needs to be pulled out of the jaw usually costs less than one where surgery must be performed.
Tooth-Replacement Method: If you’re planning on getting a dental implant to replace an extracted tooth, keep in mind that it will have a higher initial cost than traditional bridges and dentures. (You can choose not to replace an extracted tooth, but that can have consequences for your oral health and your everyday life.)
Does Dental Insurance Cover Tooth Extractions?
Our team takes the majority of major dental insurance plans, so it’s always worth double-checking your policy to see what kind of coverage it offers for tooth extractions. Most dental insurance companies consider tooth extraction to be a medically necessary major procedure; as a result, coverage will likely be around 50%, although this is not guaranteed. Certain factors like your deductible could affect your out-of-pocket costs for the treatment, so make sure that you understand all the details regarding your coverage. Talk to us if you would like us to go over your plan with you.
How to Make Tooth Extractions Affordable
Even if you don’t have a dental insurance plan that can help you save money on tooth extraction in Dudley, you may still be able to qualify for a financing plan that makes it easier to pay for the treatment. At our oral surgery office, you can apply for CareCredit financing; you’ll be able to choose from multiple low-to-no-interest plans, all of which come with no surprise fees. Thanks to financing, the cost will be broken into smaller installments, which is often a lot less stressful for your budget.
Tooth Extractions FAQs
If you have a question for our oral surgeon – whether it’s about what to expect in the treatment chair or how much your care costs – you can always give us a call. If you can’t get to the phone right now or it’s after our business hours, then you can also read on; we’ve answered some of the most commonly asked questions about tooth extractions right here!
Does Getting a Tooth Extracted Hurt?
Fortunately, the answer is no. That’s because our team goes above and beyond to make sure your time in the treatment chair is comfortable! To start, we thoroughly numb the area of your mouth that we will be working on. Plus, sedation dentistry is available if you struggle with dental sensitivity, a strong gag reflex, or anxiety. We’ll even give you a list of aftercare instructions designed to make the recovery period smooth and pain-free.
Can I Leave the Space Empty After a Tooth Extraction?
If you had the tooth removed due to overcrowding, then you can leave the space empty. However, in most situations that’s not recommended. Even if you had a molar in the back of your mouth removed, the new gap in your mouth can make it difficult to chew properly and speak clearly. Furthermore, it can cause the teeth surrounding the gap to drift out of position, negatively impacting your bite. Simply put, if you are having a tooth removed due to a dental emergency, like a severe crack or decay, then you should have it replaced.
What Are My Options for Replacing a Missing Tooth?
Fortunately, tooth replacement solutions today are incredibly lifelike. Although dental bridges and dentures are always an option, one of the most popular choices is dental implants. In fact, roughly 500,000 patients choose them each year! There are a few distinct advantages of this service, including that it prevents bone loss, and the results can last for 30 years or more.
What Can I Do to Speed Up the Healing Time?
Remember, the healing time is as important as the surgery. So, you don’t want to rush it or try to take shortcuts. The best thing to do is follow all of our post-op instructions to a tee, which includes avoiding anything strenuous for at least 24 hours, not eating anything acidic or crunchy, placing a cold compress against the outside of your cheek in 10-minute intervals, and taking OTC pain medication as directed.
Can I Smoke After Getting a Tooth Extracted?
Patients are required to refrain from using tobacco products, including cigarettes and e-cigarettes, for two weeks following the procedure. Otherwise, multiple complications can arise, including a dry socket and delayed healing. If you’ve tried quitting smoking in the past but have had trouble, talk to your dentist or primary care physician to see if they have recommendations that can help.
