Tooth Extractions – Lake Nona Region
Taking the Stress Out of Tooth Removal
One of the last things you want to hear is that you need to have a tooth removed, but it might be necessary in specific circumstances, particularly if there’s a dental emergency. At Lake Nona Dental Group, we want you to be able to have this procedure done with as little stress as possible. Call us today to learn more about this procedure and what our team can do to make sure you stay comfortable throughout the process.
Why Choose Lake Nona Dental Group for Tooth Extractions?
- Same-Day Emergency Appointments
- In-Office Dental Implant Placement
- Patients of All Ages Welcomed
Reasons Why Tooth Extractions Are Necessary
A tooth might need to be removed if it is infected or damaged. However, it’s essential to remember that some dental issues are more severe than others. Oftentimes, it’s possible to save the tooth via other means without having to resort to extraction. In general, we will only recommend taking the tooth out of the jaw if there’s some reason that the tooth can’t be saved; for example, it may have become so weak that it’s incapable of supporting a crown.
There are a few other circumstances that might call for a tooth extraction. For example, it might be done to prepare for orthodontic treatment, or it could be a necessary first step before you receive full dentures. And if you have wisdom teeth, they’ll likely need to be removed if they become impacted in your jaw. Rest assured that if we suggest having a tooth removed, we will always let you know the exact reasons why.
The Process of Removing a Tooth
Has the tooth in question fully erupted from beneath your gums? If so, then we can perform a simple extraction procedure. All we need to do is work the tooth loose by moving it back and forth with some forceps. We will be very gentle during this procedure, and a local anesthetic will be administered beforehand.
But what if the tooth hasn’t erupted? Or if it has broken in a way where it can no longer be seen above the gumline? In these situations, some minor surgery will have to be performed. The gums will be opened so that the tooth can be worked with. Sometimes the tooth will be divided into sections that are extracted one at a time; this reduces the amount of bone that is lost during the process.
Tooth Extraction Aftercare
- Follow any instructions we give you about taking prescription or over-the-counter pain relievers.
- Don’t eat anything crunchy or sticky until your mouth heals.
- Excessive physical activity could cause the extraction site to bleed, so plan on resting the day after your procedure.
- When you go to bed, make sure your head remains elevated.
- Do not smoke, as tobacco can hurt your body’s ability to heal.
Understanding the Cost of Tooth Extractions
Tooth extractions are often necessary for keeping your smile safe, but you obviously don’t want the procedure to strain your budget too much. Luckily, our team can help you figure out approximately how much you’ll need to pay before the process begins. However, we can only create an estimate after a thorough evaluation of your smile and the state of your oral health. Remember that you can always talk to our team if there’s anything you don’t understand about the cost related to tooth extraction.
Factors That Can Affect Tooth Extraction Cost
Once we’ve determined that you need a tooth extraction, we can ask the following questions in order to figure out how much the procedure is likely to cost:
- How many teeth need to be removed?: Each tooth that needs to be extracted adds to the overall cost of the treatment. As such, more extensive procedures that involve multiple teeth tend to cost more.
- Where is the tooth located?: Believe it or not, the location of the tooth can make a difference. Extracting molars is usually more costly than extracting the front teeth. This is due to the fact that the molars are more difficult to remove.
- Will it be a simple extraction or a surgical extraction?: Teeth that aren’t fully erupted need to be removed via surgery. A surgical extraction has a higher price tag than a simple one.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Tooth Extractions?
You can usually expect tooth extractions to be included under most dental insurance plans. The amount that your insurance company is willing to pay for the treatment depends on what policy you have, although normally coverage is around half of the overall price.
You can call your insurance company to see what they offer for simple and surgical extractions. Be sure to ask about any factors that might affect your coverage; for instance, some plans will only pay for a certain number of teeth to be removed. If you’re not sure how you can maximize your benefits, our team can review the details of your policy with you.
How to Make Tooth Extractions Affordable
The Lake Nona Dental Group Membership Plan is available for any patients who don’t have dental insurance but still want to find ways to save money on dental care. By signing up for our plan, you can get a 15% discount on multiple services along with other benefits.
Additionally, we work with a number of third-party financing companies, including CareCredit, LendingClub, and Proceed Finance. We can explain how financing works in more detail if you give our office a call, but essentially, you’ll pay a certain amount of the full cost of your treatment each month. Many patients find that the smaller monthly installments are much easier to work with.
Tooth Extraction FAQs
Tooth extraction is a common procedure, but it’s still normal to be wary of it. We want you to know that your health and your comfort always come first; we’ll only move forward with the procedure if it will help you protect your smile! Here are a few of the most common tooth extraction questions. We hope that the answers we’ve provided help put your mind at ease. Please let us know if you’d like additional information about tooth extractions and how they work.
Can I Leave the Space Empty After a Tooth Extraction?
It is up to you to decide whether or not you want to pursue tooth replacement after an extraction. That being said, we will always strongly recommend that you have the gap filled. It might not seem like a major issue, but an incomplete set of teeth can make chewing harder and potentially contribute to indigestion. Also, losing certain teeth could cause you to develop a lisp. Finally, you could be at a higher risk for gum disease. In summary, it’s better to set up an appointment at our office as soon as you can to discuss the tooth replacement process.
How Should I Prepare for My Tooth Extraction?
We might give you a few instructions to follow before your tooth extraction, particularly if you plan on receiving dental sedation. Our team will explain what you can eat before the procedure, what you’ll need to bring with you, whether you’ll need to pick up prescription medication beforehand, and so on. In many cases, we may tell you to make arrangements with a friend or family member to drive you home once your procedure is complete.
What Risks Are Involved with Tooth Extractions?
There are thankfully few risks associated with tooth extractions, but there are a couple of things to be wary of:
- An infection might occur while your mouth is recovering. Protect your smile and your overall health by keeping the extraction site clean.
- A dry socket might occur if the blood clot over the extraction site is removed. Keep the blood clot safe by avoiding behaviors that could dislodge it, like smoking.
You’ll be given detailed aftercare instructions for minimizing the risks after tooth extraction, and we’ll make sure that you’re aware of the symptoms to watch out for in case something goes wrong.
Does Getting a Tooth Extracted Hurt?
Your mouth will be numbed during the procedure, and other steps will be taken to keep you comfortable while we’re performing the extraction. Once your treatment is complete, your mouth may be sore for a while; there might also be some swelling. Please follow any directions we give you in order to control the discomfort while also helping your mouth heal properly. Call us immediately if worrisome symptoms occur, such as pain that grows more severe over time.
