Tooth Extractions – Carrollton, TX
A Step Toward a Healthier Smile
No one likes the idea of getting a tooth extracted, and we always strive to preserve our patients’ teeth whenever possible. However, tooth extractions in Carrollton are sometimes necessary to protect an individual’s oral health and relieve their pain. Let’s discuss common reasons for this procedure as well as what you can expect during and after your extraction.
Reasons for Tooth Extractions
There are a number of reasons why Dr. Chandy, your dentist in Carrollton, may determine that it is necessary for you to undergo a tooth extraction:
- A tooth is so badly decayed that saving it would be impossible or impractical
- A tooth is so badly broken that saving it is not a viable option
- You require braces, and extractions are necessary to make room for your orthodontic treatment
- It’s necessary to make room for your new dentures
- A baby tooth has overstayed its welcome and must be removed to allow the adult teeth to develop properly
The Extraction Procedure
There is no need to be afraid of getting a tooth extracted! Dr. Chandy will make sure the area around the tooth is entirely numb so you won’t be able to feel a thing during the procedure. Then, she’ll grip the tooth with a special tool and gently rock it back and forth in order to break the ligaments that connect it to the surrounding bones. Once the ligaments are broken, she’ll take the tooth out of your mouth. Gauze will help to control any bleeding that occurs.
If you’re particularly nervous about getting a tooth extracted, be sure to let our team know. Nitrous oxide sedation is available to help you relax.
Recovering from a Tooth Extraction
It may take several months for the bone around an extraction site to heal, but don’t worry! For most of that time, you won’t feel that your body is still working to recover. In fact, the soft tissue at the extraction site will heal fairly quickly. In fact, you should be back to feeling like yourself within approximately one week.
Here are some tips to help your recovery process go as smoothly as possible:
- Take a day or two off after your extraction so you can rest. Try to run any necessary errands and get your grocery shopping done before your procedure.
- Intermittently ice the area to mitigate swelling, and take painkillers as your dentist recommends.
- Stick to eating soft foods for a few days; yogurt, applesauce, and soup are all good choices.
- Don’t use a straw or smoke tobacco for a few days. Both of these actions could dislodge the blood clot at the extraction site.
- Don’t lie flat when you’re sleeping. Propping your head up with pillows can promote healing.
- Stick to your regular oral hygiene routine. Just avoid the extraction site until sufficient healing has occurred.
If you ever have any questions or concerns during your recovery, give our office a call. Dr. Chandy and the rest of our team are always ready and willing to help!
Understanding the Cost of Tooth Extractions
It’s impossible to provide a set price for tooth extractions in Carrollton because the answer will truly vary from patient to patient. Rest assured – our team will thoroughly explain the pricing information to ensure you know what to expect every step of the way. At Aegis Dental, we’ll do everything we can to alleviate your stresses and concerns regarding the financial aspects of this procedure. Should you have any specific questions, feel free to contact our office for personal assistance.
Factors That Can Affect Tooth Extraction Cost
First, you’ll have a consultation with Dr. Chandy for a thorough evaluation of the tooth in question. During your appointment, she’ll assess your condition and determine exactly how much you can expect to pay for your tooth extraction in Carrollton. Several factors can influence the overall price, including:
- The type of tooth that must be extracted, its location inside the mouth, and how many teeth you’ll need to have removed
- Whether you will require a simple or surgical procedure
- Your next steps for replacing the tooth (i.e., dental bridge, dental implant, partial, or full denture)
Does Dental Insurance Cover Tooth Extractions?
Most dental insurance plans consider tooth extractions to be a major restorative procedure, which is why they’re often eligible for around 50% of coverage. Of course, the exact percentage can vary depending on whether you’ve met your deductible and how much of your yearly maximum is available. Since every policy is unique, it’s important to confirm the details of your coverage which your insurance provider before committing to anything. Our team is more than happy to help with this process if needed.
Other Options for Making Tooth Extractions Affordable
We understand that a tooth extraction can be an unexpected expense. Fortunately, our practice is in-network with several popular dental insurance providers and offers third-party financing through CareCredit to help make your procedure as affordable as possible. The program allows you to split up the total cost of your care into smaller monthly installments. Plus, most plans come with little-to-no interest attached, helping you save even more money!
Tooth Extraction FAQs
If you have questions about tooth extractions in Carrollton, Dr. Chandy is here to answer them. We know that it’s important for you to know as much as possible about the procedure, from why it’s performed to the steps involved. Below, you’ll find some of the inquiries that our patients have brought to us in the past. If you have additional concerns, don’t hesitate to speak up and let us know!
How Will I Know If I Need a Tooth Extraction?
If your tooth has been broken or if you’re suffering from severe pain, you should contact our office right away. An extraction may not always be necessary in these situations; if the choice is available, we will always recommend saving your tooth with a crown, root canal therapy, or another treatment. There are cases, however, where removal is the only practical way to protect your oral health. That’s why we will only recommend an extraction after a thorough examination. We’ll also explain your options and discuss the pros and cons of each one with you.
How Should I Prepare for My Tooth Extraction?
We may need to perform a few additional tests before we can start planning the tooth extraction itself; once we reach that step, we can give you specific instructions to help you prepare for the procedure. In particular, if you have a weakened immune system or a certain medical condition, you might be more vulnerable to an infection after the surgery. We might prescribe antibiotics in these cases. Also, let us know if you catch a cold or suffer from a gastrointestinal illness, please let us know so that we can make the necessary adjustments to your treatment plan.
How Much Pain is Normal After a Tooth Extraction?
After the numbness in your mouth wears off, it’s normal to experience some discomfort. Some swelling and bleeding can also be expected for the first 24 hours. Under normal circumstances, painkillers and an ice pack applied intermittently will help keep you comfortable during the initial recovery period. However, you need to be watching for possible signs of a serious oral health issues after the procedure, such as an infection. This includes fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, severe swelling and bleeding more than four hours after the extraction, coughing, shortness of breath, and chest pain.
What Should I Do About the Gap in My Smile After Extraction?
Generally, it’s better to replace a missing tooth after an extraction. Leaving the space empty to cause your remaining pearly whites to drift out of place, ultimately leading to bite and alignment problems that can make it difficult to chew. And of course, you’ll feel a lot more comfortable smiling when you have a full set of beautiful teeth to show off.
There are a few different options that you might consider for tooth replacement, including dental implants and partial dentures. We’ll help you explore the different choices and help you pick the one that works best with your smile and your budget.