While tooth extractions are always considered to be a last resort for Dr. Cabansag, she’s happy to perform them if they are absolutely necessary. In some cases, a tooth needs to be removed if it puts your oral health at risk, and keeping your smile healthy is her number one priority. We’ll always take the time to walk you through the treatment process and make sure you know the right aftercare tips. If you want all of these benefits and more, call our office if you need an extraction performed!
Tooth extractions are largely performed only if a tooth cannot be saved through any form of restorative dentistry. For example, if a tooth is damaged by severe decay that was caught late and a crown or root canal therapy cannot save it, we will need to extract it. There are also other reasons you might need to have your tooth pulled, including:
Since we only perform this procedure as a last resort, we’ll go over all of your options ahead of time before deciding on tooth extraction.
There are typically two methods for removing a tooth: by pulling or via surgical extraction. Our team can only “pull” a tooth if it’s already fully emerged from your gum line. We’ll first numb the area with a local anesthetic and then use a special clasping tool to wiggle the tooth out. If this isn’t possible or the tooth hasn’t fully erupted, we’ll have to perform a surgical extraction. Dr. Cabansag will make a small incision in your gums to allow her to access the rest of your tooth and remove it.
To determine the necessary extraction method, you’ll need to schedule a consultation with us. We’ll evaluate your oral health, walk you through your procedure, and discuss your tooth replacement options that will help avoid future complications that come from tooth loss.
You will be given specific aftercare instructions both before and after your appointment, which will help you remain comfortable, avoid issues, and have a speedy recovery. While every patient is different, here are several of the common measures we recommend taking after tooth extraction:
You’re likely to have a number of concerns when you’re told that you need to have a tooth extracted – and oftentimes, chief among them will be the potential cost of your procedure. Rest assured that you will never have to commit to any kind of treatment without knowing the price beforehand. Our team will always take the time to explain the cost of tooth extraction and the options available for fitting the procedure into your budget.
There isn’t a set price for tooth extraction because every patient’s needs are different. The amount you pay will be influenced by several factors; here are some of the most important ones that will be discussed at your initial consultation.
More often than not, the answer is yes; most dental plans do indeed offer at least partial coverage for tooth extraction. Many insurance companies classify it as a major procedure, so coverage is normally around 50% or so. Of course, every policy is different, and sometimes there’s a waiting period to consider. Check with your dental insurance provider to make sure you understand your benefits before you begin the tooth extraction process.
Are you having trouble figuring out the particulars of your insurance plan? Feel free to ask us for help! One of our friendly team members will gladly walk you through your benefits and explain what your coverage will look like. And to make the process as stress-free as possible for you, we will file the paperwork for any claims that need to be made.
When you don’t have dental insurance, you may want to consider these other options for making a tooth extraction more affordable:
Removing a tooth can make any patient nervous, but here at Encore Dentistry, we can promise you that you’re in good hands.
If you’re anxious about an upcoming procedure, it’s natural to have all kinds of questions. Here are some of the answers you may be looking for.
Patients are frequently concerned about the pain associated with certain treatments, and that goes double for having teeth removed. Thankfully, every tooth extraction will begin by numbing your mouth completely, meaning that you won’t feel anything more than a mild pressure during the procedure.
Of course, after the anesthetics wear off, it’s normal to experience a little bit of discomfort. We’ll give you aftercare instructions for managing discomfort, tenderness, and swelling, so be sure to follow those as well as possible and take medications as prescribed.
There are quite a few options for replacing a tooth that’s been extracted, and we’ll be happy to discuss which one is best for you during your consultation. If you’re curious, here are some of the most prominent examples:
As with anything, preparation is key to ensuring a comfortable and successful procedure. First of all, you should ask any questions that you have at your consultation to ensure that you know everything that you need to know.
We’ll also give you important instructions at this consultation, including telling you if you need to refrain from eating anything that morning. Finally, you should plan to have someone drive you home after the treatment and rest for the remainder of the day.
If you want to heal quickly after your procedure, here are a few things to keep in mind: