Tooth Extractions – Watertown, MA
Gentle Tooth Removal
Here at All Dental Center, we understand that tooth extractions can be stressful but necessary procedures for a patient’s oral health. Our experienced and empathetic staff puts in extra effort to ensure that patients who undergo gentle tooth removal in our Watertown, MA, dental office feel comfortable and at ease. We want you to leave our practice with a healthier and happier smile! Would you like to learn more about what to expect with the tooth extraction procedure? Read on below.
Why Choose All Dental Center for Tooth Extractions?
- Sedation Available to Optimize Comfort
- Used Only as a Last Resort
- Lifelike Tooth Replacement Available
Reasons Why Tooth Extractions Are Necessary
We might determine that you should get one or more teeth extracted if:
- One of your teeth has suffered extensive damage or decay that cannot be repaired with a crown, root canal therapy, or other restorative treatments.
- It is necessary to make more room in your mouth for dentures or orthodontic appliances.
- You have a primary (baby) tooth that is threatening the well-being of your permanent teeth.
- A tooth is impacted (stuck beneath the gumline).
- You have wisdom teeth that are causing problems for nearby tissues.
- You have an oral infection, and removing a tooth is the best way to stop the problem from spreading.
The Process of Removing a Tooth
If a tooth has fully erupted from the gumline, the extraction process is usually pretty simply. We use an instrument called an elevator to lift the tooth out of its socket. Next, we grip it with forceps and rock it back and forth with the goal of breaking the connective tissues that are holding it in place. Once the tooth is out, we carefully clean the socket and use gauze to control bleeding.
If a tooth is impacted, extractions can be more complex. We might have to create incisions in the gumline or break a tooth into pieces.
Whichever type of extraction you require, you can be confident that we will use whatever means are available to promote your comfort. For example, we will use plenty of local anesthesia. We may administer sedation as well.
Tooth Extraction Aftercare
Here are a few tips to help you enjoy a smooth recovery following your extraction:
- Take medications as prescribed by our team.
- Get plenty of rest, and avoid strenuous physical activity.
- Eat a soft diet.
- Do not smoke.
- Do not drink through a straw.
- Prop your head up on pillows while you are sleeping.
- Call our practice if you run into questions or concerns.
- Attend follow-up appointments with our team so we can replace your missing tooth as soon as possible. We want to help you avoid issues like jawbone deterioration, an unconfident smile, and dental drift. (Dental drift occurs when the remaining teeth drift into the empty space left after an extraction.)
Understanding the Cost of Tooth Extractions
The cost of tooth extractions varies from case to case. When you visit us for your examination, we will evaluate the details of your situation and provide you with candid pricing information. Tooth extractions are financially accessible for most patients, especially when they take advantage of provisions like insurance, financing, and/or a dental discount plan. This procedure is an excellent value because it can set you up for many years of improved oral health.
Factors That Can Affect Tooth Extraction Cost
There are numerous factors that can influence the cost of tooth extractions, including:
- The specific tooth/teeth that need to be removed. Depending on their location and other factors, some teeth are more difficult to remove than others and therefore come with higher fees. This is often true of wisdom teeth.
- The number of teeth that need to be removed. Logically, it costs less to extract one tooth than several teeth.
- The overall complexity/difficulty of a case. We can handle most tooth extractions right here in our Watertown dental office. Sometimes, though, we refer patients to an outside specialist who has a pricing structure that is quite different from our own.
- Additional care. Sedation during the extraction procedure adds to the overall cost of the service. Additionally, tooth replacement afterward can come at a range of price points. For example, a dental implant costs more than a bridge, but an implant is the better long-term value.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Tooth Extractions?
It is very common for dental insurance to cover tooth extractions. Often, simple extractions are classified as a minor service; up to 80% of their price may be covered. More complex extractions may be just 50% covered, up to the amount of your plan’s annual maximum.
Our team accepts many forms of dental insurance. We will be happy to help you understand how your benefits apply so you can use them in the most advantageous way possible.
Other Options for Making Tooth Extractions Affordable
Insurance is just one provision that may make it easier for you to afford your extraction procedure. Additional resources include:
- The Essential Dental Plan. Designed for patients without insurance, this discount plan can provide reduced fees for virtually all of the services available at All Dental Center. Signing up is easy, and you can use your benefits right away.
- We accept payment through CareCredit, a third-party service that offers low-interest payment plans to qualified patients. Most people who apply for financing are quickly approved.
Do you have questions about tooth extractions or their cost? Our friendly team is prepared to help you find answers. Get in touch with us today to book your personal consultation.
Tooth Extraction FAQs
The All Dental team is ready to assist you with your tooth extraction needs. However, we recognize that you may want more information before you make any commitments. To help you, we have provided the following list of answers to some FAQs about this procedure. If your specific questions are not addressed here, reach out to us directly. We look forward to speaking with you!
Does Getting a Tooth Extracted Hurt?
We want our patients to be comfortable. To that end, we use plenty of local anesthetic to numb the mouth during extractions. The numbing agent blocks out pain, but it does not prevent pressure, so you may still feel some sensations during your procedure. Additionally, if you are not easily numbed or have some nervousness about the procedure, you may be a candidate for sedation.
Once the local anesthesia and sedation wear off, you will experience some soreness. You should carefully follow our aftercare instructions to keep your discomfort to a minimum. Most patients are feeling normal within a few days or weeks of their procedure.
Is There an Alternative to a Tooth Extraction?
In many cases, tooth extractions can be prevented if an oral health problem is caught early enough. For example, a filling, crown, and/or root canal therapy can address decay and restore a tooth’s function. Gum disease therapy can prevent teeth from loosening so they can remain firmly in place throughout a patient’s lifetime.
With that being said, there are some instances where an extraction is the best course of action. If we recommend that one of more of your teeth be removed, you can be confident that we have already considered other possible treatment options.
What Are My Options for Replacing a Missing Tooth?
There are essentially three options for replacing missing teeth:
- Dental Implants rebuild lost teeth from the roots up. We often favor them because they are incredibly sturdy, lifelike, and long-lasting.
- A fixed bridge can replace one or more missing teeth. It relies on the nearby teeth for support and can be a natural-looking, highly function option.
- Conventional dentures are removable prosthetics that can replace a few teeth or an entire arch of teeth. They are a cost-effective solution.
Our team will recommend the tooth replacement option that we believe is the best fit for your unique circumstances.
Can I Leave the Space Empty After a Tooth Extraction?
If you get a wisdom tooth or extra tooth removed, there will likely be no need to replace it. In almost all other instances, though, tooth replacement is strongly recommended. That is because tooth loss can cause a number of complications. For example, your remaining teeth might drift out of place, putting you at an increased risk of future tooth loss. Your jawbone will also begin to deteriorate. A dental implant can prevent such issues and ensure that you have a complete, beautiful smile.