Tooth Extractions Weatherford

When Are Tooth Extractions Necessary?

Our team cares about helping patients maintain the optimal level of oral health, and we always do our utmost to help you keep your natural teeth. However, some of the reasons we may recommend tooth removal include:

• Severe decay or damage
• Primary teeth that don’t fall out on their own
• Impacted teeth that are unable to erupt
• In preparation for orthodontic treatment or tooth replacement
• Wisdom teeth – third molars – are extracted for many different reasons

How Are Teeth Removed?

Teeth are either pulled or surgically extracted. Pulling is only possible when teeth are fully erupted from the gumline. Most teeth require some element of surgical removal whether we simply need to remove some gum tissue to reveal more tooth structure or advanced surgical intervention is necessary.

What Happens After Tooth Extraction?

Before your tooth removal procedure, one of our friendly team members will walk you through best practices in at-home care to ensure you make a quick and complete recovery with minimal discomfort. We will also provide you with direction in writing, so you won’t have to worry about forgetting anything. Below, we’ve included some basic care steps to remember:

• Food – Refrain from using a straw and carbonated drinks as this can form a suction and dislodge the blood clot and slow healing. A soft diet is recommended on the day of the procedure. Take special care to avoid chewing on the side of the surgical wound to help keep food out of the extraction site but also be careful not to bite the cheek that may still be numb for a few hours.
• Hygiene – For the first two days, you will likely experience some bleeding, and you should bite down on gauze to absorb the blood. Make sure to replace the gauze frequently as it becomes saturated. When brushing and flossing the surrounding teeth, be careful to avoid the extraction site.
• Pain – Take over-the-counter and/or prescription pain relievers as directed. You can also use ice packs for the first two days after extraction to relieve pain, slow bleeding, and reduce swelling and inflammation.
• Rest – This one may seem obvious but getting plenty of rest is essential as you heal following tooth removal. Plan to get plenty of sleep and avoid strenuous activities for at least the first few days after treatment.

Understanding the Cost of Tooth Extractions

Many patients develop anxiety around major procedures like dental extractions if they’re unsure what the anticipated cost will be. However, the total due depends significantly on your individual circumstances, so you might not owe the same amount as someone else.

Our Cosmetic & Family Dentistry of Weatherford team will gladly provide a detailed estimate for your approval at your consultation appointment after we’ve examined your mouth. Continue reading to learn more about the price of dental extractions, and feel free to contact us for additional information.

Factors That Can Affect Tooth Extraction Cost

It’s natural to have questions about what you might expect to pay to remove your troublesome tooth, but it’s difficult to determine the rate until after your initial consultation. Once we’ve examined your condition and know what’s necessary to repair your smile, we can provide a detailed estimate.

The total due depends on several factors, such as:

• The location of the tooth. Molars in the back of your mouth can be harder to access, are larger, and have more roots to anchor more firmly in your jawbone, requiring additional time and resources to extract.
• The severity of your condition. Complex cases sometimes require surgical extraction or that a specialist be brought in, increasing the amount due.
• The type of replacement. Different restorations like dentures, dental bridges, and implants all have their own associated pricing.

Does Dental Insurance Cover Tooth Extractions?  

Many dental insurance policies cover about 50 percent of the cost of tooth extractions once you’ve met your annual deductible. However, there’s no guarantee that they’re included. Your plan may also have other restrictions you should know about, like a waiting period before benefits kick in or a limited number of teeth that can be treated.

It’s worth checking the details of your dental insurance to verify whether your extraction is covered. Please let our office staff know if you need help finding the information, submitting claims, or filling out paperwork. They are familiar with many policies and are happy to help you maximize your benefits.

How to Make Tooth Extractions Affordable

We understand that not everyone carries dental insurance, but we don’t want your budget to keep you from treatments that can protect and preserve your smile. If you’re uninsured and are worried about paying for your procedure, you might benefit from our flexible financial packages. We’ve partnered with CareCredit so that you can divvy up your total payment into more manageable installments if your application is approved.