Tooth Extractions – Westfield, MA
Taking Out
Problematic Teeth
When we have the choice, we always prefer to take the option of saving your natural teeth with one of our expertly personalized restorative dentistry solutions here at EMA Dental of Westfield. Unfortunately, some teeth are simply beyond saving and need to be removed to keep the rest of your smile safe. We’ll help you stay calm and comfortable during the tooth extraction process, and our prosthodontists can help you find a lifelike tooth replacement option to fill in the space left behind. Contact us immediately if you suspect you might need a tooth extraction in Westfield.
Why Choose EMA Dental of Westfield for Tooth Extractions?
- Multiple Dental Specialists Under One Roof
- Same-Day Emergency Dental Appointments
- In-House Dental Implant Placement
Reasons Why Tooth Extractions Are Necessary
A tooth extraction might be the best choice for your smile in the following situations:
- There is a severely decayed tooth that can’t be restored.
- You have advanced gum disease that has loosened one or more teeth.
- A tooth is too badly injured to support a crown.
- You need orthodontic treatment but a tooth has to be removed first to make room for the necessary movements.
- Your wisdom teeth are impacted (trapped under your gums), or they’re overcrowding your remaining teeth.
Additionally, children might sometimes need tooth extractions if one of their baby teeth fails to fall out when it’s supposed to.
The Process of Removing a Tooth
Before your dentist begins the process of removing your tooth, they will thoroughly numb your mouth. That way, you don’t feel any pain during your time in the treatment chair.
From there, the process looks a bit different depending on if you need a simple or surgical extraction. A simple extraction is when the tooth has already broken through the gumline, which allows us to gently rock the tooth loose with special dental tools. A surgical extraction, on the other hand, is ideal for when the tooth in question is underneath the gumline. To access it, we need to first create a small incision in your gums. Then, we can remove the tooth and treat the extraction site.
Tooth Extraction Aftercare
Once you return home, you’ll need to focus on healing. Here are a few of our recommendations:
- Drinking water throughout the day to stay hydrated
- Sticking to soft foods, like plain yogurt and applesauce
- Avoiding physical activities, like running and lifting weights
- Keeping your mouth clean with the aftercare instructions we give you
- Taking OTC or prescribed pain medication as directed
- Using a cold compress in 10-minute intervals
If you’d like to learn more about the tooth extraction process, the cost, or what the recovery period involves, don’t hesitate to reach out to us – we’re here to help!
Understanding the Cost of Tooth Extractions
The cost of tooth extractions can vary from case to case. It depends on multiple factors, so our team will have to evaluate the details of your circumstances before we provide a cost estimate. For most people, this procedure is financially accessible. Extractions can also protect your health and save you money down the road, a fact that makes them a wise investment! Continue reading below to learn more about the cost of this restorative service.
Factors That Can Affect Tooth Extraction Cost
The cost of your extraction procedure may be affected by several factors, including:
- The specific tooth/teeth that need to be removed. Some teeth are more difficult to remove than others, which can affect costs. For example, it might cost more to remove a molar than a front tooth. Wisdom tooth removal can be especially challenging, meaning that it often leads to higher fees.
- The number of teeth that need to be extracted. Logically, multiple extractions tend to cost more than the removal of a single tooth.
- The complexity of your case. If your teeth are impacted (stuck beneath the gumline), or there are other factors that make your case more complex than usual, you can expect higher overall fees.
- Additional services. The type of anesthesia/sedation used during your procedure can affect total costs. Tooth replacement afterward can also add to your overall financial obligation. Bridges, dentures, and implants come at varying price points.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Tooth Extractions?
It is quite common for dental insurance to cover the cost of tooth extractions. Depending on the details of your procedure, anywhere from 50% to 80% of its cost may be covered. Many patients are able to save hundreds of dollars with the help of their policy! Our practice welcomes insurance, and we are even in-network with several popular plans. We will be happy to help you figure out how your benefits may apply and file all necessary claims on your behalf.
Other Options for Making Tooth Extractions Affordable
Outside of insurance, there are other provisions that might make it easier to afford your extraction procedure. For example, we work with CareCredit and Lending Club to provide low-interest financing. These third-party companies offer convenient payment plans that are built to fit the budgets of average folks like you. You might even be able to choose your monthly payment amount! The application process is fast, and most patients are quickly approved for credit.
Would you like to learn more about tooth extractions and their cost? Our team would be pleased to answer your questions. Get in touch with us today to request a consultation. We look forward to serving you!
Tooth Extractions FAQs
Does Getting a Tooth Extracted Hurt?
One of the main things that worries people about tooth extractions is the prospect of discomfort, or of outright pain. Fortunately, you have nothing to worry about in this regard!
Before performing any kind of tooth extraction, we’ll use a powerful local anesthetic to numb your mouth completely. This ensures that the most that you’ll feel during the procedure is a slight pressure as the tooth is removed—a little odd to be sure, but nothing painful.
It’s also common for patients to be a bit sore in the days after the surgery. We’ll prescribe you pain medication if we think it’ll be necessary for your recovery, and will give you aftercare instructions to ensure your optimal comfort.
Is There an Alternative to a Tooth Extraction?
Tooth extraction isn’t the end of the world, and the restorations that we’ll use to replace your teeth are incredibly realistic. However, in just about every situation, we’d prefer to preserve your natural teeth rather than remove and replace them.
If we’re recommending you a tooth extraction, it’s likely because other treatments are no longer an option to address your issues. Fillings, dental crowns, and root canals might be sufficient to deal with decay or infection in its early stages, but at a certain point of progression, they cease to be a viable option. This is where tooth extractions become necessary.
All this to say that if we tell you that you need a tooth extraction, it’s almost certain that you really do; it’s not a recommendation that we make lightly.
Can I Leave the Space Empty After a Tooth Extraction?
Leaving the space empty after a tooth extraction can lead to several issues over time. Adjacent teeth may shift into the gap, leading to misalignment and bite problems. This can also cause bone loss in the jaw where the tooth was removed, potentially affecting facial structure. Additionally, the missing tooth might make chewing less effective and could affect your smile’s appearance. To prevent these complications, we strongly recommend options like dental implants, bridges, or partial dentures to fill the space and maintain dental health.
Can I Smoke After Getting a Tooth Extracted?
It's strongly advised not to smoke after getting a tooth extracted, especially within the first 24 to 72 hours. Smoking can interfere with the healing process by reducing blood flow to the extraction site and introducing harmful chemicals that may cause complications.
One major risk is developing a painful condition called dry socket, where the blood clot protecting the bone and nerves becomes dislodged or fails to form properly. This can lead to delayed healing, infection, and significant discomfort. If you're a smoker, it's best to avoid smoking as long as possible after the extraction, follow your dentist's post-operative care instructions, and consider using nicotine patches as a temporary substitute.