Tooth Extractions Richardson

When Tooth Extractions are Necessary

We will do our best to help you avoid tooth extractions, but we may need to provide them to protect your overall health in the following situations:

• Severe tooth decay or damage that destroys more than half of the tooth’s structure
• Primary (baby) teeth that do not fall out naturally
• Teeth are impacted (do not erupt)
• To prepare for orthodontic treatment when crowding is an issue
• To prepare for the design and placement of partial or full dentures
• Third molars (wisdom teeth) are the most often removed

The Tooth Extraction Process

Tooth extraction is completed either by pulling or surgical removal. Pulling a tooth is possible only if the tooth has fully emerged from the gum line. When this happens, we can numb the area and use a clasp tool to shift the tooth back and forth until it breaks free from the supportive structures. Surgical removal may be simply cutting away soft tissue to reveal additional tooth structure, or it could include more advanced methods like drilling into supportive bone tissues or breaking the tooth into smaller pieces.

In the event you’re feeling nervous or anxious about having a tooth removed, our office is also happy to provide sedation dentistry to help you feel more at ease ahead of and during your procedure.

Aftercare Tips to Keep in Mind

Following the removal of one or more teeth, our knowledgeable team members will walk you through how to care for your smile as the tooth extraction site heals. Everyone is different, but in most cases, we will recommend the following:

• First 48 hours – only consume liquids. Change out gauze as necessary as it becomes saturated. Use ice packs at 20 minute intervals to reduce swelling and inflammation and slow bleeding. Brush and floss teeth twice a day taking special care to avoid the extraction site. Avoid smoking or using tobacco in any form. Do not drink liquids through a straw as this can potentially dislodge the clot that forms after treatment.
• First week – begin eating a wider variety of foods as you feel capable. You should begin to notice a significant decrease in discomfort and sensitivity. If your pain persists or worsens after the first two days, call our team. If we’ve provided antimicrobial mouth rinse, use this as directed to aid in the healing process.
• Ongoing – if you have stitches that need to be removed, we will typically schedule this appointment for a week or two after extraction. After the first week, you should feel almost back to normal. If you’re still experiencing significant pain, please let us know.

Understanding the Cost of Tooth Extractions

The cost of tooth extraction in Richardson will vary from patient to patient. Although you may not be looking forward to the idea of undergoing this type of procedure, you can rest assured that not only will our team at Canyon Creek Family Dentistry of Richardson ensure the health and future of your smile, but we’ll also alleviate your concerns and stresses regarding the financial aspects of your treatment.

Factors That Can Affect Tooth Extraction Cost

Once you meet with your emergency dentist in Richardson, we will be able to evaluate your smile and determine exactly how much you can expect to pay for your tooth extraction. But until then, we cannot consider all the factors, some of which will include:

• The type of tooth that must be extracted (i.e., incisor, molar, etc.) as well as its location inside the mouth, and how many teeth you’ll need to have removed
• Whether you will require a simple or surgical procedure, as they are very different and require advanced methods and techniques to successfully remove the tooth
• The type of restorative treatment needed to replace the extracted tooth (i.e., dental bridge, dental implant, partial or full denture)

Does Dental Insurance Cover Tooth Extractions?

Most dental insurance companies consider tooth extractions to be major restorative procedures, which is why you will find that a majority agree to cover them at 50%. However, this percentage can vary depending on whether you’ve met your deductible and how much of your yearly maximum is available. You should know, however, that your policy may only agree to pay for a certain number of teeth to be removed, and you may have a waiting period you’ll need to abide by.

If you need help to confirm with your dental insurance company, do not hesitate to ask! We’re here to help make this process easy and simple, so you stress less.

Other Options for Making Tooth Extractions Affordable

We understand the realization of having a tooth extracted can be an unexpected expense for you and your family. This is why we offer other ways you can pay and still keep your treatment affordable. At Canyon Creek Family Dentistry of Richardson, we proudly accept Medicaid and offer flexible financing through Cherry or CareCredit. By breaking up the cost of your treatment into manageable monthly payments, you can avoid the red tape of insurance and instead, pay back the cost while adhering to your budget.

Our team is ready to help you achieve a healthier smile. If you need a tooth extraction but are unsure how you plan to pay for it, make sure to reach out to our dental team for help. We’re here to provide assistance in navigating your plan and ensuring your out-of-pocket expenses remain low.