Do You Require a Tooth Extraction?
While often avoidable, tooth extractions are sometimes necessary to address serious dental issues. The following are a few of the most common:
- Baby teeth that have trouble exfoliating on their own
- Excessive tooth pain or a irreversible tooth infection
- A broken tooth
However, with early detection and expedient treatment methods, we may be able to save your tooth and prevent the need for extraction. That’s why it’s important to contact our dental office in Monroe ASAP if you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms:
- Severe tooth pain.
- Pain that worsens with pressure or chewing.
- Jaw pain or stiffness.
- Swollen gums around the tooth or teeth.
- Signs of gum disease such as discoloration, bleeding, or a bad odor.
If your tooth is still able to be saved, our doctors will devise a plan of action to treat and prevent further infection. With proper care and diligence, we’ll keep your smile intact while working to prevent future complications.
How Tooth Extraction Works
In the event that your doctor determines that a tooth extraction is necessary, it’s important not to worry. A dental extraction is a common dental procedure that is usually completed in a single visit and involves little to no discomfort.
Here is how we go about it:
Numbing the Tooth
Before the extraction begins, a local anesthetic is applied to the infected or damaged area. This anesthetic numbs the tooth tissue, alleviating pain and preventing discomfort during the extraction.
Removing the Tooth
With the tooth area sufficiently numb, your doctor will begin loosening the tooth with the help of a special dental tool. If the tooth is badly decayed or broken below the gum line, the doctor may make a small incision to access the entire tooth. Once the tooth is loose enough, the doctor will remove it without any resistance or discomfort.
Cleaning and Aftercare
Once the extraction is complete, the doctor will clean and disinfect the empty socket to prevent future infection. In some cases, a few stitches may also be required.
The Cost of a Dental Extraction in Monroe
With a typical insurance plan, a tooth removal usually costs about $100 — $200+ out of pocket. Without insurance, you can expect to pay approximately $200 to $600+ per tooth.
Keep in mind, no dental practice can give you an accurate quote over the phone. Because your treatment plan must be tailored to your specific needs, we can only give you an accurate quote after you schedule a visit to our Monroe dental office for an oral exam.
There are two broad categories that dental extractions fall under which may give you a better idea of what your extraction may cost and why:
Simple Tooth Extraction
A simple extraction is performed on teeth that are visible in the mouth. These can be performed by a general dentist, using local anesthesia. A simple extraction of an accessible tooth without complication would merit a lower cost estimate.
Surgical Tooth Extraction
A surgical extraction is a form of dental surgery, typically performed by an oral surgeon at a dental surgery center. This is a more complex procedure than a simple tooth extraction and involves the removal of a tooth that cannot easily be seen or reached, either because it has not fully erupted or it has broken off at the gum line. Because surgical tooth extraction requires a greater amount of consideration and care, it will cost more.
Contact us today
to schedule an initial consultation & exam.
Your consultation will include an examination of everything from your teeth, gums and soft tissues to the shape and condition of your bite. Generally, we want to see how your whole mouth looks and functions. Before we plan your treatment we want to know everything about the health and aesthetic of your smile, and, most importantly, what you want to achieve so we can help you get there.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Avoid spitting, mouth rinsing, blowing your nose, using a straw, and smoking in the first 24 hours after tooth extraction.
- Don’t touch the extraction site with your finger or tongue.
- Avoid hot foods and drinks.
- Don’t take aspirin because it inhibits blood clotting.
- Avoid physical activities and exercise.