Tooth Extractions – Grapevine, TX
Do You Need to Have a Tooth Removed?
When your tooth is damaged or in pain, you will naturally want to find a way to treat it without losing it altogether. Dr. Daaboul and the rest of our team want the same thing, which is why we will always take the time to explore treatments that could help restore the health of your tooth. But sometimes, saving the tooth may not be possible, and in those situations, you will need a dental expert you can trust to handle the extraction process. Give us a call if you’re suffering from a severe dental issue that you think might require a tooth extraction in Grapevine.
Why Choose Daaboul Family, Aesthetic & Implant Dentistry for Tooth Extractions?
- Highly Experienced Dentist
- Wisdom Tooth Extractions Available
- Natural-Looking Tooth Replacement Options
Reasons Why Tooth Extractions Are Necessary
If a tooth is damaged, it can typically be repaired with a dental crown or filling. However, sometimes an injured tooth may be weakened to the point where it can’t support any kind of restoration anymore, leaving tooth extraction as the only viable option. Similarly, a severely infected tooth may need to be removed if there are no longer any other viable ways to treat it.
There are other situations where a tooth extraction might be recommended. For example, it may be a necessary step before getting dentures. Regardless of why the procedure is needed, our team will always take the time to make sure that you completely understand the situation.
The Process of Removing a Tooth
Many teeth – namely those that have already fully erupted – can be removed with a simple extraction process. After numbing your mouth, our team will use specialized instruments to loosen the tooth until it can be removed.
If a tooth is impacted or is damaged to the point where it is no longer visible above the gumline, it might have to be removed surgically. In addition to opening the gums, it may also be necessary to divide the tooth into a number of sections that can be taken out of the mouth one at a time.
Tooth Extraction Aftercare
When you’re getting ready to have a tooth removed, you need to make sure that you’re prepared for the recovery process. This will typically involve:
- Making sure your head stays raised at all times, including when you go to bed.
- Eating only soft or liquid foods.
- Using ibuprofen or another kind of over-the-counter medication to reduce discomfort.
- Taking steps to avoid dry socket. (This means not spitting or doing anything else that could dislodge the blood clot at the socket where the tooth used to be.)
Understanding the Cost of Tooth Extractions
When it comes to having a tooth removed, there is no set price, as each patient is different. The cost of tooth extraction involves multiple factors that our team will determine when meeting with you for your initial consultation. When paying for this type of treatment, dental insurance is likely to help cover the cost, but you’ll want to review your policy or have a member of our team do it on your behalf just to make sure. You can count on us to go over all the necessary details of your treatment, including the cost, so that you don’t incur any surprises along the way.
Factors That Can Affect Tooth Extraction Cost
Dr. Daaboul will meet with you for a consultation to go over the details of your treatment as well as the process and price that follows. The only way to create a complete cost estimate is to answer the following questions:
- What is the state of your oral health?
- Do you have additional dental problems that need to be addressed (i.e., gum disease, additional decay, etc.)?
- Which type of extraction is needed? Simple or surgical?
- Which tooth needs to be removed and where is it located inside your mouth?
- Do you need a replacement tooth and if so, which kind?
Based on the answers to these questions, we will develop a plan that outlines how we plan to take care of your tooth extraction as well as how much we can expect it to cost.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Tooth Extractions?
In most cases, dental insurance does help cover the cost of tooth extractions; however, each plan is different, so you’ll want to review your policy and make sure it is covered. Having a tooth removed can be classified as a minor or major restorative form of treatment, so it’s possible that your insurance company will pay between 50-80% of the total cost, helping to alleviate your out-of-pocket expenses.
Other Options for Making Tooth Extractions Affordable
At our dental office, Dr. Daaboul is pleased to make tooth extractions an affordable service to patients in need. If you do not have dental insurance or your plan does not cover this type of treatment, you can apply for CareCredit. This third-party company offers low- and no-interest payment plans so that you can avoid paying for the entire treatment upfront, out of pocket. There are many plans to choose from, so all you need to do is ask us how to apply.
Tooth Extraction FAQs
Does Getting a Tooth Extracted Hurt?
At Daaboul Family, Aesthetic & Implant Dentistry, our mission is to provide every patient with safe and effective dental care. During any procedure, our number one priority is ensuring that you feel comfortable, so we use a local anesthetic to numb the area around the teeth being extracted. During the procedure, you may feel some slight pressure or discomfort as the tooth is being worked on, however, it shouldn’t be any more painful than getting a filling. If you experience soreness after your treatment, over-the-counter pain medications and cold compresses can help alleviate it. If it worsens with time, give us a call to schedule a follow-up appointment.
Is There an Alternative to a Tooth Extraction?
Tooth extraction is often the last resort when it comes to supporting your oral health. Depending on the reason for your tooth’s complications, other options like root canals or periodontal treatments may be able to save it. However, if Dr. Daaboul can’t see a way to salvage your natural tooth while preserving your oral health, extraction and replacement can be your safest option going forward.
What’s the Recovery for Tooth Extractions Like?
After your tooth extraction, there will be quite a few aftercare instructions to follow. Rest will be your number one priority, especially for the first 24 hours. The rest of your recovery is centered around managing the blood clot that forms over the implant site. This clot can be easily dislodged, starting your recovery over and leading to a condition called dry socket that can be excruciatingly painful. So, avoid drinking through straws, and spitting, as well as touching the area with your fingers, tongue, or toothbrush. Keeping your mouth clean, avoiding smoking or alcohol, and sticking to a soft food diet are all critical to a successful recovery.
Can I Leave the Space Empty After a Tooth Extraction?
While you may be tempted to leave the space once inhabited by your tooth empty, especially if it’s near the back of your mouth, you shouldn’t. Even if no one can see the gap when you smile, the open space allows a gradual shift that can cause difficulties for your oral health going forward. As the adjacent teeth move, they create a more crooked smile, cause bite issues, and make it harder to clean your grin. This is not to mention issues with chewing and digestion, the risk of dental damage, and possible speech impediments. Because of these issues, it’s highly recommended to replace your extracted tooth as soon as you’re able to.