Tooth Extractions – Richardson, TX
Preserve Your Smile by Removing Troublesome Teeth
Are you suffering from a toothache that won’t subside or is getting worse, or do you have a severely damaged or decayed tooth? If so, there’s a chance it may need to be extracted. Although Dr. Hsia usually does everything he can to save your natural teeth, they can put your dental health at risk if they've become too injured to be treated successfully. In these cases, our team can preserve your smile by removing troublesome teeth.
Continue reading to learn more about tooth extractions, and feel free to contact us for additional information.
Why Choose Jupiter Family Dental of Richardson for Tooth Extractions?
- Certified to Administer Nitrous Oxide Sedation
- Advanced Technology to Enhance Patient Comfort
- Flexible Financing Options Available
Reasons Why Tooth Extractions Are Necessary
If you’re concerned about your oral condition but aren’t sure whether you need to have a problematic tooth pulled, understanding when it’s necessary can help you make an informed decision.
You might require an extraction if:
- You have a tooth that’s severely damaged enough that it can’t be repaired with treatments like a filling or root canal.
- Additional space is required for orthodontic treatment.
- You’re being fitted for a full set of dentures.
- Your wisdom tooth is impacted or infected.
- A baby tooth won’t fall out on its own to allow the adult one to grow properly.
Issues like decay and disease can spread to your gums and jawbone if left unaddressed, further detracting from your overall dental well-being.
The Process of Removing a Tooth
The process of taking out your troublesome tooth depends on the type of procedure that’s needed for your unique circumstances. For a simple extraction, our team will start by applying a topical anesthetic and/or sedating you so that you feel comfortable the entire time. Then, Dr. Hsia will insert a dental tool called an ‘elevator’ to gently loosen the tooth in its socket so it can be wiggled free easily with forceps.
If you have a partially erupted or impacted tooth, you might need a surgical extraction, which involves making a small incision to access it. From there, we may need to trim away a small amount of gum or bone tissue to make enough space to remove it. In some cases, the tooth must be broken into more manageable sections.
Tooth Extraction Aftercare
Once your extraction procedure is complete, your mouth must form a blood clot over the site to protect the vulnerable nerves and bone that are left exposed. Our team will provide instructions for you to follow to avoid damaging it so you can prevent a painful complication known as dry socket.
Some standard post-op directions can include:
- Take any prescription antibiotics or pain medications as ordered.
- Don’t brush your teeth for the first 24 hours. Instead, gently rinse with warm salt water to eradicate germs and rinse away any unwanted particles.
- Avoid smoking because the force of suction can dislodge your blood clot, and the ingredients hinder healing.
- Drink plenty of water but drink directly from your glass rather than with a straw.
- Steer clear of strenuous physical activities that elevate your heart rate or blood pressure.
- Prop your head up at an angle while sleeping at night.
Also, it’s a good idea to discuss tooth replacement options with Dr. Hsia sooner rather than later. Without a root to stimulate your jawbone, it begins to thin in that area. If you never replace your extracted tooth, this can eventually lead to additional tooth loss.
Understanding the Cost of Tooth Extractions
Tooth extractions are sometimes necessary to protect your oral health and preserve nearby healthy teeth, but many patients don’t understand what goes into the cost of this treatment. The truth is, many factors can affect the final price, ranging from the number and location of the teeth needing removal to any other treatments that may be required in conjunction, such as bone grafts or tooth replacements.
Here is a closer look at how we determine your cost at Jupiter Family Dental of Richardson. If you have any questions or concerns about this procedure or our fees, please feel free to contact us for further information.
Factors That Can Affect Tooth Extraction Cost
While it is difficult to determine the exact cost of a tooth extraction until our team can examine your teeth, there are several factors that can influence the final amount. These include:
- The type and location of the tooth, and how many need to be extracted.
- The overall difficulty of the extraction. Simple versus impacted extractions are very different.
- The next steps required for replacing the teeth, if necessary, such as bridges or dentures.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Tooth Extractions?
It is very common for dental insurance to cover around 50 percent of the cost of a tooth extraction after your deductible has been met. This includes wisdom teeth. However, there could be limits in place that cover only a certain number of teeth, or a waiting period before your coverage kicks in. Every plan is different, which is why it is important to confirm your coverage with your insurance company prior to your procedure. Our office team is happy to help you do this.
Other Options for Making Tooth Extractions Affordable
In addition to dental insurance, at Jupiter Family Dental of Richardson, we also happily accept Medicaid and CHIP, flexible financing through CareCredit, and payment plans through Submit. You can learn more about these options on our website in the Insurance and Financing section.
At Jupiter Family Dental of Richardson, Dr. Hsia and the team are ready to assist you with your tooth extraction. We are happy to help you navigate the costs involved so you can get the care you need when you need it. If you have any questions or concerns, please call us at your earliest convenience for assistance.
Tooth Extractions FAQs
Does Getting a Tooth Extracted Hurt?
No matter what type of extraction you’ll be receiving at our office, the very first step will be to numb your mouth with an anesthetic. Generally speaking, patients tend to feel more discomfort once the numbing effect of the anesthetic fades.
For patients who are afraid of the dentist or have difficulties remaining comfortable in the treatment chair, we also offer laughing gas. Rest assured, your comfort during your tooth extraction in Richardson is our priority, and we’ll work hard to help you feel more relaxed.
What’s the Difference Between Tooth Extractions and Wisdom Tooth Surgery?
Wisdom teeth tend to require more care during an extraction because they are often impacted. This means that they usually need to be removed using the surgical method, which is technically a different procedure than what’s normally used for other teeth. Other than that, the goal of both treatments is to restore your oral health and alleviate discomfort. The location of the tooth that needs extracted can simply change the method we recommend.
What Are My Options for Replacing a Missing Tooth?
At Jupiter Family Dental of Richardson, we’re proud to offer several tooth replacement options! You can learn more about them over on our “I Am Missing One or More Teeth” page, but in the meantime here’s a quick reference:
- Dental Bridges. Best for patients that need to replace multiple teeth in a row. You’ll receive two crowns on either end of your gap and as many false teeth that can be supported by the bridge.
- Dentures and Partials. Dentures can replace an entire arch of missing teeth, while partials are specially designed to replace any number of teeth in your smile. These restorations rest on your gums using suction.
- Dental Implants. Can replace both the crown and root of your tooth. A titanium post is anchored to the jawbone to serve as a support-providing root, and a crown is attached via an abutment for a seamless look.
How Should I Prepare for My Tooth Extraction?
The best way to prepare for your tooth extraction in Coppell is to follow Dr. Hsia’s instructions! Depending on your treatment plan, he might have special directions for you to follow in the days leading up to your extraction.
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to voice them during your consultation or over the phone. Every patient has different needs – maybe you’d like to know what to bring, what to eat beforehand, how much time you should schedule, etc. – and we won’t judge! Clear communication will help you feel more prepared and give you some peace of mind.
What Can I Do to Speed Up the Healing Time?
For some patients, a few days dedicated completely to rest sounds like a dream. For others, it sounds more like a nightmare. If you fall into the latter group, then you might be wondering what you can do to speed up the healing time. The key is following the aftercare instructions we provide you with to a tee. That starts with not exercising for at least the first 24 hours and extends to brushing and flossing carefully around the extraction site.
Can I Leave the Space Empty After a Tooth Extraction?
That depends! If we performed an extraction to make room in your mouth prior to orthodontic treatment, then it doesn’t make sense to replace it. Of course, if we removed your tooth due to severe decay or damage, then that’s a different story. In that case, we recommend replacing it with a dental bridge or implant so the strength of your bite and your self-esteem aren’t compromised moving forward.
I Am Scared of Getting a Tooth Extracted. What Should I Do?
If you struggle with dental anxiety, have a fear of needles, or need multiple teeth extracted, then you may benefit from sedation dentistry. With calming solutions like nitrous oxide, we can alleviate nerves, stress, and worry, allowing you to relax comfortably in the treatment chair while we work to remove the tooth or teeth in question. If this sounds like the solution you’ve been looking for, then let us know! That way, we can determine if you’re a good candidate, and, if you are, add it to your treatment plan.
Can I Smoke After Getting a Tooth Extracted?
No, you should not smoke following your tooth extraction. There are several reasons for this, including the fact that using tobacco products immediately following the procedure can lead to delayed healing. So, it’s important that you wait at least five days.
How Can I Make the Cost of My Tooth Extraction More Affordable?
Fortunately, dental insurance providers typically cover a portion of the cost of tooth extractions. If you are currently uninsured, don’t worry – that’s not the only financial solution available. With trusted third-party financiers, like CareCredit, you can space out the cost of your care into monthly chunks that fit comfortably into your budget. If you are interested in learning more, including where to sign up, give our Richardson dental team a call!
