Tooth Extractions – Richardson, TX
Pain-Free Tooth Removal
Every patient receives completely personalized care here at Shwarts Family Dentistry in Richardson, but Dr. Shwarts tries to accomplish the same basic goal with everyone who comes to see him: help them keep their natural teeth for as long as possible. However, there are still some situations in which removing a problem tooth is the best way to protect and preserve a patient’s oral health. Should you ever need a tooth extracted, you can trust Dr. Shwarts to do everything he can to help you remain comfortable the entire time. Then, if needed, he can also replace the tooth right away.
Why Choose Us for Tooth Extractions?
- Only Used as a Last Resort
- Sedation Dentistry Makes Every Appointment Comfortable
- Same-Day Appointments Available for Urgent Patients
Why Someone Might Need a Tooth Extraction
After a thorough examination where a number of different treatment plans have been considered, Dr. Shwarts will only recommend extracting a patient’s tooth if:
- It has a large cavity that is starting to spread to the nearby teeth
- The enamel is weak and will eventually crack
- Physical trauma has broken the tooth beyond repair
- More room is needed in the mouth for a new denture
- It’s necessary to make an Invisalign treatment effective
- Gum disease has severely damaged the bone needed to support a tooth
The Tooth Extraction Process
Tooth extractions in Richardson come in two varieties: simple extractions and surgical extractions.
- Simple extractions are typically performed on erupted teeth that are fully visible in your mouth. The area around the tooth is typically numbed to lower the pain felt during the process. First, we will use a device called an elevator to loosen and lift your tooth. We will then grasp the tooth with a pair of dental forceps and move it back and forth, eventually breaking the periodontal ligaments and loosening it from the bone enough so that it can be taken out of the jaw.
- Surgical extractions are for teeth that have not completely erupted through the gums or have been fractured under the gum line – in other words, whenever it would be difficult to reach the tooth itself. Small amounts of gum tissue or jawbone might need to be removed during this procedure. As for the tooth itself, it can sometimes be removed whole, but in other cases we might need to break it into pieces first.
After Your Extraction
You’ll need to rest for at least 24 hours after the procedure. Do not rinse your mouth or use a straw; a blood clot will form around the area of the extraction, and you don’t want to dislodge it by accident. (Doing so could lengthen healing time.) Use ibuprofen and similar over-the-counter medications to reduce the pain as well as inflammation.
You’ll usually experience much less discomfort after about 3 days, but you’ll still need to be careful. Avoid brushing and flossing near the extracted tooth; you can keep this area clean by rinsing with a warm saline solution. Eat soft foods that don’t require chewing and are less likely to be trapped in the socket, such as soups, yogurt and applesauce.
Understanding the Cost of Tooth Extractions
Before making an appointment for your tooth extraction in Richardson, you probably want to know how much it’ll cost. It’s impossible to provide a set price because the answer truly varies from patient to patient. Rest assured – Dr. Shwarts and the rest of the team will thoroughly explain the pricing information during your consultation so you know exactly what to expect. Not only will we ensure the health and future of your smile, but we’ll help you navigate the financial aspects of your treatment.
Factors That Can Affect Tooth Extraction Cost
At your consultation, Dr. Shwarts thoroughly evaluate your smile to find out exactly how much you can expect to pay for your tooth extraction in Richardson. Many factors can influence the final price, including:
- The type and location of the tooth that must be extracted (i.e., incisor, molar, etc.) and how many teeth you’ll need to have removed.
- Whether you need a simple or surgical procedure (both are 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?
The good news is that most dental insurance plans offer coverage for major restorative procedures. In many cases, you’ll find that most will agree to cover around 50% of the cost of tooth extractions after the deductible has been met, including wisdom teeth. Of course, the exact amount of coverage you receive will vary based on your specific policy. It’s a good idea to confirm the details of your plan with your insurance provider before committing to anything. Our team is happy to help with this step if needed! We want to make the process as easy and simple as possible.
Other Options for Making Tooth Extractions Affordable
We understand that a tooth extraction can be an unexpected expense for most people. To help you out, we offer additional financing options to make your care as affordable as possible. The last thing we want is for patients to go without much-needed dental treatment because of the price. Some of our financial solutions include:
- VIP In-House Plan – For one low flat fee, you can get the preventive dental care you need and enjoy sizeable discounts on other services like tooth extractions. With this option, you’ll have the same benefits as traditional insurance but without deductibles, yearly maximums, and waiting periods.
- Flexible Financing – We work with a third-party financier to give you the option to split up the total cost of your care into smaller monthly installments. Best of all, most plans come with little-to-no interest attached. This helps make even the most expensive treatment fit any budget!
Tooth Extraction FAQs
Do you have questions about tooth extractions in Richardson? It’s okay if you do. Many patients learning they will require the removal of one or more teeth often wonder what they can expect, will the procedure be painful, and what will the recovery process be like. But there are many other questions that often get overlooked, which is why we’ve compiled some of the most common ones asked by previous patients. Should you not see yours listed below, please do not hesitate to contact us to schedule an appointment for further discussion.
Is there an alternative to a tooth extraction?
It is always the main goal of dentists to save a patient’s natural teeth. However, when this is not possible, a tooth replacement will be necessary (i.e., dental implant, dental bridge, partial denture). Although they are very lifelike these days, it still doesn’t offer what a natural tooth can. Unfortunately, whether or not there is an alternative to tooth extraction is dependent upon your specific case and if your dentist believes another solution can suffice. If a dental crown, root canal, or periodontal therapy cannot fix the problem, then removing the decayed or damaged tooth will be the only option.
Can I leave the space empty after a tooth extraction?
Unless you are having your wisdom teeth removed, no, you cannot leave it empty for long. The reason it is necessary for you to replace a tooth is that you can begin to experience problems eating, speaking, and chewing. As a result, you may lack the nutrition your body needs, and you may develop a more sunken appearance as your jawbone deteriorates and your teeth shift out of alignment. Not to mention, depending on the location of your missing tooth, you can develop a slight lisp, which may become apparent to those around you.
While you are not obligated to have your tooth replaced, it is strongly recommended by our dental team, especially if you want to have a fully functional smile.
How should I prepare for my tooth extraction?
Before arriving for your oral surgery, you’ll need to make sure you discuss your health history and any current medications you are taking with your dentist in Richardson. If you are provided specific instructions during your consultation, which you will be, you’ll know what you can eat, when you can eat or drink anything before and after your surgery, as well as whether you should take your normal medications the day of your procedure. Because you will receive local anesthesia, it will be important that you have someone escort you to and from your appointment, as it will not be safe for you to drive.
What risks are involved with tooth extractions?
Tooth extractions are considered extremely safe but just as it is with any type of oral surgery, there is always risk involved. Some possible complications that can arise include infection, which can spread quickly throughout the body, and dry socket, which is extremely painful and can cause a delay to your recovery. When receiving instructions regarding your aftercare, make sure you heed our advice and follow the guidelines provided to you. This will keep your risk for infection or dry socket low while allowing you to heal properly and swiftly.
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