Tooth Extractions – Goodyear, AZ 

Reasons Why Tooth Extractions Are Necessary

There are a number of reasons why Dr. Hong and our team might recommend the removal of one or more teeth:

• A tooth is so badly decayed or damaged that it cannot be preserved with a filling, crown, or other restorative procedure.
• It is necessary make more room in the mouth for dentures or orthodontia.
• A tooth is impacted (stuck beneath the gumline).
• Advanced gum disease has compromise the base of support for one or more teeth.
• A tooth is infected, and we wish to stop the infection from spreading into nearby tissues.
• Removing a tooth is the most efficient way to end a patient’s toothache and get their oral health back on track.

The Process of Removing a Tooth

The process of removing a tooth is fairly straightforward. First, we numb the mouth. In some cases, we may also administer sedation. Once the patient is comfortable, we use an instrument known as an elevator to lift the tooth out of its socket. We then grip the tooth with forceps and apply enough gentle force to break the ligaments that are holding it in place. After the tooth is out of the mouth, we clean the socket and place gauze to control bleeding.

Following your extraction, you can expect us to talk to you about your options for tooth replacement.

Tooth Extraction Aftercare

Here are some guidelines to help you enjoy a smooth recovery after your extraction procedure:

• Take any prescribed medications according to instructions.
• After the first 24 hours, begin regularly swishing with warm salt water.
• Do not smoke or chew tobacco.
• Do not use drinking straws.
• Avoid hard and crunchy foods. Instead, stick to a soft diet.
• Keep your head propped up on pillows while you are resting.
• Avoid strenuous physical exertion.
• Attend follow-up appointments so we can replace your missing tooth. This can help you to avoid future problems, such as dental drift and the loss of more teeth.

Most patients are feeling normal within a week or so of their extractions, though recovery timelines can vary from person to person.

Understanding the Cost of Tooth Extractions

Tooth extractions are always reserved as the last resort for preserving your oral health. If Dr. Hong recommends that you undergo this procedure, it’s likely the most viable solution for protecting the rest of your smile. During your examination, we’ll discuss the process for your tooth extraction as well as what you can expect from the cost so there are no surprises. Until then, here are several things to keep in mind.

Factors That Can Affect Tooth Extraction Cost

Our team will only be able to provide you with an accurate estimate of the price of your tooth extraction after we’ve thoroughly evaluated your situation. However, several factors can typically influence the cost of the treatment, including:

• The number of teeth: The more teeth we’ll need to extract, the higher the price of your overall treatment.
• The difficulty of the procedure: Certain teeth could require a more complex process to remove them, such as an impacted tooth. This can end up raising the cost depending on how difficult your treatment is to complete.
• Additional services: If you have underlying issues that need to be addressed, such as decay or gum disease, then this might add to the overall value of your tooth extraction. Additionally, needing to replace your missing tooth with a dental bridge or dental implant can also increase the cost.

Does Dental Insurance Cover Tooth Extractions?

In most cases, dental insurance companies will help offer at least partial coverage for tooth extractions, as they are essential for preserving oral health. You’ll want to keep in mind specific restrictions or limitations in your policy, such as a waiting period, your annual deductible, or a certain number of teeth before your benefits can kick in. Though our team is a fee-for-service office, we’ll be more than happy to help you review your plan so that you can make the most of your coverage.

How to Make Tooth Extractions Affordable

Not everyone is currently insured, but this doesn’t mean you’ll automatically be out of luck from getting the dental treatment you need. Our team doesn’t want you to worry about the cost of your procedures, which is why we’re proud to be partnered with CareCredit. This third-party financier offers plans that can break up the price of your dental care into monthly, low-to-no-interest payments! With this, you’ll have more flexibility and freedom to undergo the services you need to preserve your smile without emptying your wallet.

Tooth Extractions FAQs