Tooth Extractions – Richardson, TX

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