At the Dental Center of Aspen Hill, we want to do everything possible to help our patients preserve their natural teeth if we can. However, there are some circumstances where it’s actually better to remove a tooth that has become so damaged that it actually puts neighboring teeth at risk (as well as future oral health.) Keep in mind that extractions are only considered once we’ve examined all other treatment options. However, if you or a family member needs one, you can trust our team to make sure tooth extractions in Aspen Hill, MD are as smooth and comfortable as possible.
Why Choose the Dental Center of Aspen Hill for Tooth Extractions?
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Soothing Nitrous Oxide Sedation Available
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Team of Caring, Skilled Dental Experts
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Same-Day Appointments for Emergency Patients
Do I Need a Tooth Extraction?
Our team will typically recommend an extraction in the following circumstances:
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At least two-thirds of a tooth’s enamel is damaged by decay.
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The overall structure of the tooth is completely compromised.
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The supporting tooth has been weakened due to advanced gum disease.
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Additional room is necessary in the mouth for another treatment (i.e., orthodontics or dentures).
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Baby teeth are preventing proper development of adult teeth.
The Tooth Extraction Process
More often than not, the tooth extraction process is a simple one. After numbing your mouth and making sure you’re comfortable, we gently shift the tooth back and forth with a clasping tool until it breaks free from its supportive tissues.
If the tooth is impacted (meaning it hasn’t fully emerged from below the gums), we may need to perform a surgical tooth extraction. In some cases, this involves making an incision in the gums to expose more of the tooth. However, in more complex situations, it may entail drilling into the jawbone or breaking the tooth into smaller pieces and removing them one by one. Each patient’s experience is unique, and we’ll go over the details with you before going through with the procedure.
What to Expect After a Tooth Extraction
Following the removal of your tooth, we’ll provide you with specific, personalized instructions for ensuring a smooth recovery. To minimize discomfort, we’ll create a plan using prescription and/or over-the-counter pain medications. You can also hold a cold compress to your cheek in ten-minute intervals to cut down on pain and swelling. We’ll also give you guidelines for maintaining your oral hygiene, changing out the gauze pads, and what your diet should look like as you recover.
We’ll also warn you of signs of complications that you should watch out for. Call your emergency dentist in Aspen Hill right away if you notice any of the following:
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Pain that increases rather than subsiding after the first two or three days
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Severe sensitivity near the extraction site
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Heat, swelling, or redness around the surgical site
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Bleeding that continues after the first two days
Understanding the Cost of Tooth Extractions
It’s important to remember that a tooth extraction will typically be your dentist’s last resort, as the main goal is to preserve as many of your natural teeth as possible. That said, keeping one isn’t always a viable option, especially if it’s putting your oral health at risk. If you’ve been told that you might need to have a tooth or more pulled out, it may be necessary for saving the rest of your smile. This might feel overwhelming if you aren’t sure how much the treatment will cost. Our team can walk you through the factors that can influence the overall price and your various financing options to make it easier on your wallet. Read on to learn more about the cost of tooth extraction in Aspen Hill.
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Factors That Can Affect Tooth Extraction Cost
Until we’ve been able to assess your oral health and find the root cause of the issue, our team won’t be able to provide the exact cost of your tooth extraction. Once you’ve come to visit us, we’ll examine your mouth, determine the best approach, and give a more accurate price estimate. Before then, here are certain factors that can influence how much you can expect to pay:
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Location of the tooth
: The placement and type of tooth needing to be pulled can impact the cost of your treatment, as molars may take more time to extract.
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Number of teeth
: The more teeth we have to remove, the higher the price of your procedure.
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Case complexity
: Cases that are more extensive than others, such as an impacted tooth, will certainly cost more than a simple removal.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Tooth Extractions?
Since tooth extractions are considered essential medical care, it’s normal for dental insurance to offer coverage. This typically involves covering about 50% of the cost of tooth extraction after you’ve met your annual deductible. That said, there can sometimes be limits that cover up to a specific number of teeth or a waiting period before your benefits kick in. Every insurance plan is different, so it’s best to double-check with your provider before committing to any treatment. Our knowledgeable team is also happy to help you navigate your policy and maximize your benefits.
How to Make Tooth Extractions Affordable
Even if you don’t have dental insurance, it doesn’t mean you’re out of luck. We understand the importance of maintaining a healthy smile and being able to afford the treatment you need. That’s why we’re proud to offer alternative financing options, including:
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In-House Membership Club
: With one flat annual fee, you can get discounts on multiple services without the hassle of annual maximums or deductibles. This can also help you save hundreds on future dental care.
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CareCredit
: This third-party financier can help break up the overall cost of your treatment into smaller monthly installments. Many of their plans also come with little to no interest!
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Special Offers
: Our team also provides free second opinions and one free dental implant consultation to help you save money.
With these options, you’ll be able to receive essential dental care without having to break the bank! Feel free to
reach out to our office
to see if you qualify for these plans.
Tooth Extraction FAQs
With a fast and comfortable tooth extraction in Aspen Hill, we can safely remove problematic teeth to protect your smile and ease your pain. However, it’s completely natural to have some questions about this type of procedure before being comfortable with committing to your treatment plan. For your convenience, we’ve gathered some of the most common questions we get about tooth extractions below so you can learn more about them. If you don’t see the information you’re looking for, don’t hesitate to give us a call.
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How Do I Prepare for a Tooth Extraction?
Preparing for your tooth extraction is just as important as following the aftercare instructions. Before your appointment, we’ll go over some specific instructions on how to prepare. These instructions will vary from patient to patient depending on the unique circumstances. We’ll go over what you should eat or drink the night before and morning of, what you may need to bring to the office, and if you should pick up the pain medication we prescribe. You’ll also likely need to arrange for a trusted adult to take you home after your procedure. It’s also a good idea to stock up on soft foods, plenty of beverages, and an approved otc pain reliever beforehand.
Do I Have to Replace a Tooth Once It’s Been Extracted?
Many patients who need a back tooth extracted think they don’t need to replace it. After all, if no one can see that gap in your smile, then why go to the trouble of replacing it? The truth is, it’s essential that you have your extracted tooth replaced right away to prevent a myriad of oral health issues. The neighboring teeth will begin to shift into the empty space, which will cause crooked teeth, jaw problems, and bite misalignment over time. A dental bridge or partial denture can help stop these problems, but only a dental implant will help prevent the jawbone deterioration and long-term oral health problems associated with tooth loss. Thankfully, we offer plenty of options when it comes to replacing extracted teeth.
What Are My Tooth Replacement Options?
Replacing a single extracted tooth can be done with a dental bridge, while several can be address with a partial denture. If you’re having all your teeth removed, a full denture may be necessary. All of these traditional options can now be paired with dental implants, which are small metal posts that are designed to replace the root structure of a missing tooth. We’ll be more than happy to walk you through all of your tooth replacement options and help you discover which one is right for you.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Tooth Extractions?
While every insurance policy differs slightly, tooth extractions typically receive at least partial coverage of 50-80%. Our knowledgeable team has years of experience navigating the details of insurance plans and will be happy to help you determine what your coverage is when it comes to tooth extractions. You’ll always know the estimated price of your treatment before we begin.
