Is Tooth Extraction Necessary?
Experience Dental - Dental Extractions FAQs
Experience Dental - What is a dental extraction?
There are many reasons why a tooth extraction might be needed, including:
- Baby teeth that don’t fall out on their own.
- Teeth that need to be removed for orthodontic treatment.
- Teeth causing pain or infection.
- Broken teeth.
However, extraction isn’t always the only option. If you’re experiencing tooth pain, we may be able to provide quick relief while saving your tooth. Early detection is key.
Let us know if you have any of the following symptoms:
- Severe tooth pain.
- Pain that worsens with pressure or chewing.
- Jaw pain or stiffness.
- Swollen gums around the tooth.
- Signs of gum disease, such as discoloration, bleeding, or a bad odor.
The Treatment Plan
A tooth extraction procedure, performed by a dentist or an oral surgeon, usually requires just one office visit. Here’s how we handle the process, from determining if tooth removal is the right decision for you, to the extraction itself, and aftercare:
Looking for Solutions
Before our dentists pull any teeth, they will carefully examine your symptoms and discuss your options to determine the best course of action for you and your dental health.
Removal
Based on the preference of the dentist and the patient, a local anesthetic will be used to numb the areas where the tooth will be extracted. Sedation may also be available if needed. Our oral surgeons use a minimally invasive technique to remove teeth as gently as possible, prioritizing your comfort and quick recovery.
Feeling Better
You will be given aftercare instructions, including:
- How to care for your mouth as it heals.
- What to expect during the recovery process.
- What to do if you experience complications.
We are happy to schedule a follow-up appointment to address any additional concerns you may have.
Cost of a Dental Extraction in Boulder
The cost of a tooth extraction can vary based on several factors. With a typical insurance plan, the out-of-pocket expense for a tooth removal commonly ranges from $100 to $200+. We can provide you with a quote in advance, which you can submit to your insurance provider to determine your exact out-of-pocket costs. Without insurance, you can expect to pay approximately $200 to $600+ per tooth.
No dental practice can give you an accurate quote over the phone because your treatment plan must be tailored to your specific needs and can only be determined after an oral exam. Dental extractions generally fall into two broad categories, which may help you understand the potential costs and reasons behind them:
Simple Tooth Extraction
A simple extraction is performed on teeth that are visible in the mouth and can be handled by a general dentist using local anesthesia. The cost for a simple extraction of an accessible tooth without complications is usually lower.
Surgical Tooth Extraction
A surgical extraction is a more complex procedure typically performed by an oral surgeon at a dental surgery center. This procedure involves removing a tooth that is not easily seen or reached, either because it has not fully erupted or it has broken off at the gum line. Due to the complexity and expertise required, a surgical tooth extraction will come at a higher cost.
Contact us today
to schedule an initial consultation & exam.
Your consultation will include an examination of everything from your teeth, gums and soft tissues to the shape and condition of your bite. Generally, we want to see how your whole mouth looks and functions. Before we plan your treatment we want to know everything about the health and aesthetic of your smile, and, most importantly, what you want to achieve so we can help you get there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Thanks to modern dental techniques and equipment, tooth extractions are virtually painless. Many patients are surprised by how quick and easy the procedure actually is! Of course, some discomfort is to be expected, but we will provide you with aftercare instructions to help keep you as comfortable as possible during the quick healing process.
Many people believe wisdom teeth removal is a rite of passage. In reality, wisdom teeth only need to be removed if they become impacted or otherwise interfere with your jaw and teeth.
At your appointment, we’ll give you personalized aftercare instructions tailored to your situation. However, here are some universal tips to follow after a tooth extraction or any dental surgery to reduce the chance of complications and promote quick healing:
Refrain from spitting, rinsing your mouth, blowing your nose, using a straw, and smoking for the first 24 hours post-extraction. Keep your finger and tongue away from the site of the extraction. Steer clear of hot foods and beverages.
– Avoid taking aspirin as it can interfere with blood clotting. Limit physical activities and exercise.
The average procedure takes around 45 minutes.