Tooth Extractions – Aurora, Colorado
Preserving Healthy Smiles for a Lifetime
In most cases, the Aurora dental team at Mauck & Ricci, DDS consider tooth loss a bad thing, and we do our best to help patients maintain natural dental structures. However, there are cases where tooth extraction is the best choice to help people maintain overall oral health, and when that happens, our Aurora, Colorado dentists are here to help. If you want to learn more about tooth extraction or other dental services, call our dental office in Aurora to schedule your appointment today. We look forward to working with you to achieve your healthiest smile.
Why Would I Need a Tooth Extraction?
We’ll do our best to help you keep your smile healthy, but we may recommend tooth removal in all of the following situations:
- Severe decay or damage that destroys too much of the tooth for repair.
- In preparation for orthodontic treatment and partial or full denture placement.
- Primary teeth that don’t fall out on their own.
- Impacted teeth that are unable to erupt from the gum line.
- Wisdom teeth, third molars, that may lead to shifting alignment, impaction, and crowding.
How Does Tooth Extraction Work?
To extract a tooth, we will use one of two methods. The first is pulling. This is only possible when the tooth is fully emerged from the gum line. We use a clasping tool to shift the tooth back and forth until it breaks free from the gum line. For more firmly implanted teeth, we may need to provide a surgical tooth removal. These services can be as simple as making a small incision in the gums, or the procedures may be more complex, involving drilling into the supportive bone structures or breaking the tooth into smaller pieces. The goal is always to take a conservative approach to the process carefully extracting the tooth while causing minimal impact to your smile.
What Happens After Tooth Extraction?
After you’ve had one or more teeth removed, our team will carefully walk you through caring for your smile as your extraction site heals. Some of the basics to keep in mind include:
- Bleeding – for the first 48 hours after extraction, the empty socket is likely to bleed. To control the blood flow, you should place gauze over the extraction site and replace it as the gauze is saturated.
- Pain – it is normal to experience some discomfort following oral surgeries like tooth extraction, and most people experience relief by taking over the counter and/or prescription pain relievers as directed. You can also use cold compresses at 20-minute intervals to relieve discomfort and reduce swelling.
- Food – for the first two days after treatment, you should consume only liquids. After the first 48 hours, you can gradually begin introducing soft and then more difficult to chew foods as you feel comfortable.
Understanding the Cost of Tooth Extractions
A tooth extraction is never your dentist’s first choice, but sometimes it is necessary to keep the rest of your smile healthy. If you think that you may need a tooth extraction, cost is an important factor. We won’t be able to tell you the exact cost of your extraction until we examine your smile, but here are some things to keep in mind in the meantime.
Factors That Can Affect Tooth Extraction Cost
Once our team has had the opportunity to access the tooth in question, we can determine the cost of your extraction. Here are the main factors that will influence the cost:
- Location: The location and type of tooth that needs to be extracted will influence the cost of your procedure.
- Quantity: The more teeth that you are having extracted, the more the treatment is likely to cost.
- Complexity: Some situations are more complicated than others. This will contribute to the cost. For instance, an impacted tooth extraction tends to have a higher cost when compared to a simple extraction.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Tooth Extractions?
It is common for dental insurance to cover about half of the cost of a tooth extraction after the deductible has been met. However, there could be limits in place that cover only a certain number of teeth or a waiting period before the coverage kicks in. Every plan is different, so it’s important to confirm with your insurance company first. If you need any assistance, we would be happy to help.
Other Options for Making Tooth Extractions Affordable
If you don’t have dental insurance, this doesn’t mean that you are completely out of luck. We work with CareCredit – a third-party financing company that can split the cost of your treatment into manageable monthly installments with little-to-no interest. To learn more about your financial options, don’t hesitate to reach out to one of our friendly team members!
To find out exactly how much you can expect your extraction to cost, give us a call . We’re happy to help restore the health of your smile!
Tooth Extractions FAQs
If a tooth extraction is recommended by your dentist, then it must be a viable treatment for preserving your oral health. Even so, it’s completely natural to have certain concerns about this procedure before moving forward with it. To help you feel more comfortable and well-informed about this treatment, our team has compiled and answered some of the most frequently asked questions about tooth extractions in Aurora. Keep reading to learn more or reach out to our office if you don’t see the information you’re looking for.
How Should I Prepare for My Tooth Extraction?
You’ll want to follow particular preparatory steps before your appointment, which are just as essential as your aftercare guidelines. Make sure to ask your dentist any questions you may have, and they’ll be sure to inform you of what you’d need to bring. They might instruct you to refrain from eating anything beforehand as well as to stick with water. If you’ve been prescribed oral conscious sedation pills, then you’ll have to take them about an hour before arriving at our office, that way you’ll be relaxed and ready for your procedure by the time you come in. You’ll also want to have a friend or family member take you to and from your appointment.
Does Getting a Tooth Extracted Hurt?
Although some people are hesitant to undergo a tooth extraction because they assume it’ll be painful, the process will start like any other dental procedure. Our team will first completely numb your mouth with a local anesthetic so that you’re pain-free throughout the entire treatment. We’ll also provide you with sedation dentistry to help you remain calm and comfortable. Though you shouldn’t feel any discomfort during the procedure itself, you’ll likely experience some soreness for a few days after your visit. This can easily be managed by following our aftercare instructions, which will help significantly minimize your chances of discomfort and infection while promoting proper recovery. If you notice any symptoms that worsen over time, notify us right away.
Can I Leave the Space Empty After a Tooth Extraction?
Even if you’re getting a tooth at the back of your mouth removed, you’ll want to replace it as soon as possible. Not only will this be important for being able to properly chew and enunciate words, but you’ll also avoid complications with your oral health, such as jawbone deterioration, dental shifting, and facial sagging. Being unable to digest food well can also lead to indigestion and malnutrition, which can directly impact both your oral and overall health. That’s why you’ll want to consult our team about tooth-replacement options once you’ve recovered from your extraction.
Can I Smoke After Getting a Tooth Extracted?
You should avoid smoking or using tobacco products after undergoing tooth extraction. Whether it’s a cigar or e-cigarette, they can end up disrupting your healing process, allowing plenty of room for bacteria and infection to occur. While it’s best to quit smoking altogether, it’s recommended that you at least wait a couple of weeks after your procedure. If you need help kicking this habit to the curb, our team has the resources and support you need to help ensure you’re healthy and ready for your treatment.