Tooth Extractions – Fort Smith, AR
Severely Damaged Teeth? We’ll Safely Remove Them!
Natural teeth are always better to have compared to replacement teeth, but sometimes natural teeth become so badly damaged that they actually put your neighboring teeth at risk. If that’s the case, then Dr. Gilberto López will create a custom treatment plan, numb your mouth thoroughly, and remove the tooth in question, restoring the look, health, and function of your smile in the process. If you have any questions about this emergency dentistry service, you’re more than welcome to give our Fort Smith dental team a call or read on to learn more!
Why Choose New Smile Dental: Gilberto Lopez, DDS for Tooth Extractions?
- Sedation Dentistry via Nitrous Oxide for Patients with Anxiety
- Patient-Focused Education & Caring Team
- In-Network with Several PPO Plans
Reasons Why Tooth Extractions Are Necessary
While there are many situations that call for tooth extractions in Fort Smith – from a primary tooth that won’t budge to a large crack in the enamel – it’s not a treatment we resort to unless we absolutely have to. In the event that your tooth needs to be extracted, we’ll go over each step of your treatment process, explain exactly why you need the extraction, and provide detailed photos via our intraoral camera to keep you informed. Of course, we will also answer any questions you have and, if you’re nervous, discuss adding sedation dentistry via nitrous oxide to your treatment plan.
The Process of Removing a Tooth
Before removing your tooth, Dr. López will thoroughly numb the area surrounding it. Once you’re comfortable, numb, and ready to begin, we will begin the extraction process. If the tooth in question has already broken through the gumline, then this is a pretty straightforward process: he will grip the tooth, rock it loose, remove it, and tend to the extraction site. If the tooth is trapped underneath the gumline, however, then he will need to create a small incision in the gums first. In both cases, we will continue to check in with you to make sure that you’re not feeling any discomfort and that you’re completely at-ease.
Tooth Extraction Aftercare
To ensure that the recovery period goes as smoothly as possible, we will provide you with aftercare instructions like:
- Taking prescribed or OTC pain medication as instructed.
- Avoiding physical activities, like lifting weights or running.
- Eating soft foods (i.e., applesauce, pudding, yogurt).
- Drinking lots of water to stay hydrated.
- Keeping your head elevated while you sleep.
- Not smoking, spitting, or drinking through a straw.
For our team at New Smile Dental, providing exceptional dental care isn’t just a promise; it’s a passion. We go above and beyond to ensure each and every patient has the positive and comfortable experience they deserve while maintaining, restoring, or enhancing their smiles. So, if you need a tooth extraction, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us to schedule a consultation. We look forward to caring for your smile!
Understanding the Cost of Tooth Extractions
Even if you need a tooth extraction, you may worry about its potential price. That’s only natural – a treatment that ultimately “breaks the bank” won’t help you much. Still, the cost of tooth extractions actually varies by patient; you can only get a precise estimate by seeing Dr. López. Our team will also work to make your care more affordable, all while outlining the price factors, dental insurance, etc. For more details, please keep reading or call us soon.
Factors That Can Affect Tooth Extraction Cost
At your initial consultation, Dr. López will closely assess the affected tooth. He’ll then check several factors that affect your final treatment cost, including:
- Extracted Tooth Number – As you’d expect, how many teeth need extraction will affect your treatment price. The higher the number, the higher your procedure’s cost.
- Type/Location of Tooth – An extraction’s cost is also influenced by a tooth’s type or location. After all, extracting front teeth is less expensive because doing so is easier.
- Treatment Complexity – Your extraction’s cost partly depends on whether the treatment is simple or complex. A simple extraction is usually easy and inexpensive, while a complex one can get rather costly.
- Tooth Replacement Options – Treatment will cost more if you get tooth replacements after extraction. Whether this replacement is a denture, dental bridge, or dental implant also affects the price increase.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Tooth Extractions?
Dental insurance often sees tooth extraction as crucial, so most plans cover it. A given policy will meet 50% of an extraction’s cost in many cases. That said, remember to meet your plan’s deductible (and/or maximum) to enjoy the relevant benefits.
Of course, there are exceptions to the points above. Some dental plans will limit their extraction coverage, others will only cover certain teeth, and so on. That means you should confirm your policy’s benefits before you commit to anything. If you’d like, our dental team will gladly assist you.
How to Make Tooth Extractions Affordable
There’s no need to worry if you lack dental insurance; your tooth extraction can still be affordable. At that point, you just need to rely on our practice’s other payment options for help! Choosing the right one will ensure your tooth removal stays budget-friendly.
For example, just look at New Smile Dental’s flexible financing program. This option relies on our partnership with CareCredit – a 3rd party financier – to make your care less costly. By working with our specialized team, you could divide your tooth extraction cost into manageable monthly payments.
Your tooth extraction doesn’t have to have an outrageous cost. Just visit our office in the coming days, and we’ll help you finance your treatment!
Tooth Extraction FAQs
Can I Leave the Space Empty After a Tooth Extraction?
Technically, yes; once a tooth has been removed, you can choose to simply leave the space where it used to be empty. However, doing so is not recommended. An incomplete set of teeth could have a significantly negative impact on your ability to speak clearly and chew your food properly. Furthermore, your remaining teeth will start to drift toward the empty space, which can ultimately lead to severe alignment problems.
In short, it’s better to have an extracted tooth replaced as soon as possible. We’ll make sure that you’re fully aware of your options for reclaiming a complete smile.
Does Getting a Tooth Extracted Hurt?
You don’t have to worry about experiencing discomfort during your tooth extraction because your mouth will be numbed before the procedure begins. Once the local anesthetic has worn off, there may be some soreness, which you should be able to manage by following the aftercare instructions provided by our team. The discomfort should fade on its own over time; if it seems to be growing worse, we urge you to call us immediately so that we can take appropriate steps to address the issue.
Can I Smoke After Getting a Tooth Extracted?
You should not use tobacco products of any kind for at least five days following a tooth extraction; some dentists may even recommend giving up smoking for up to two weeks. This is because tobacco is known to slow down the healing process and increase the risk of an infection occurring. Simply put, it’s safer to stay away from cigarettes until your mouth has sufficiently recovered.
Some people may find it difficult to give up smoking for any length of time. As such, it may be a good idea to talk with your regular physician to see if they can point you to any resources that can help you kick the habit.
Is There an Alternative to a Tooth Extraction?
Unfortunately, if your dentist is recommending a tooth extraction in the first place, the answer is likely no. Decayed, damaged, and infected teeth can often be saved via an appropriate restorative treatment, but in severe cases, they may simply be beyond the point of salvaging. Suggesting a tooth extraction is typically a sign that your dentist has already ruled out other options.
What Risks Are Involved with Tooth Extractions?
It should be emphasized that tooth extractions are considered to be very safe. That being said, there is a chance of an infection occurring if you don’t keep your mouth clean while you’re recovering. On top of that, if the blood clot at the extraction site becomes dislodged, it can result in a dry socket, which can be very painful. Fortunately, you can keep the chances of these issues occurring to a minimum by following our aftercare instructions.