Tooth Extractions – Westfield, MA

Reasons Why Tooth Extractions Are Necessary

A tooth extraction might be the best choice for your smile in the following situations:

• There is a severely decayed tooth that can’t be restored.
• You have advanced gum disease that has loosened one or more teeth.
• A tooth is too badly injured to support a crown.
• You need orthodontic treatment but a tooth has to be removed first to make room for the necessary movements.
• Your wisdom teeth are impacted (trapped under your gums), or they’re overcrowding your remaining teeth.

Additionally, children might sometimes need tooth extractions if one of their baby teeth fails to fall out when it’s supposed to.

The Process of Removing a Tooth

Before your dentist begins the process of removing your tooth, they will thoroughly numb your mouth. That way, you don’t feel any pain during your time in the treatment chair.

From there, the process looks a bit different depending on if you need a simple or surgical extraction. A simple extraction is when the tooth has already broken through the gumline, which allows us to gently rock the tooth loose with special dental tools. A surgical extraction, on the other hand, is ideal for when the tooth in question is underneath the gumline. To access it, we need to first create a small incision in your gums. Then, we can remove the tooth and treat the extraction site.

Tooth Extraction Aftercare

Once you return home, you’ll need to focus on healing. Here are a few of our recommendations:

• Drinking water throughout the day to stay hydrated
• Sticking to soft foods, like plain yogurt and applesauce
• Avoiding physical activities, like running and lifting weights
• Keeping your mouth clean with the aftercare instructions we give you
• Taking OTC or prescribed pain medication as directed
• Using a cold compress in 10-minute intervals

If you’d like to learn more about the tooth extraction process, the cost, or what the recovery period involves, don’t hesitate to reach out to us – we’re here to help!

Understanding the Cost of Tooth Extractions

The cost of tooth extractions can vary from case to case. It depends on multiple factors, so our team will have to evaluate the details of your circumstances before we provide a cost estimate. For most people, this procedure is financially accessible. Extractions can also protect your health and save you money down the road, a fact that makes them a wise investment! Continue reading below to learn more about the cost of this restorative service.

Factors That Can Affect Tooth Extraction Cost

The cost of your extraction procedure may be affected by several factors, including:

• The specific tooth/teeth that need to be removed. Some teeth are more difficult to remove than others, which can affect costs. For example, it might cost more to remove a molar than a front tooth. Wisdom tooth removal can be especially challenging, meaning that it often leads to higher fees.
• The number of teeth that need to be extracted. Logically, multiple extractions tend to cost more than the removal of a single tooth.
• The complexity of your case. If your teeth are impacted (stuck beneath the gumline), or there are other factors that make your case more complex than usual, you can expect higher overall fees.
• Additional services. The type of anesthesia/sedation used during your procedure can affect total costs. Tooth replacement afterward can also add to your overall financial obligation. Bridges, dentures, and implants come at varying price points.

Does Dental Insurance Cover Tooth Extractions? 

It is quite common for dental insurance to cover the cost of tooth extractions. Depending on the details of your procedure, anywhere from 50% to 80% of its cost may be covered. Many patients are able to save hundreds of dollars with the help of their policy! Our practice welcomes insurance, and we are even in-network with several popular plans. We will be happy to help you figure out how your benefits may apply and file all necessary claims on your behalf.

Other Options for Making Tooth Extractions Affordable 

Outside of insurance, there are other provisions that might make it easier to afford your extraction procedure. For example, we work with CareCredit and Lending Club to provide low-interest financing. These third-party companies offer convenient payment plans that are built to fit the budgets of average folks like you. You might even be able to choose your monthly payment amount! The application process is fast, and most patients are quickly approved for credit.

Would you like to learn more about tooth extractions and their cost? Our team would be pleased to answer your questions. Get in touch with us today to request a consultation. We look forward to serving you!