Tooth Extractions – Salinas, CA
Say Goodbye to Teeth That Are Beyond Saving
Ideally, you should be able to keep all of your natural teeth for the rest of your life. Sadly, that may not always be possible; sometimes removing a tooth is the only viable choice for protecting your oral health. The good news is that Dr. Hajdari and Dr. Chehrehsa are here to make sure that your tooth extraction is as comfortable as possible. Please call us if you have a tooth that you think might need to be taken out.
Why Choose Blanco Circle Dental Care for Tooth Extractions?
- Multiple In-House Dentists and Specialists
- Same-Day Emergency Appointments
- Highly Compassionate Dental Team
Reasons Why Tooth Extractions Are Necessary
We prefer saving teeth whenever we can, but there are several situations where we may not have any choice other than to recommend an extraction. Most notably, if a tooth is severely damaged to the point where repairing it is impossible, removing it will likely be the only option left. Extractions can also be required for teeth with advanced infections that could spread and affect the other teeth if nothing is done.
The Process of Removing a Tooth
Step one is to examine your tooth to see just how severe the problem is. Once we rule out other treatment methods and have confirmed that removing your tooth is the best option, we can determine whether a simple extraction or a surgical extraction is necessary.
A simple extraction is where forceps are used to rock the tooth back and forth, loosening it until it is separated from the gums. We will be very gentle during this procedure, and we will always numb your mouth beforehand to help you stay comfortable.
However, simple extractions can only be performed on fully erupted teeth. If the tooth hasn’t completely emerged from beneath the gums (or if it has broken off at the gumline), surgery may be needed to remove it. To minimize the amount of bone lost during the surgical extraction process, it may be necessary to divide the tooth into pieces that can be taken out one at a time.
Tooth Extraction Aftercare
Once you have had a tooth taken out, you should avoid spitting, drinking through a straw, or directly brushing the extraction site for at least 24 hours. This is to protect the blood clot that will form after the procedure. It’s important to ensure that the blood clot remains in place if you want to avoid a dry socket.
It will take a while for your mouth to fully recover after a tooth extraction. During this time, you should make a point of only eating soft or liquid foods, and you should make sure that your head stays elevated whenever you go to bed. To keep your discomfort under control, you can take ibuprofen or another type of over-the-counter painkiller.
Understanding the Cost of Tooth Extractions
When it comes to tooth extractions, it isn’t just the idea of losing a tooth that concerns most patients—it’s also the worry about the potential cost. That said, if we’ve suggested tooth extraction for you, we’ll be sure to review the associated cost, as well as all the other crucial information, beforehand, so that you know exactly what you’re expected to pay. In any case, here are some details about some of the factors that normally determine the cost of this procedure, as well as how dental insurance can play a role in covering your care.
Factors That Affect the Cost of Tooth Extractions
- Type/Location of the Tooth – Extracting a tooth that’s at the back of your mouth involves more work and time, meaning it may cost more than having a front tooth removed.
- Number of Teeth Being Extracted – Getting one tooth removed is much less expensive than having multiple teeth extracted.
- Surgical vs. Non-Surgical – For a simple (non-surgical) extraction, your dentist will use special forceps to remove a tooth that’s above the gumline. An impacted tooth often requires minor oral surgery, which makes things more expensive.
- Use of Dental Sedation – Sedation isn’t always needed, but we understand how many patients greatly appreciate this option since it helps them relax, even if it comes at added cost.
- Type of Tooth Replacement – If the tooth being removed needs to be replaced, the type of restoration being used also becomes a relevant cost factor, since some options (like dental implants) have higher upfront costs than others (like dentures or bridges).
Does Dental Insurance Cover Tooth Extractions?
In many cases, dental insurance plans offer some level of coverage for tooth extractions, especially if they’re deemed medically necessary, but there are a few things to keep in mind. Most plans will cover around 50% of the total price, assuming you’ve met your deductible. Some plans might also limit how many extractions are covered, or could include waiting periods that must be fulfilled. It’s always crucial to have a thorough understanding of your benefits before committing to any sort of dental treatment, including tooth extractions. Our team can help you sort out the details; just give us a call.
How to Make Tooth Extractions More Affordable
If you don’t have dental insurance, or your plan won’t adequately cover the cost of your tooth extraction in Salinas, you aren’t out of options for making things more affordable. Our practice is pleased to be partnered with Cherry and CareCredit, two third-party financers who can work with qualifying patients to find low (or no) interest plans with flexible payment windows. It only takes a few minutes to sign up, and our team is more than happy to answer any questions you might have.
Tooth Extractions FAQs
Does Getting a Tooth Extracted Hurt?
Many patients are hesitant to commit to treatment because they are worried that it will be painful. The good news is that no matter how many teeth you need to be extracted, the first step is always numbing your mouth with a local anesthetic. Nitrous oxide sedation and oral conscious sedation are also available to help you feel even more comfortable in the dental chair. You will likely experience some soreness for a few days afterward, but by closely following your aftercare instructions, you can promote healing and reduce discomfort.
Can I Leave the Space Empty After a Tooth Extraction?
If the tooth that is getting pulled is located in the back of the mouth, you may think that you don’t need to have it replaced. Afterall – no one can see it, so why should you replace it? The truth is that your teeth do much more than just create a beautiful smile. They are needed for you to chew properly and enunciate clearly. Missing just one tooth can lead to poor nutrition and indigestion. It is recommended that once you are done healing, you schedule an appointment to discuss tooth replacement options.
How Should I Prepare for My Tooth Extraction?
Preparing for your tooth extraction is just as important as following your aftercare instructions. Before your procedure, you should ask any questions that you have to your dentist, including what to bring and what you should bring the morning of. If your dentist has any specific instructions, like sticking to just water the morning of or picking up prescription medication, do so beforehand. You should arrange for a trusted adult to drive you home after your procedure if you are receiving sedation.
Can I Smoke After Getting a Tooth Extracted?
Since tobacco products, like cigars and cigarettes, delay healing, you shouldn’t smoke immediately following a tooth extraction. It is recommended that you abstain from smoking for at least five days afterward. However, if you can, you should avoid smoking for at least two weeks. If you have had difficulty quitting in the past, don’t hesitate to let us know so we can help you prepare.