Tooth Extractions – Eugene
Say Goodbye to Your Troublesome Tooth
No one wants to have a tooth extracted. Your dentist will only ever recommend one as a last resort. Sometimes, a tooth is beyond repair and needs to be removed to preserve the health of the rest of your smile. At For Beautiful Smiles, we offer same-day emergency visits and tooth extractions in Eugene so you can say goodbye to your troublesome tooth. Continue reading to learn more about tooth extractions.
Why Choose For Beautiful Smiles for a Tooth Extraction?
- Same-Day Emergency Appointments
- We Offer Oral Conscious Sedation
- Flexible Financing Available
Reasons Why Tooth Extractions Are Necessary
We will always do everything we can to help patients keep their natural teeth, but sometimes this isn’t a feasible option. Here are some reasons why a tooth extraction might be necessary to preserve the health of your smile:
- You have severe, irreparable damage or decay
- An extraction is needed for the long-term success of a restoration
- To allow you to undergo orthodontic treatment
- If your tooth is impacted and unable to erupt properly
- If a primary tooth doesn’t fall out on its own
- If there isn’t enough room in your mouth to accommodate wisdom teeth
The Process of Removing a Tooth
Teeth are removed by one of two methods: pulling or surgical extraction. Teeth are only “pulled” when they have fully emerged from the gumline. In this case, we will start by numbing the area around your tooth and using a clasping tool to shift the tooth around until it breaks away from the gumline. If pulling the tooth isn’t a possibility, the tooth will need to be surgically extracted. For this procedure, a small incision is made into your gum tissue, allowing us to reach your tooth and completely remove it.
To decide which extraction method is ideal for you, we need to closely examine your smile in person. If necessary, we will also discuss tooth replacement options to prevent complications from occurring.
Tooth Extraction Aftercare
Before you leave our practice, we will provide you with specific aftercare instructions to prevent complications and remain comfortable. Everyone’s case is different, but here are some of the key steps we recommend for a speedy recovery:
- Rinse with saltwater 24 hours after your procedure
- Avoid using tobacco products until your mouth has healed
- Elevate your head while sleeping
- Get plenty of rest
- Take recommended over-the-counter pain relievers and prescribed medicines as directed
- Apply an ice pack to reduce swelling and numb discomfort
- Stay away from hard, crunchy, and sticky foods until the area heals
Understanding the Cost of Tooth Extractions
Sometimes having a tooth removed is the only option for protecting your smile. However, you may have concerns regarding the cost of the procedure and whether you’ll be able to fit it into your budget. As such, when you visit us for an initial consultation, we will put together an estimate for you and make sure you understand your financial options. For more details about the factors that can influence the amount that you end up paying for tooth extractions, read below.
Factors That Can Affect Tooth Extraction Cost
It’s impossible to say for sure how much your tooth extraction will cost without looking at your mouth first. That said, it can help to know some of the factors that play a role in determining the final price tag. For example:
- The number of teeth involved makes a difference, with extractions involving multiple teeth generally having a higher cost.
- The location of the tooth matters. Removing a front tooth often costs less than removing a tooth near the back of your mouth.
- The extraction method is a major factor. An extraction that merely involves pulling the tooth out of your mouth will typically be less expensive than one where surgery is performed.
- Any sedation administered to keep you calm and comfortable during your tooth extraction will contribute to the amount you end up paying.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Tooth Extractions?
Since not all dental insurance plans are exactly the same, it’s always worth reviewing your own policy to confirm that a certain procedure is covered. Generally speaking, your dental insurance company will indeed be willing to help pay for the treatment, but the coverage can vary depending on the circumstances as well as the details of your plan.
A tooth extraction is considered a major procedure. As such, many dental insurance companies will pay around 50% of the overall cost. That said, there are some factors you will need to keep in mind:
- You will have to meet your deductible for the year before your dental insurance coverage kicks in.
- Some insurance plans might put a limit on the number of tooth extractions that can be covered.
- If you have recently switched to a new dental insurance plan, there could be a waiting period. This is the amount of time that you will need to wait before you can use certain dental insurance benefits.
Please let our team know if there’s anything you don’t understand about your dental insurance; we’re more than happy to answer any questions you might have.
How to Make Tooth Extractions Affordable
We’re well aware that not all patients can rely on dental insurance to make tooth extractions and other important procedures affordable. As such, we’re proud to offer an alternative: spreading out the cost of your care via CareCredit financing. You can pick a payment plan that works for your budget and comes with little interest (or even no interest) to worry about.
Tooth Extractions FAQs
Can I Leave the Space Empty After a Tooth Extraction?
Although it might seem like no big deal to leave the space empty following your procedure, this can end up leading to a few complications with your oral health. Other than not having a complete smile, missing a tooth can negatively impact your chewing ability, which can result in issues like indigestion and malnutrition. Even your ability to enunciate properly can be affected, as your tongue and lips won’t be able to press against all of your teeth like before. Furthermore, any remaining teeth will begin to shift out of place to fill the space, which can lead to further tooth loss. To avoid any of these issues, speak with our team so we can determine the best way to replace the extracted tooth.
How Should I Prepare for My Tooth Extraction?
There are several things to consider for making your tooth extraction a smoother experience. Firstly, feel free to discuss any questions and concerns you may have with your dentist, such as if they provide sedation dentistry to help you relax during the procedure. Our team will also provide you with specific pre-procedure guidelines to ensure that you’re ready for your appointment. These instructions may involve things like drinking only water before arriving or taking prescribed medication some time beforehand. Since you’ll likely be given local anesthesia, you’ll also need to arrange for a trusted friend or family member to take you to and from your appointment. Be sure to keep open communication with your dentist so that you can be well-informed and well-prepared!
Can I Smoke After Getting a Tooth Extracted?
You should never smoke or use tobacco products following an oral procedure. Using cigarettes, cigars, or even e-cigarettes can end up hindering your recovery as well as increasing the risk of bacteria and infection. In many cases, our team highly recommends refraining from smoking for at least five days after getting your tooth extracted. To ensure you have the best results, you should avoid smoking for a couple of weeks if possible. If quitting this habit has been difficult before, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our office for help. Our team can provide resources, guidance, and support so that you can maximize your healing process.
What Can I Do to Speed Up the Healing Time?
Resting will be the highest priority when it comes to your recovery. Following your tooth extraction, we recommend you avoid strenuous activity for at least the first 24 hours. You should also keep your head elevated to avoid blood rushing to the surgical site, especially when you’re going to bed. Be sure to keep the gauze in position as directed by your dentist, that way the blood clot can form properly. Avoid disturbing the area with your fingers or tongue. Use an ice pack or cold compress to minimize any swelling, and take your prescribed pain relievers or the medications recommended by your dentist (some medications, like aspirin, can hinder blood clotting and recovery). Keep your mouth clean to avoid dry socket, but avoid spitting, using a straw, or using anything that can irritate the area, such as acidic food or alcoholic mouthwash.