Tooth Extractions – Frisco, TX
Remove Damaged Teeth and Preserve Your Smile
You can count on our team at On Point Dentistry™ to do everything possible to protect and maintain your natural teeth and gums. However, severely broken or decayed enamel can put your oral health at risk. In these circumstances, we might have no recourse except to recommend an extraction to remove damaged teeth and preserve your smile.
We understand that you might feel nervous about this procedure, but rest assured, we go above and beyond to help you feel relaxed throughout your visit. Continue reading to learn more about what to expect, and please don’t hesitate to contact us for additional information.
Why Choose On Point Dentistry™ for Tooth Extractions?
- Member of the American Dental Association
- Dental Sedatives Available
- Same-Day Visits for Dental Emergencies
Reasons Why Tooth Extractions Are Necessary
Tooth extractions are often the only treatment available for teeth that are too injured to be effectively repaired with a tooth-colored filling, root canal, or dental crown. But that’s not the only reason our team in Frisco might recommend having a troublesome tooth removed.
Our team might also suggest this service for the following reasons:
- Treat damage or decay at risk of spreading or worsening.
- Create enough space for orthodontics to straighten your smile.
- Ensure that another restoration, like dentures, fits correctly.
- Address an impacted or infected tooth.
- Alleviate toothaches.
- Take out baby teeth that have not fallen out in time to accommodate permanent teeth.
The Process of Removing a Tooth
Are you curious what actually happens during a tooth extraction procedure? It can vary depending on your unique circumstances, but usually, you can expect our team to begin by administering a local anesthetic to numb the area. We also offer nitrous oxide (laughing gas) and oral conscious sedation if needed, to help you remain calm and comfortable the entire time. That way, you might feel pressure while we work, but not outright pain.
Then, for a simple extraction, we’ll use a device called an ‘elevator’ to gently lift your tooth from the socket. Next, we’ll carefully grasp it with forceps and wiggle it gently until it comes free.
More complex cases, like wisdom tooth extractions, might require surgery. This involves numbing and/or sedating you before making a small incision in your gums to access the tooth. Sometimes, it must then be broken into smaller pieces to be safely removed without harming your jaw.
Tooth Extraction Aftercare
Our team will provide comprehensive post-operative instructions for you to follow which are intended to help you recover as quickly as possible while avoiding potential complications. For example, if you damage or dislodge the blood clot that must form over the extraction site to heal, you might develop a painful side effect called dry socket.
Some common directions might include:
- Taking any prescribed antibiotics or pain medications exactly as directed.
- Rinsing with salt water to clean your mouth until it is safe to resume brushing and flossing.
- Waiting to smoke cigarettes or vapes.
- Drinking plenty of water from a glass, but steer clear of straws.
- Propping your head up at an angle for a more comfortable rest.
- Avoiding strenuous activities or exercise that elevate your heart rate or blood pressure.
Understanding the Cost of Tooth Extractions
If you need a tooth extraction, you’re probably curious about the cost of this important treatment. Unfortunately, without visiting your dentist for an in-person examination it is difficult to give an exact price. That’s because there are many factors that go into determining the cost of this procedure depending on your individual oral health needs. To learn more about how we calculate this, please keep reading.
Factors That Can Affect Tooth Extraction Cost
While it is difficult to determine the exact cost of a tooth extraction until your dentist can evaluate the tooth or teeth in question, there are several important factors that may influence it, including:
- The type and location of the tooth, and how many teeth need to be removed.
- The overall difficulty of the extraction procedure itself, and whether a specialist will be needed to assist with the procedure.
- What next steps are required for replacing the tooth, such as if you need a dental implant or bridge.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Tooth Extractions?
It is very common for most dental insurance plans to cover around 50% of the cost of a tooth extraction, after your deductible has been met. However, please be aware that there may be limits in place that cover only a certain number of teeth, or a waiting period before your coverage kicks in. Each plan is different, which is why it’s important to confirm your coverage with your dental insurance company first. Our team will be happy to assist you with this if you’d like!
Other Options for Making Tooth Extractions Affordable
In addition to welcoming dental insurance, at On Point Dentistry, we are proud to offer the following options to help save you money on your tooth extraction treatment:
- Loyalty Savings Program – This plan is perfect for patients who do not have dental insurance. In addition to covering regular preventive care, it also offers discounts on treatments such as tooth extractions.
- CareCredit – This third-party financier can help you split up the cost of your tooth extraction treatment into multiple, low-to-no-interest monthly payments that may be better suited to your budget.
At On Point Dentistry, we’re ready to assist you with your tooth extraction, including navigating the cost. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to call us for help.
Tooth Extractions FAQs
Does Getting a Tooth Extracted Hurt?
Let’s start with one of the most-asked questions we get about tooth extractions: Do they hurt? To ensure you don’t feel any pain during your time in the treatment chair, we will thoroughly numb your mouth. A few hours after you return home, the local anesthetic will begin to wear off. As that happens, it’s normal to experience some soreness, sensitivity, and general discomfort. To keep symptoms like these at bay, we will provide you with aftercare instructions, like using a cold compress and taking OTC pain medication as directed.
What Are My Options for Replacing a Missing Tooth?
If we’re removing one of your teeth due to significant decay or damage, then it’s important that we replace it so you have a complete smile and a strong bite again. Fortunately, our dentist near Frisco offers three solutions: dental bridges, dentures, and dental implants. Each one comes with unique benefits, which we will discuss during your visit. We will also share our recommendations and help you decide which one is best for you. That way, you feel completely confident moving forward with your treatment plan.
What Can I Do to Speed Up the Healing Time?
While some patients look forward to having time to relax, curl up with a good book, or watch the latest binge-worthy show on Netflix, others feel antsy to get back to life as usual. If you fall into the latter group, you might be wondering if there is something you can do to speed up the healing time. While there’s no magic step you can take that will speed up the process, you can prolong it considerably by not following the aftercare instructions we provide you. For example, if you begin lifting heavy weights or running before you’re cleared, the blood clot may not form, delaying healing in the process.
How Should I Prepare for My Tooth Extraction?
We’ve shared what you should and shouldn’t do after your tooth extraction, but is there anything you should know to set yourself up for success? The short answer is “yes!” In addition to avoiding alcohol and tobacco products in the weeks leading up to your appointment, we recommend picking up anything you need for the recovery period (i.e., cold compresses, soft foods, OTC pain medication). You also need to arrange for someone you know and trust to drive you to and from our office if you’re being sedated. Outside of that, do your best to get a good night’s sleep the night before and choose something comfortable to wear the morning of.
What’s the Difference Between Tooth Extractions and Wisdom Tooth Surgery?
The main difference between the two is the reason for the procedure. While wisdom tooth surgery is designed to remove the third and final set of molars, tooth extractions are performed on any tooth that is decayed beyond repair, contributing to overcrowding, or problematic in any other way. Of course, there are also differences in the price and procedure, which we can go over during your visit.
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