Tooth Extractions – Castle Rock, WA
Removing the Problem for a Healthier Smile
When permanent teeth erupt, it is the goal that they remain in place for a lifetime. Their stability and durability cannot be fully replicated with any other form of tooth replacement, which is why your dentist will do everything they can to help you keep your natural teeth. Unfortunately, when trauma or an infection occurs, your oral health can be at risk if these impacted teeth are left in place. At Cowlitz River Dental, Dr. Kennington and our team can perform tooth extractions in Castle Rock to eliminate the problem and produce healthier smiles. Call us today to learn more about this service.
Why Choose Cowlitz River Dental for Tooth Extractions?
- Advanced Dental Technology Used
- Skilled Dentist with Decades of Experience
- Your Dental Insurance is Welcome
Reasons Why Tooth Extractions Are Necessary
It’s never the desire of any dentist to have to remove natural teeth from a person’s mouth, but certain situations arise where it is necessary. The most common reasons Dr. Kennington might suggest this type of procedure are likely to include:
- You have a serious dental infection that cannot be treated with a root canal.
- An abscess has formed and is putting your oral and overall health at risk.
- You have an impacted wisdom tooth that is pressing against healthy teeth and causing discomfort.
- You are being recommended for dentures, but your remaining healthy teeth are likely to fall out, so it’s best to remove them first.
- You need orthodontic treatment for overcrowding but need to have one or two teeth removed first to ensure successful results.
The Process of Removing a Tooth
Removing a tooth can be a simple or more complex process. Depending on the state of the tooth and whether it has partially erupted or is impacted, Dr. Kennington will need to perform a simple or surgical procedure.
To remove a tooth that has partially erupted, the dentist will need to use specialized instruments known as dental elevators and forceps to raise the tooth and gently move it back and forth until it detaches from the ligaments.
If the tooth is impacted, a small opening will be made in the gums before exposing the underlying tooth. To avoid removing or impacting more of the bone, we may cut the tooth into smaller sections before removing it.
Tooth Extraction Aftercare
Making sure your teeth have ample time to heal is necessary if you want to avoid a dry socket. To do this, you’ll need to have someone drive you home after your appointment. Getting plenty of rest is important, so when lying down, try to keep your head slightly elevated. There is likely to be some minor bleeding and swelling, but you can use a cold compress to help with the inflammation and discomfort.
While in recovery, do not begin smoking again or eating anything hard or crunchy. Instead, stick to softer foods. Do not attempt to suck through a straw or spit, as this can dislodge the blood clot that must form in the socket for proper healing. If a dry socket forms, it can cause significant pain and increase the potential for an infection.
Maintaining good oral hygiene during this time is equally as important, but you’ll need to be mindful when cleaning around your sockets. Instead of rinsing with mouthwash, use salt water and allow it to fall out of your mouth when finished.
Understanding the Cost of Tooth Extractions
Your tooth extraction will not cost the same amount as another patient’s, which is why it’s important that you schedule an appointment to meet with Dr. Kennington. Only a thorough examination of your smile will ensure that a complete treatment plan and cost estimate are created so that you can review them and decide how to move forward with your smile. Our team will work with you and your dental insurance to maximize your benefits, but we’ll also go over alternative payment options you can use to lower your out-of-pocket expenses.
Factors That Can Affect Tooth Extraction Cost
Diagnostic images and a visual examination will help our team to determine which factors are necessary to formulate a thorough cost estimate. Some of these might include whether you need preliminary procedures required, how many teeth must be removed, the type of procedure you’ll be required to receive (i.e., simple or surgical), the location of the tooth, and which type of tooth replacement you need (i.e., bridge, denture, or dental implant).
The type of restorative care you receive to replace your missing tooth or teeth is likely to be the most expensive piece of the puzzle simply because of the long-term care that is required. Although dental implants are the most cost-effective and require the least amount of upkeep over the years, dentures and dental bridges are often more affordable upfront but require replacements and denture adhesive over time.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Tooth Extractions?
You’ll need to review your dental insurance plan to find out what type of coverage you have for tooth extractions. Most companies will agree to cover up to 50% of the total cost; however, this is not always the case. If you need help, our team will be happy to assist. Your deductible and annual maximum will determine exactly how much your insurance company will pay, which will give you a clearer idea as to how much you can expect to pay out of pocket.
Other Options for Making Tooth Extractions Affordable
At Cowlitz River Dental, we welcome cash, checks, and all major credit cards, but for those without a private dental insurance plan, there is the option to finance your procedure using CareCredit. With low-interest payment plans, you can avoid surprise fees and high initial costs. Because tooth extraction is a complex form of treatment, financing it can be helpful if you’re worried that trying to pay the entirety will not be possible.
Tooth Extraction FAQs
You have questions about your tooth extraction in Castle Rock. This is normal, and Dr. Kennington fully expects you to bring these inquiries with you to your appointment. But before you arrive, we’ve already offered the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about tooth extractions from our previous patients. Here, you will find additional details about the procedure and what you can expect after it is complete. Of course, you’re always welcome to call our office to ask any additional questions you might have or to schedule an appointment.
Does Getting a Tooth Extracted Hurt?
Having a tooth removed might seem a bit scary, but the truth is that you will not feel anything during the removal process. Before getting started, Dr. Kennington will administer local anesthesia to keep you numb and comfortable. If necessary, you can inquire about sedation dentistry if you’re concerned about any fears that might arise. Although you might feel a slight bit of tugging or pressure, you will feel no pain. It’s not until after the anesthesia wears off (while you’re at home) that you will likely feel some discomfort. An OTC pain reliever and cold compress can help to alleviate any discomfort and swelling.
How Should I Prepare for My Tooth Extraction?
Should I eat before my surgery? Are there medications I should stop taking before my appointment? Knowing how to best prepare for your tooth extraction will ensure that you are ready and better equipped to undergo this process without must fear or uncertainty.
So that you have exactly what you need before the day of your procedure, we’ll equip you with a to-do list so that you know what to do and how to set your smile up for success after one or more teeth are removed. Some of what you can expect on this know-before-you-go list include:
- What time you should eat your last meal before your appointment
- What type of clothes you should wear so that you remain comfortable throughout your appointment
- The types of relaxation toys or techniques you should plan to use to remain calm and stress-free
- Identifying which family member or friend will escort you to and from your appointment
Can I Leave the Space Empty After a Tooth Extraction?
If you are having a wisdom tooth removed, yes, there is no need to replace it. However, any other tooth must be removed, and here’s why: The roots of teeth are what connect the existing structure to your soft oral tissues and jawbone. When removed, they no longer deliver stimulation to this area. As a result, the jawbone can begin to shrink, causing problems to arise such as facial sagging and additional tooth loss.
Replacing your missing tooth with a dental implant is the clearest way to deliver stimulation to the bone once again because it is the only tooth replacement solution that can rebuild the root and the crown of a tooth.
What Are My Options for Tooth Replacement?
There are three viable options for tooth replacement: dental bridges, dentures, and dental implants. Choosing which one is right for you requires scheduling a meeting with Dr. Kennington. After looking at your smile and its current state, as well as evaluating your preferences, goals, and budget, we will determine which method will be used to not only enhance your smile’s appearance but also improve its function.