(931) 388-4315Your Dentist in Columbia Provides Tooth Extractions
At Goodman Family Dentistry, our first plan of action is always to save your natural teeth -- but sometimes, that’s just not the best option for your oral or overall health. When a tooth needs to come out, patients feel comfortable visiting Goodman Family Dentistry for efficient extractions. Are you desperately searching “dentist near me” for a tooth removal in Columbia? Don’t put off visiting Dr. Alex R. Goodman and our team for the care you need.
Why Extraction May Be Necessary
There are a few reasons patients may need a tooth extraction. Some of the most common include...
- Crowded teeth : If there are extra teeth in the gum line causing crowding, we may need to pull at least one to make room for orthodontic treatment.
- Infected or damaged teeth : If teeth are so damaged that there is no hope for treating them with root canal therapy, extraction may be necessary for continued oral health.
- Baby teeth : If the primary teeth do not fall out before the permanent teeth are ready to come in, the dentist can pull them to ensure the smile forms properly.
- Wisdom teeth : The third molars that may appear in the late teens or early 20s often require removal due to a lack of space in the gum line.
- Health conditions : Extraction may be necessary for patients receiving radiation in the head or neck. Patients dealing with weakened immune systems due to drugs for cancers or after organ transplants may need to have teeth extracted.
Types of Tooth Extractions
There are two types of extractions: simple and surgical.
- Simple tooth removal : This type of extraction is possible when the tooth is healthy and visible outside of the gum line. To perform a simple extraction, your dentist uses forceps to remove the tooth in a single piece. There is no need for sutures or a scalpel, and recovery is generally fast.
- Surgical extraction : Your dentist may need to perform a more complex surgical extraction when the tooth is impacted (partially or completely trapped in the gums) or if it is broken or infected. To perform a surgical extraction, the gum is opened with a scalpel and all bone and periodontal tissue is removed from the site. The tooth is removed in several pieces, and the gum is closed with sutures. The recovery from surgical extractions is longer than with a simple removal.
Recovering From Tooth Extraction
Simple and surgical extractions cause at least a little discomfort on the day of the procedure. Your doctor will prescribe a pain medication or tell you which over-the-counter medicine to take to reduce pain. Plan to take it easy and eat a soft foods diet for the first day after the removal. You may continue to bleed slightly following a surgical extraction, but this should stop within the first day. Apply an ice pack to the affected cheek to prevent or reduce swelling.
Understanding the Cost of Tooth Extractions
If the cost of tooth extractions in Columbia is standing in the way of you and a healthier, pain-free smile, don’t let it! Our team at Goodman Family Dentistry is happy to work with you to make sure you get the care you need, which is why we accept dental insurance, offer additional financing, and make sure that you’re aware of any out-of-pocket costs before your treatment.
Factors That Can Affect the Cost of Tooth Extractions
There are four main details that can affect the cost of your tooth extraction procedure:
- The Location of Your Tooth: Typically, the teeth towards the front of the mouth are less costly to extract than the molars because they’re easier to access. This means a shorter, easier procedure.
- How Many Teeth Need to Be Extracted: Of course, having three teeth extracted at once will cost more than just one, but getting multiple teeth removed at once can also help you save money in the long-run.
- The Type of Treatment: Some tooth extractions may require surgical intervention, while others, like those where the teeth are located above the gumline, can just be lifted and removed out of the socket.
- Whether Sedation is Necessary: Sedation isn’t always necessary for tooth extractions because a local anesthetic is administered before the beginning of the treatment to numb the mouth. However, patients who are very anxious or fearful may need dental sedation, which will incur an additional fee.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Tooth Extractions?
It’s important to keep in mind that every dental insurance plan differs. However, our team is happy to help you navigate your benefits and maximize them as much as possible. In many cases, insurance plans will cover at least a portion of the total cost of a tooth extraction once your deductible has been met. Our team can conduct a complementary benefits check before your procedure to give you a better idea of how much your insurance will cover and what your out-of-pocket cost will be.
How to Make Tooth Extractions More Affordable
If you’re concerned about footing the bill for a tooth extraction, our practice works with CareCredit to provide flexible monthly payment plans at little-to-no interest. Our team can help you apply for CareCredit, or you can do so yourself online. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you need assistance!
Visit the Dentist in Columbia
If you already know or suspect that you need to have one or more teeth extracted, don’t fear! The team at Goodman Family Dentistry provides comfortable, efficient tooth extractions from the comfort of our office. Schedule an appointment to learn more.