Tooth Extractions – Lovell, WY
Remove Your Tooth in Style
The prospect of a tooth extraction is one that many patients struggle to get excited about. However, when a dentist recommends removing a tooth, it’s usually because that’ll provide you with substantial relief from something that could be bothering you.
At Lovell Dental, we know how good a tooth extraction that’s done well can feel, so if you’re looking for a team to help you remove your tooth in style, give us a call today!
Why Choose Lovell Dental for Tooth Extractions?
- Caring Team to Make Stressful Procedures Comfortable
- Experienced Dentist with Strong Understanding of Tooth Extractions
- In-Network with a Wide Variety of Dental Plans
Reasons Why Tooth Extractions Are Necessary
As much as we may all wish it weren’t true, there are some situations where a tooth extraction becomes the best course of action. Occasionally, a tooth becomes diseased to such an extent that it’s bound to die, and to infect other teeth as it does. Others may become impacted, not sprouting properly.
We may also recommend removing a tooth in order to make room for some kinds of oral appliances, like dentures or braces.
The Process of Removing a Tooth
You might have heard tooth extractions referred to as “pulling teeth,” but this conjures an image of something much more violent than what the procedure actually entails.
First of all, we will thoroughly numb your mouth before performing any kind of extraction, and apply any sedatives that you would like. Once you’re feeling comfortable, we will use a tool called an elevator to gently lift the tooth out of its socket. This will allow us to remove it easily, without any “pulling.”
Instead, we take a pair of forceps and wiggle the tooth free until it comes completely loose. Ultimately, you’re likely to be pleasantly surprised by how easy and painless the procedure is likely to be.
Tooth Extraction Aftercare
While removing the tooth itself should be an entirely painless process, most patients unfortunately deal with a little bit of discomfort. We’ll give you detailed aftercare instructions to help you stay comfortable once your treatment is complete, but before then, here are some general guidelines to keep in mind.
- Take all medications we prescribe you as directed.
- Avoid smoking.
- Don’t drink out of a straw, or do anything to create excessive suction in the mouth.
- Stay away from strenuous exercise, and get plenty of rest
- Keep your head elevated while sleeping
Understanding the Cost of Tooth Extractions
If Dr. Anderson has recommended that you get a tooth extraction, then it’s likely the most viable option for saving the rest of your smile from complications. Still, you’ll want to know what to expect from the price of the procedure before undergoing the process. Our team will discuss your treatment plan in detail as well as the cost of tooth extractions and your financing options to make your care more manageable.
Factors That Can Affect Tooth Extraction Cost
Every patient’s smile will be different, so your treatment plan will be completely personalized for your situation, including the price of the procedure. That said, here are a few factors that might influence the overall cost of your tooth extraction:
- The number of teeth needing extraction: Removing a single tooth will cost significantly less than needing to extract several teeth in one appointment.
- The location and type of tooth: Extracting teeth in the back of your mouth can often come with a higher upfront value compared to removing front teeth.
- The kind of extraction: Regular tooth extractions typically won’t require minor oral surgery like with an impacted extraction, meaning it’ll usually cost less to perform.
- The type of tooth-replacement option: If you need to replace a tooth, certain solutions, such as dental implants, will have a higher price compared to more traditional options like dental bridges and dentures.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Tooth Extractions?
Since they’re considered essential and major dental procedures, tooth extractions will tend to have about 50% of the total cost covered by insurance companies. Of course, you’ll want to keep any limitations in mind, such as meeting your annual deductible before your benefits can kick in. Every policy is unique, too, so make sure to get the details of your plan with your provider before committing to any treatment. Our team can also help you navigate your benefits to make this process smoother and stress-free!
How to Make Tooth Extractions Affordable
If you don’t have dental insurance, it doesn’t mean you’ll be out of luck. To ensure that you can get the treatments you need and deserve, we are proud to be partnered with CareCredit. This third-party financier offers plans that can split up the total price of your dental care into monthly payments, typically with little to no interest! If you’re eligible, you’ll be able to focus more on treating and maintaining a healthy smile while saving more in the long run.
Tooth Extractions FAQs
What Are My Options for Replacing a Missing Tooth?
If you’ve had a tooth extracted recently, you’ll likely be happy to learn that there are several different options available to you when it comes to tooth replacement. The first is a dental bridge, which consists of two dental crowns with one or more pontics (a simulated tooth) in the middle. This is ideal for those missing one or two teeth. Dentures are an excellent option for those who are most or all of their teeth, as they’re an inexpensive method of replacing any number of teeth all at once. Then there are dental implants, which are unmatched in durability and bite strength. We’ll be able to give you a better sense of which option is best for you when we meet you in person.
Can I Smoke After Getting a Tooth Extracted?
Tobacco or nicotine products of any kind can massively delay healing by cutting off blood flow to the mouth, as well as irritating the area around the surgical site. Smoking and vaping can also pull the emerging clot out of place, leading to condition known as dry socket. This being the case, we would strongly recommend against smoking after a tooth extraction.
How Should I Prepare for My Tooth Extraction?
Before your procedure, you should take the time to talk to us about any questions that you have. We’ll be able to give you more personalized advice regarding how you should prepare for your procedure when we meet you in person. We’ll let you know if there are any prescription medicines you’ll need to pick up, or if you need to fast the morning of the treatment.
In any case, it’s generally a good idea to have someone drive you to and from your procedure, as most procedures will involve some type of sedation or anesthesia.
What Should I Do After My Tooth Extraction?
When recovering from your tooth extraction, the most important thing you can do is rest. For the first 24 hours after your procedure you should make it a point to take it easy, avoiding any strenuous activity. You might also want to adopt a soft food diet for the few days after your procedure so that you don’t accidentally disturb the emerging clot.
It’s normal to be a bit sore for a few days after your procedure. To mitigate this, you can use over-the-counter or prescribed medicine as directed, and apply a cold compress when necessary. Of course, following the other aftercare instructions we give you will help you stay as comfortable as possible.