Tooth Extractions – Dumfries, VA 

Reasons Why Tooth Extractions Are Necessary

There are a number of reasons why we may determine that it is necessary to remove one or more of your teeth:

• A tooth has severe spots of decay or damage that could not be repaired via more conservative means.
• We need to make room for dental implants, dentures, or orthodontia.
• Tooth removal is important to stop a severe infection from spreading into nearby tissues.
• Advanced gum disease has caused the teeth to loosen.
• Your wisdom teeth are impacted (stuck beneath the gumline) and are posing a threat to your oral health. (Or you wish to remove your wisdom teeth merely as a precaution.)

The Process of Removing a Tooth

During a simple extraction, we use an instrument called an elevator to lift the tooth out of its socket. Then, we use forceps to grip the tooth and gently remove it.

A surgical extraction is more complex. We may need to make incisions in your gums or break a tooth into pieces in order to remove it.

After a tooth is out, we will clean its socket and place some gauze to control bleeding.

Regardless of which type of extraction you undergo, you can be confident that we will do all we can to make sure you are comfortable. We may also encourage you to consider dental implants as a way to replace your lost dentition.

Tooth Extraction Aftercare

Here are some steps you can take to facilitate an easier healing process after your extraction appointment:

• Take all medications as directed by our team.
• After the first 24 hours, regularly rinse your mouth with warm salt water.
• Do not smoke.
• Do not drink through a straw.
• Do not engage in strenuous exercise.
• Get plenty of rest, and prop your head up on pillows when you are sleeping.
• Attend all recommended follow-up appointments with our team, and seek tooth replacement in a timely manner so you can avoid problems like dental drift and further tooth loss.

Understanding the Cost of Tooth Extractions

There are several things we’ll need to discuss with you when recommending a tooth extraction. Naturally, one of the most important things on that list is how much you will likely end up paying for the procedure. Like with many treatments, the cost of tooth extractions can vary depending on your circumstances. Below is a basic overview of the factors involved and your financial options; please let our team know if you have any more questions about how to make sure that the tooth extraction process fits into your budget.

Factors That Can Affect Tooth Extraction Cost

The tooth extraction process will need to be personalized depending on your needs, which is why the cost isn’t set in stone. The final price will depend on:

• The Number of Teeth Involved: If you need to have more than one tooth removed, you will likely end up paying more than you would if only a single tooth had to be extracted.
• The Location of the Tooth: It typically costs more to extract a tooth near the back of the mouth since they’re harder to work on than your front teeth.
• The Complexity of the Extraction: A fully erupted tooth can often be removed with a simple extraction. Meanwhile, an impacted or badly damaged tooth might require a surgical extraction that carries a higher price tag.
• Your Chosen Tooth-Replacement Method: Once your tooth has been removed, you need to decide what to do about the gap. Dental implants usually cost more than traditional dentures and bridges, but they also have longer lifespans and can stop your jawbone from degenerating.

Does Dental Insurance Cover Tooth Extractions?

When committing to any sort of procedure involving your teeth, it’s always a good idea to double-check whether it’s covered by your dental insurance. You can usually expect tooth extractions to be covered, but the exact amount that your insurance company pays depends on what plan you have. On top of that, you may have to take waiting periods, a deductible, and your annual maximum into account.

Our team regularly works with many dental insurance plans, so if there’s anything you don’t understand, we can take a quick look at your benefits and clarify the details.

How to Make Tooth Extractions Affordable

Many patients don’t have dental insurance plans. Others do but find that their benefits don’t adequately cover the specific procedure they need. In these types of situations, it may be worth considering a third-party financing plan.

At our practice, we’re willing to accept financing plans from CareCredit and LendingClub. Both companies will allow you to pay for your care in a series of monthly installments, which can take much of the stress out of the financial aspect of the process. Many of the plans you can choose from have low or even no interest. Reach out to our office today if you have any questions regarding your financing options.