Tooth Extractions
Our primary goal is to preserve and maintain your natural teeth, but there are situations where extracting a tooth is the best option. We strive to ensure that extractions are as comfortable as possible, allowing you to focus on a speedy recovery.
Tooth Extraction
Tooth extraction is a dental procedure where a tooth is removed from its socket in the bone. While preserving natural teeth is always our priority, extractions are sometimes necessary to maintain overall oral health. Common reasons for tooth extractions include severe decay, infection, crowding, or damage beyond repair.
Types of Tooth Extractions
At Leominster Family Dentists, we perform two main types of tooth extractions:
- Simple Extraction: This is done on visible teeth. After numbing the area, the tooth is loosened and removed with dental instruments.
- Surgical Extraction: This is required for teeth that are not easily accessible, such as impacted teeth. It involves a small incision in the gum and may require removal of bone around the tooth.
When is Tooth Extraction Necessary?
Tooth extractions are recommended in various situations, including:
- Severe Tooth Decay: When decay has damaged a tooth beyond repair, extraction may be necessary to prevent infection from spreading.
- Gum Disease: Advanced periodontal disease can loosen teeth, making extraction the best option.
- Impacted Teeth: Wisdom teeth or other teeth that are trapped in the gum or bone may need to be surgically removed.
- Overcrowding: In preparation for orthodontic treatment, some teeth may need to be extracted to ensure proper alignment.
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How much does a tooth extraction cost?
We strive to offer high-quality and affordable dental care for our patients in Leominster, MA. The cost of tooth extraction varies depending on whether it’s a simple extraction or a surgical one. The out-of-pocket cost for any procedure depends on your insurance coverage at the time of the procedure.
- Tooth Extractions: $246-$387
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How to prevent dry socket after tooth extraction
After a tooth extraction, a blood clot forms shortly after the surgery, which marks the beginning of the healing process. If this blood clot becomes dislodged before your mouth has fully healed, it can cause pain. This condition is known as dry socket.
Six tips for avoiding dry sockets are:
- Avoid straws or anything that creates a suction or large movement of air.
- Avoid smoking tobacco as the fast inhalation can dislodge your blood clot, and the chemicals may prevent healing or cause an infection.
- For the first one or two days, eat soft foods only, such as applesauce, yogurt, and mashed potatoes.
- Inquire about any medicines you take to ensure they don’t interact with the healing process.
- Use proper oral hygiene to keep your mouth clean, and consider an antibacterial mouthwash.
- Follow your doctor’s instructions on proper oral care to improve recovery time.
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What causes the need for tooth extraction?
Tooth extraction involves removing a tooth from its socket in the bone. This procedure is typically necessary when a tooth is broken or damaged by decay to the extent that it cannot be repaired with a filling or crown.
Other reasons for tooth extraction include the presence of extra teeth that are blocking others, baby teeth that have not fallen out in time for the permanent teeth to come in, the need for braces, the removal of wisdom teeth, or for medical reasons.
Schedule Your Tooth Extraction Appointment Today
If you need a tooth extraction, trust the experienced team at Leominster Family Dentists to provide gentle and professional care. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and learn more about our comprehensive dental services in Leominster, MA. Your comfort and oral health are on our top priority list.
