Tooth Extractions – Pittsburgh, PA
Safe & Gentle Tooth Extractions
We will only recommend removing a tooth after exhausting all other restorative options. In most cases, preserving even a small portion of a natural tooth is better than extracting it, but in cases of severe decay or damage, it may be the best way to protect and preserve a patient’s oral health. Both Dr. Joyce and Dr. John Warwick have over 30 years of experience, so they know exactly how to keep someone comfortable during this procedure. And, they can help a patient quickly replace their tooth as well to close any unwanted gaps in the smile.
Why Choose Warwick Dentistry for Tooth Extractions?
- Patient Comfort Always Comes First
- Dentists with 30+ Years of Experience
- Custom-Made Tooth Replacement Options
Reasons Why Tooth Extractions Are Necessary
We won’t recommend a tooth extraction unless deemed absolutely necessary. Here are some of the reasons that one may be needed:
- Most of the enamel has been damaged by decay, and it is beginning to spread to the surrounding teeth.
- A dental infection has weakened the root and bone needed to hold a tooth in place.
- Trauma has damaged the enamel to the point that it cannot be trusted to support a dental crown.
- It will make it easier for the teeth to shift with Invisalign®.
- It will make a new denture fit more comfortably and securely.
The Process of Removing a Tooth
Teeth are removed by either pulling or surgical extraction. Teeth are only “pulled” when they have fully emerged above the gumline. In this case, the area around the tooth is numbed with a local anesthetic. Then, a clasping tool is used to shift the tooth around until it breaks away from the gumline. If pulling isn’t an option, the tooth will need to be surgically extracted. For this procedure, a small incision is made in the gum tissue so the tooth can be reached and removed.
During your visit with us, we will determine which extraction method is ideal for you. We will also discuss tooth replacement options if necessary for your situation.
Tooth Extraction Aftercare
Before you leave our office, we will provide you with specific aftercare instructions to help you stay comfortable and avoid complications. Every case is different, but here are some steps that we recommend for a quick and seamless recovery:
- Rinse with saltwater the day after your procedure.
- Avoid using tobacco products until your mouth is healed.
- Keep your head elevated while you sleep.
- Get plenty of rest to promote healing.
- Take recommended over-the-counter and prescribed medication as directed.
- Apply a cold compress to reduce inflammation and discomfort.
- Stick to a soft-food diet for a few days after your procedure.
Understanding the Cost of Tooth Extractions
While you may not initially know how much your tooth extraction will cost, our team will go the extra mile to build a treatment plan and cost estimate that we will go over with you during your consultation. After reviewing your mouth and determining the best course of action for your smile, we will deliver a breakdown of what you can expect your procedure to cost as well as the price associated with tooth replacement.
Factors That Can Affect Tooth Extraction Cost
The only way to know how much you can expect your tooth extraction to cost is to allow our team to conduct a thorough consultation and examination of your smile. From there, we will build an estimate that incorporates the following factors as part of the price determination:
- Are you in good general oral health?
- Are you capable of undergoing a small oral procedure?
- What kind of extraction will be necessary? Simple or surgical?
- Where is the tooth located?
- What kind of replacement would you prefer? A dental bridge, partial denture, or dental implant?
- Will you require sedation dentistry?
You can trust that no matter the answers to these questions, we will formulate a plan that keeps your needs, preferences, and budget in mind.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Tooth Extractions?
One of the greatest advantages of dental insurance is the fact that many companies offer helpful benefits when it comes to tooth extraction. Should this be required of you, you may find that your insurance company will agree to cover around 50% of the total cost as long as you’ve met your deductible. Each plan is different, so you’ll need to review your policy first before committing to any sort of treatment plan.
Other Options for Making Tooth Extractions Affordable
At Warwick Dentistry, we understand that not all of our patients have private dental insurance, so if this is you, do not worry. You can still move forward with treatment and keep your costs low by choosing CareCredit Financing. By paying the full amount upfront through CareCredit, you can then enroll in a low or no-interest payment plan that allows you to pay off your treatment over time.
Tooth Extractions FAQs
How Should I Prepare for My Tooth Extraction?
Firstly, make sure you ask our team any questions you might have about your procedure as well as what you’ll need to be ready for your appointment. We’ll also provide you with specific guidelines, which typically include what you should bring with you as well as your diet. For instance, we might prescribe you medication and require you to fast for several hours before coming to your appointment. For most tooth extractions, we’ll administer a local anesthetic to numb your mouth. This means you’ll need to arrange for a family member or friend to bring you to your visit and take you back home since the numbing effects will temporarily impair your driving ability. Feel free to ask our team about your instructions so that you can feel prepared and confident about your treatment.
Can I Leave the Space Empty After a Tooth Extraction?
Though it might appear more cost-effective to simply leave a space in your smile, especially a molar, we don’t recommend it. Even if you don’t feel like people will notice the appearance of your smile, losing a tooth can have a significant negative impact on the rest of your mouth, such as difficulty chewing, speech problems, and overall oral health and function. Missing just one tooth can affect your ability to eat, which can lead to issues like indigestion and malnutrition. After you’ve recovered from your tooth extraction, make sure to consult our team about tooth replacement options. By rebuilding missing pearly whites, you’ll be able to regain the full function and aesthetic of your smile.
Is There an Alternative to a Tooth Extraction?
This will mostly depend on the root cause of your dental problem. If you’re considering tooth extraction because of dental decay, you might first consider root canal treatment to address the issue and preserve your natural tooth. Should gum disease be the main complication, scaling and root planing (or “deep cleaning”) might be a viable solution for restoring your oral health. Of course, these alternatives are only ideal in certain situations.
Remember, tooth extractions are always reserved as a last resort. If your dentist recommends this procedure, it’s likely the best method for keeping the rest of your smile safe. We’ll be sure to review your tooth replacement options as well so that you know what to expect when renewing your bite.
Can I Smoke After Getting a Tooth Extracted?
You should not use tobacco products after any minor oral surgery. Not only can smoking increase your risk of gum disease and oral cancer, but it can also hinder your healing process. This can make it more likely to develop an infection in the surgical site and lead to further complications you won’t want. While it’s best to quit this habit completely, make sure to avoid using tobacco products for two weeks for best results, or at least five days after your procedure. Our team can provide support and resources if you’re having trouble kicking this habit to the curb.