Is A Tooth Extraction Necessary?
There are several situations where removing a tooth might be required, such as:
- Baby teeth that fail to fall out naturally.
- Tooth removal to support orthodontic treatment.
- Addressing pain or infection through extraction.
- Removing a tooth that is severely damaged or fractured.
However, extraction is not always the only option. If you have a toothache, we may be able to quickly relieve your discomfort while saving the tooth. Early diagnosis is essential for the best outcome.
Let us know if you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms:
- Severe tooth pain.
- Increased sensitivity when chewing or applying pressure.
- Jaw stiffness or aching.
- Swollen gums around the affected area.
- Signs of gum disease, including bleeding, discoloration, or unpleasant odors.
What Your Treatment Plan Will Look Like
Tooth extraction is a straightforward procedure usually completed in a single visit by a dentist or oral surgeon. Here’s an outline of the steps involved, from determining whether extraction is necessary to ensuring proper recovery after the procedure:
Finding Best Solutions
Our team will carefully review your symptoms and discuss possible treatments before deciding on tooth removal. This ensures the most effective solution for your dental health.
The Removal Process
To make the procedure as comfortable as possible, a local anesthetic is used to numb the area, with sedation available if needed. Our experienced oral surgeons focus on gentle techniques to perform the extraction, aiming for a seamless experience and a quick recovery.
Healing and Feeling Better
After your tooth is removed, we’ll provide clear aftercare instructions to help with healing. These include:
- Tips for maintaining oral hygiene during recovery.
- What to expect while the area heals.
- How to address any issues that may arise.
If you have further concerns, we’re always available to arrange a follow-up appointment to ensure your recovery is going smoothly.
The Cost Of An Extraction In Wake Forest
The price of a tooth extraction depends on multiple factors. With a standard insurance plan, out-of-pocket expenses typically range from $100 to $200 or more. We’re happy to provide you with an estimate that can be submitted to your insurance provider to help determine your expected costs. For those without insurance, the cost per tooth is usually between $200 and $600 or higher.
Keep in mind that exact pricing cannot be provided over the phone, as your treatment plan must be tailored to your unique situation, which requires an in-person oral examination. Tooth extractions generally fall into two main categories, each influencing the cost and procedure:
- Simple Tooth Extraction: This procedure is performed on teeth that are fully visible in the mouth. A general dentist typically handles simple extractions using local anesthesia. The cost for this type of extraction is generally on the lower end of the spectrum, as it is a straightforward process.
- Surgical Tooth Extraction: Surgical extractions are more involved and are often carried out by an oral surgeon. This type of extraction is necessary for teeth that are not easily accessible, such as those that haven’t fully erupted or have broken off at the gum line. Due to the complexity and level of expertise required, surgical extractions are more expensive than simple ones.
Contact us today
to schedule an initial consultation & exam.
Your consultation will include an examination of everything from your teeth, gums and soft tissues to the shape and condition of your bite. Generally, we want to see how your whole mouth looks and functions. Before we plan your treatment we want to know everything about the health and aesthetic of your smile, and, most importantly, what you want to achieve so we can help you get there.
Frequently Asked Questions
While it’s a common belief that wisdom teeth must always be removed, this isn’t necessarily true. Extraction is only necessary if the wisdom teeth are impacted or create problems for your jaw or surrounding teeth.
Modern dental techniques and tools make extractions nearly pain-free. Most patients find the process quick and easier than expected. While some mild discomfort is normal afterward, we provide detailed aftercare instructions to keep you comfortable as you recover.
Waiting at least 1 hour is advised.
We will provide personalized aftercare instructions during your visit. Generally, for the first 24 hours after an extraction or dental surgery:
- Avoid spitting, rinsing your mouth, blowing your nose, using straws, or smoking.
- Refrain from touching the extraction site with your tongue or fingers.
- Stay away from hot foods and drinks.
- Do not take aspirin, as it can interfere with clotting.
- Limit physical activity and exercise.
For a straightforward tooth extraction, recovery typically takes 7 to 10 days. More complex procedures, such as surgical extractions or wisdom tooth removal, usually require about 2 weeks. Regardless of the procedure, discomfort during recovery should be minimal.
In most cases, a tooth extraction can be completed in approximately 45 minutes or less, assuming no unexpected complications arise.