Tooth Extraction
While it is generally our goal to make sure patients are able to preserve their natural teeth, there are times when we may recommend that extracting a tooth is in our patient’s best interest. This recommendation may be made for a variety of reasons, but the primary reason we will suggest a tooth extraction is if performing this extraction will prevent additional damage from occurring. Examples of this may include a patient with an irreparably broken tooth, or who has advanced periodontal disease, or is suffering from profound tooth decay. It is also possible that a tooth extraction will be recommend to improve the effectiveness of an orthodontic treatment, or to address an improperly positioned tooth.
At Platt Family Dentistry, we offer a wide range of services, from cosmetic to restorative dentistry. From Dayton to across the country and internationally, we welcome all patients to experience outstanding customer service and tailored treatment plans. If you are scheduled for a tooth extraction, or if you would like to ask our staff any questions about this procedure or schedule an appointment, please contact us today.
CALL (937) 293-3402
800 Shroyer Rd. Dayton, OH 45419
The Tooth Extraction Process
The tooth extraction process will vary from patient to patient, but generally a tooth extractions are completed in one visit. If you are scheduled to have a tooth extracted, the process will generally begin with administration of an anesthetic. Once you have reached your appropriate level of numbness or sedation, we will begin the process of removing the affected tooth.
The next step of this process will largely depend upon the severity of your case and the type of extraction that is being performed. Simple procedures will often be completed in a relatively short period of time with minimal recovery time needed. More complicated procedures, such as oral surgery or surgical tooth extraction, can take much longer and require a more intensive recovery process. Regardless of the severity of the procedure you are having performed, you will most likely feel a sense of localized pressure as your dentist begins to rock your tooth in its socket. Performing this rocking motion helps widen the area, which helps ease the removal process. While this may sound painful or uncomfortable, the anesthesia we have provided will help alleviate the majority of the pain and sensation associated with the removal of your tooth.
Caring for Your Mouth After a Tooth Extraction
Following your tooth extraction procedure, it is important to monitor any swelling, pressure, or pain that you experience that feels disproportional or increasing in severity, as this may indicate an infection is developing. It is also essential that you follow the post-procedure instructions you are provided after your tooth extraction. You will need to limit or avoid extreme physical activity, eating hard foods, and/or drinking extremely hot or cold liquids for a few days following the procedure. It is likely you will also be prescribed antibiotics to prevent an infection from developing as well as pain medication to alleviate any discomfort you may be feeling.
Mild bleeding following this procedure is very common, and will generally go away relatively quickly, provided you to tend to the bleeding with gauze, which you should replace every 30-45 minutes until the bleeding subsides. You may also experience swelling, which can be reduced with ice packs.
The most important reason to follow these care instructions closely is to avoid developing dry sockets, which can occur when the blood fails to clot properly. It is normal to experience some pain following this procedure, but if you experience throbbing pain that appears to be worsening, or if you develop an unpleasant taste in your mouth 3-4 days after your tooth extraction, contact our office for a follow up visit.
Beyond that, the best thing you can do to maintain the longevity of your procedure and help assure you will not need additional oral health maintenance in the near future, is to practice good oral hygiene habits at home and continue scheduling a regular exam with our office every six months.
Cost of Having a Tooth Extraction
The final cost of having your tooth extracted will be determined by a variety of factors, such as the severity of your case, how many teeth needed to be extracted, and what type of dental plan you are currently enrolled in. Our office does accept cash, most major credit cards, money orders, and personal checks.
If you have concerns about the extent of care required and would like to discuss alternate financial arrangements, please feel free to contact our office to discuss CareCredit. CareCredit helps patients pay for procedures and treatments that are not covered by insurance by offering low minimum monthly payments and No Interest* financing so you can get what you want, when you want it. Applying for Care Credit only takes three simple steps and can provide instant approval.
If you have any additional questions regarding payments, dental insurance coverage, or available financial options, please contact our office and we will be happy to help.
For Beautiful, Healthy Smiles, Contact Us Today!
At Platinum Dentistry, we believe a healthy smile is a beautiful smile, which is why we provide an array of dental treatments to cater to health as well as aesthetics. Our practice utilizes world-class labs that create customized restorations to restore the structure and beauty of your teeth. We take the time to explain and educate our patients about the importance of health care and answer any questions you may have about treatment so you can make the best decision for your smile.
With our attention-to-detail for providing high aesthetic results to restoring the health of patients’ teeth and gums, at Platinum Dentistry you are in experienced hands. Take your first step towards a beautiful, healthy smile today and schedule an appointment by contacting our office by phone at 937.293.3402 or fill out our online form.