Tooth Extractions – Hammond, IN
Removing Problematic Teeth to Preserve Your Smile
Your dentist will do everything we can to protect and maintain your oral health. However, in some instances, keeping one of your pearly whites may not be the best option for you, especially if it’s severely decayed or too damaged to be saved. As a last resort, our team at United Dental Centers of Hammond can perform tooth extractions to remove the source of the issue and preserve the rest of your smile! We’ll also be sure to walk you through your tooth-replacement options, that way you know how we’ll plan on closing the gap after you’ve recovered. Keep reading to learn more about this procedure or give us a call if you need to schedule a consultation.
Why Choose United Dental Centers of Hammond for Tooth Extractions?
- Customized & Detailed Treatment Plans
- Utilizes the Latest Dental Tools & Technology
- Accepts Dental Insurance & Financing Plans
Reasons Why Tooth Extractions Are Necessary
While tooth extractions are always reserved as a last resort, there are certain instances when the procedure will be necessary to keep the rest of your smile safe. For instance, you might require this treatment if:
- Your tooth is severely infected/decayed and might impact other teeth
- Your tooth is heavily damaged and beyond repair
- The tooth is failing and needs to be extracted before you can get dentures
- Your teeth are too crowded to begin orthodontic treatment
Our team will evaluate your oral health and review the details of why an extraction might be needed to protect the rest of your teeth. We’ll also discuss your various solutions for replacing your missing tooth (if necessary), such as a dental bridge, denture, or dental implant.
The Process of Removing a Tooth
We will first perform a thorough examination and take X-rays of your smile, that way our team can assess your situation and consider the proper treatment plan for you. If we can’t save your tooth, we’ll recommend removing it instead.
For teeth that have already erupted, we might simply need to extract them like normal. We’ll numb your mouth before using dental forceps to loosen the tooth gently and gradually until it comes out of its socket. If the tooth is impacted or stuck under the gumline, then we’ll need to perform a surgical procedure. Our team will create an incision in the gums so we can reach the roots for easier extraction. We may even need to divide the tooth into segments so we can remove it completely before suturing your gums closed.
Tooth Extraction Aftercare
Once you’ve undergone the procedure, healing will be your top priority. To recover smoothly and effectively, make sure to:
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen to manage discomfort
- Avoid chewing on that side of your mouth
- Stick to soft or liquid foods like yogurt, applesauce, mashed potatoes, and soup
- Refrain from using a straw, spitting, and smoking
- Avoid brushing the area to keep the blood clot from being disturbed
- Keep your head elevated whenever you sleep to avoid blood rushing to your head
Understanding the Cost of Tooth Extractions
Not every tooth extraction comes with the same price tag. After all, the details of the procedure are different for each patient, and there are various factors that could influence the overall cost. Rest assured that you can count on our team to be upfront about the financial aspect of your treatment, and we can create a reliable estimate for you after we have examined your mouth and gathered more information about your specific needs.
Factors That Can Affect Tooth Extraction Cost
Some extractions are more complex than others. For example, it’s often more difficult to remove a tooth that’s located near the back of the mouth because of the number of roots involved as well as the thickness of the jawbone. Additionally, some teeth can be removed with a simple extraction while others require surgical means. Generally speaking, the more complex your extraction is, the more you can expect to pay for it.
Another factor is the number of teeth involved. Oftentimes, there will only be one tooth that requires extraction. However, in some cases, there could be multiple teeth that need to be taken out as a result of extensive decay or other circumstances. The more teeth that have to be removed, the more costly the extraction process will likely be.
You will also need to consider the cost of additional procedures. Once a tooth has been removed, it’s highly recommended that you replace it as soon as you can. A gap in your smile can be filled with a dental bridge, a dental implant, or a partial denture. All of these tooth replacement options come with a different cost.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Tooth Extractions?
Yes, dental insurance will often pay around 50% of the cost of a tooth extraction. This percentage won’t necessarily be the same for every dental insurance plan, so it’s best to double-check your benefits. On top of that, you should also be aware of any other factors that might affect your out-of-pocket costs. For example, you will likely need to meet your deductible for the year before any coverage kicks in. Also, if you use up your annual maximum, you’ll need to pay the remaining cost of your care out of pocket.
We want to help you make sure that you’re getting the absolute most out of your dental insurance. If you have any questions about your plan, don’t hesitate to let our team know.
How to Make Tooth Extractions Affordable
Even if you don’t have dental insurance, you can still sign up for CareCredit financing, which is a good option for patients who might have a hard time making room in their budgets for the entire cost of a given procedure. CareCredit has multiple payment plans to choose from with no surprise fees and little to no interest. The right CareCredit payment plan can go a long way toward making the cost of a tooth extraction more manageable.
