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Tooth Extractions – Rexburg, ID
Saving Your Oral Health from Hurting Teeth
It’s hardly the first choice for Dr. Crofoot to remove damaged teeth. They go out of their way to restore and repair teeth whenever possible as no tooth-replacement can fully mimic your natural tooth. However, if a tooth is putting your oral health or neighboring teeth at risk, they’ll take every step necessary to ensure your treatment is comfortable and successful. Give Cornerstone Dental of Rexburg a call to confirm if you need a problematic tooth extracted!
Why Choose Cornerstone Dental of Rexburg for Tooth Extractions?
- Knowledgeable & Caring Dentists
- Different Sedation Options Available
- Same-Day Appointments Available
Reasons Why Tooth Extractions Are Necessary
Tooth extractions are only recommended if the tooth in question cannot be salvaged using a restorative treatment (i.e., dental crown or root canal therapy). Although preserving as much of the natural tooth structure is ideal, removal may be the best option for your oral health if you have:
- Extensive decay or irreparable damage in a tooth
- A severe infection that can spread
- Advanced periodontal disease or jawbone loss
- A primary tooth that hasn’t fallen out
- An impacted tooth
The Process of Removing a Tooth
The last thing you want to hear your dentist say is that you need a tooth pulled. However, it may surprise you to learn that an extraction is not as terrifying as it sounds! There are two methods commonly used for removing a tooth: simple and surgical.
A simple extraction is done for a tooth that has fully emerged and is completely above the gumline. After Dr. Crofoot numbs your mouth, he’ll grasp the tooth with dental forceps and rock it back and forth until it pulls away from the gum tissue.
Meanwhile, a surgical extraction is an ideal option for a tooth that isn’t fully above the gumline. This method involves making a small incision in the gums to access the tooth. Similar to a simple extraction, dental forceps will be used to grasp the tooth and remove it.
Tooth Extraction Aftercare
Following your tooth extraction in Rexburg, you’ll receive post-op instructions that you’ll need to follow diligently to make a speedy and comfortable recovery. By keeping your mouth as clean as possible, you can ensure the surgical site heals properly. That said, here are some aftercare tips to keep in mind:
- Take prescribed or over-the-counter pain medication as needed to alleviate your discomfort.
- Gently brush and floss around the surgical site to keep it clean.
- Rinse with warm salt water after 24 hours to disinfect the site.
- Stay hydrated and get plenty of rest to promote faster healing.
- Use a cold compress on the outside of your mouth to minimize pain and swelling.
- Avoid drinking from a straw.
- Do not eat hard, crunchy, sticky, sour, or spicy foods for the first few days.
Understanding the Cost of Tooth Extractions
The tooth extraction process isn’t the same for every patient, so it’s only natural that the cost would change as well. When we recommend having a tooth removed, we’ll make sure that you’re fully aware of the costs involves. Our team will provide you with an estimate and explain your payment options. It’s our goal to make the entire process as convenient and straightforward for you as possible so that you can do what’s best for your smile and your budget.
Factors That Can Affect Tooth Extraction Cost
It’s often difficult to determine exactly how much a tooth extraction will ultimately cost. We need to examine the tooth in question and the rest of your mouth thoroughly before we can give you any reliable numbers. Several factors need to be taken into consideration, such as:
- The location of the tooth. Teeth near the front of the mouth tend to be less costly to remove than those near the back of the mouth.
- The number of teeth. Obviously, an extraction involving multiple teeth will involve a higher cost.
- The complexity of the extraction process. A simple extraction carries a very different cost from an extraction that requires surgery.
- The steps after tooth extraction. If you are getting a dental implant or a bridge to replace your removed tooth, the price of the additional procedure(s) will be added to the overall cost.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Tooth Extractions?
Many insurance plans do offer partial coverage (usually around 50%) for extractions. This isn’t a set-in-stone rule, however, and in some cases, there can be limits on how many teeth are covered. There may also be a waiting period before your coverage kicks in at all. Every plan is different, and it’s important to understand the details ahead of time. Call your insurance company to confirm your coverage, and feel free to let our team know if you have any insurance-related questions.
How to Make Tooth Extractions Affordable
Our team accepts a variety of dental insurance plans and will gladly file any necessary claims on your behalf. That being said, we are aware that not everyone has dental insurance, which is why we offer other options for making tooth extractions and other services affordable. Specifically, we work with financing programs like CareCredit and Lending Club so that our patients can pay at a rate that’s comfortable for them. You can pick a low to no-interest plan that fits your budget.
Another option for obtaining a loan for dental care is Mountain America Credit Union. The application process only takes about 10 minutes, and you’ll have an answer in about 5. If you qualify, you can get a 12-month interest-free loan to help you pay for tooth extraction and related procedures. Our team is more than happy to help you with the application process and answer any questions you might have about your loan.
Tooth Extractions FAQs
Since we only get one set of teeth in our lifetime, it only makes sense that you’d want to do everything you can to keep them in their very best shape. Unfortunately, problems like decay and accidental injuries can increase the risk of needing an extraction. Even though tooth extractions are not standard procedures, they’re the best course of action in cases where teeth cannot be saved using other options. At Cornerstone Dental of Rexburg , we want you to feel as comfortable as possible throughout this process, which is why we’ve decided to answer some frequently asked questions below.
Does Getting a Tooth Pulled Hurt?
Before the procedure, your mouth will be numbed with a local anesthetic. It’ll help you feel comfortable during the extraction – you shouldn’t feel any pain at all! However, expect some soreness and discomfort in the first few days following the extraction. You can easily manage your symptoms by diligently following the aftercare instructions you were given. Taking proper care of your mouth after extraction will not only promote faster healing but lower your risk of infection. If your pain worsens or you begin to exhibit other symptoms (i.e., fever), contact our office right away for assistance.
What’s the Difference Between Tooth Extractions and Wisdom Tooth Surgery?
Even though both procedures involve pulling a tooth, there’s a significant difference between the two. For instance, wisdom tooth surgery is designed to remove the third and final set of molars in the mouth. It’s also a surgical procedure in most cases, meaning a tooth that’s impacted or below the gumline can be removed. Meanwhile, tooth extractions can remove any tooth that’s irreparable or causing overcrowding.
Can I Smoke After Getting a Tooth Extracted?
It’s strongly recommended that you avoid smoking immediately following a tooth extraction. Doing so can negatively affect the healing process. Most dentists will suggest that you abstain from smoking for at least five days to two weeks after your procedure. If you’ve had difficulty quitting in the past, don’t worry – our team can provide you with the resources, support, and guidance needed to make the feat as easy as can be.
How Should I Prepare for My Tooth Extraction?
Preparing for your tooth extraction is just as important as taking proper care of your mouth after the procedure. Before your extraction, we’ll answer any questions you have and explain how you can prepare for your appointment. Our team will provide you with specific instructions, like sticking to just water or picking up prescription medication. Make sure you have arrangements for someone to drive you home after the appointment since you’ll likely receive local or general anesthesia.
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