Affordable Tooth Extraction

Extracting a tooth is often the last resort for any dental situation. Extracting a tooth does more than open a gap in your smile; it opens up a host of potential problems that could occur in the future as the result of a missing tooth. That’s why dentists do everything they can to try to save a natural tooth or, in the case of pediatric patients, keep natural baby teeth in place as long as possible.

At Monarch Dental, we know tooth extraction can be stressful, and that none plans to be in a position where it needs to happen. Our team of trained, experienced, and compassionate staff and dentists are here with services and resources to help you every step of the way, from the decision to extract a tooth through the procedure itself, and even for any restorative treatment that comes after it.

Why does my tooth need to be extracted?

A tooth extraction procedure is advised by a dentist for a number of reasons. While every patient’s oral health situation is different, these are some of the most common reasons a tooth may need to be extracted:

1. 1. Tooth Decay: Tooth decay is damage to your teeth caused by acids produced by bacteria that deteriorate a tooth’s enamel. If it’s not cleaned out, this bacteria will generally lead to cavities, and cavities that are not treated will result in pain, infection, and eventually tooth loss, requiring a tooth extraction.
   2. Crowded or misaligned teeth: Overcrowded teeth can lead to gum disease, jawbone damage, broken teeth, and pain, as well as create hard-to-reach areas that are breeding grounds for bacteria. Corrective measures like braces or tooth extraction are some of the only solutions for these conditions.
   3. Wisdom teeth removal: The most common example of tooth extraction is the removal of wisdom teeth. Most people will develop wisdom teeth during their teenage years. While some people have enough space in their mouth to accommodate these teeth, others will need corrective measures or tooth extractions to prevent problems.
   4. Damaged teeth: If you’ve experienced an accident or dental trauma, some of your teeth may have been damaged. There are myriad options for restoring damaged teeth and your dentist will do their best to save your natural teeth, but there may be cases in which one or more damaged teeth may need to be removed. 

• An abscessed tooth: If you have a cavity or a chip in your tooth, bacteria could enter these areas and cause what is called an “abscess”, or an infection at the tip or the root of your tooth. If left untreated, you may need to have this tooth extracted.

How much does a tooth extraction cost?

As with any health procedure, your specific oral health situation will be the primary deciding factor on how much a tooth extraction may cost. Other considerations that could affect the cost of a tooth extraction include:

• The number of teeth to be removed.
• If the procedure requires a surgical incision.
• If the dentist finds any other issues once the tooth is extracted. 

Although tooth extraction costs can vary widely, they are almost always necessary to preserve not only your oral health but also your overall health. At Monarch Dental, we don’t believe anyone should have to forego a safe, professional tooth extraction because of inability to pay. We accept most major dental insurance plans as well as CareCredit, and we offer our own OneSmile Dental Plan for patients without insurance. Patients can also lessen their financial burden with our flexible payment plans, making sure you can afford the care you need. 

How is a tooth extracted?

There are two methods of extracting a tooth, a surgical extraction and a simple extraction, and the type of procedure used depends on the patient’s individual circumstances.

What is a simple extraction?

A simple extraction does not involve any surgical incisions; the tooth is removed directly from its socket using tools such as a dental elevator and forceps. A local numbing agent is used to minimize pain and discomfort and any infected tissue is removed once the tooth is out. 

What is a surgical extraction?

A surgical tooth extraction is the procedure your dentist uses if your tooth has not been dislodged or already broken the gumline. Surgical extractions are performed by a dentist who specializes in oral surgery. Anesthesia and a local numbing agent will be administered before the procedure to help relax the patient and minimize pain and discomfort. Then, the dentist or oral surgeon will make a small incision in the gum line around the tooth and extract it. 

What is the tooth extraction procedure?

1. The first step in the tooth extraction process always begins with anesthesia, either a local numbing agent, a sedation anesthesia, or both, depending on the type of extraction. Once it takes effect, you may feel pressure during the procedure but you shouldn’t feel any pain. You may also be lightly sedated if you are having a surgical extraction. 
2. The dentist will use a dental instrument called an elevator. This tool will rotate your tooth back and forth in its socket using leverage to break the tooth free from any ligaments or gum tissue. 
3. Then the dentist will use dental forceps to grasp the tooth and remove it from its socket. 
4. The whole in the gum will be cleaned, cleared of any inflamed, infected, or decayed tissue, and stitched closed to help it heal.
5. The dentist will place gauze over the tooth extraction site and have you bite down on it for a period of time to help staunch the blood flow and help it clot.  

How do you care for your tooth extraction site?

The most important phase of the tooth extraction process is recovery. If you don’t allow adequate time for the empty area to heal after a tooth extraction procedure, you could risk exposing your gums and oral tissue to bacteria, inflammation, and serious infection. 

Here are some measures you can take to ensure you’re keeping your mouth as clean and dry as possible after a tooth extraction.

Keep the empty area clean

The tooth extraction site needs to be as clean and as dry as possible to ensure the healing process goes as planned. Frequent rinses with clean water should be enough to ensure the area stays clean.

Take prescribed medication or antibiotics 

Your dentist will likely prescribe over-the-counter pain medication as well as antibiotics to keep the extraction site free from bacteria and infection. Please consult with your dentist and review your prescriptions carefully before going home after surgery. It’s often helpful to have a loved one present to listen to care and prescription instructions.

Do not drink from a straw or smoke

Any suction created in your mouth could jeopardize the healing of your extraction site. This could set back your recovery significantly, so it’s important that you prevent this situation by abstaining from smoking or drinking through a straw.

How are extracted teeth replaced?

After a tooth is extracted, it’s imperative that you fill the space in your gum and jaw with some type of dental prosthesis. Without the stimulation to your jaw bone and structure to your gum line that the tooth provided, you could experience facial disfigurement, further spread of bacteria and infection, and the possible removal of nearby teeth. Your dentist will schedule a follow-up procedure where you will decide between a dental bridge or an implant to fill the space left by your extracted tooth.

Two common types of tooth replacement are dental bridges and dental implants.

Dental bridge

A dental bridge is a dental prosthesis, often made of porcelain, that is cemented onto your gums after your extraction site has fully healed. Dental bridges are customized to you and provide the structure and support your mouth needs while preventing further infections to your other natural teeth. 

Dental Implant 

A dental implant is a more involved procedure requiring additional surgery and healing, but resulting in a customized, permanent replacement porcelain tooth that can last a lifetime. The dental implant procedure takes place over 2 or 3 additional surgeries after your extraction site has healed. During the first surgery, the doctor will place a dental implant screw into the jawbone under your extraction site. You will need to heal from this procedure before moving on to the next one, which is the placement of an abutment on top of your implant. After the abutment is placed, it is covered with a customized crown, restoring your smile to its full aesthetic and function.

Safe and Affordable Tooth Extraction at Monarch Dental 

No one wants to have a tooth extracted, but sometimes extraction is necessary to not only preserve your dental health but your overall health. At Monarch Dental, we work with both your schedule and your budget to make tooth extraction as simple, affordable, and stress-free as possible. What’s more, our full offering of dental services–including tooth extraction and restorative procedures like implants and bridges–means that you can receive all the care you need in the same familiar and convenient location, with staff and dentists you’re comfortable with.

If you think you may need tooth extraction, don’t wait. Contact the Monarch Dental location nearest you and schedule an appointment today.