Tooth Extractions – Port Charlotte, FL
Say Goodbye to Problematic Teeth
We always try to help our patients retain their natural teeth for as long as possible. Sadly, some circumstances can arise that make it necessary to say goodbye to one or more problematic teeth. If that ever happens to you, you can be confident that our Port Charlotte dental team will strive to make your treatment experience as easy as possible. With our gentle touch and state-of-the-art tooth replacement options, you may be smiling brightly again in what seems like no time at all!
Why Choose Caring Way Dentistry of Port Charlotte for Tooth Extractions?
- Multiple Tooth Replacement Options In-House
- Dentist with More Than 20 Years of Experience
- Dental Office Focused on Top-Quality Service
Reasons Why Tooth Extractions Are Necessary
We may recommend the removal of one or more teeth if any of the following are true:
- A tooth is decayed or damaged to the point where attempting to restore it would be impractical or impossible.
- More room is needed in the mouth for orthodontic appliances or dentures.
- One of a child’s baby teeth has not fallen out on time and is interfering with the incoming adult teeth.
- A tooth is badly infected, and removing it is the best way to stop the infection from spreading into nearby tissues.
- A tooth is impacted (we typically refer patients to a local specialist for the removal of impacted teeth).
The Process of Removing a Tooth
The tooth removal process is usually straightforward. We start by numbing your mouth, and then we use an instrument called an elevator to lift the tooth out of its socket. Next, we wiggle the tooth in order to break the connective tissues holding it in place. After we clean out the socket, we place gauze on the extraction site to control any bleeding.
After your extraction, we may take a bit of time to talk to you about your tooth replacement options. In some cases, failing to replace a lost tooth can lead to future complications, such as additional tooth loss or misalignment of the remaining teeth.
Tooth Extraction Aftercare
Here are some practical measures you can take to increase the chances that you will have a smooth and complication-free recovery:
- Take medications as recommended by our team.
- After the initial 24 hours, begin regularly rinsing your mouth with warm salt water.
- Do not smoke cigarettes or chew tobacco.
- Do not drink through a straw.
- Keep your head propped up on pillows when you are sleeping.
- Eat a soft diet, and avoid chewing on your extraction site.
- Attend all recommended follow-up appointments with our team.
- Call us if you run into any questions or concerns during your recovery.
Understanding the Cost of Tooth Extractions
If you have a tooth extraction coming up, there’s plenty that you’re having to do to prepare. The last thing we want is to add more to your plate, so even though paying for treatment can occasionally be a bit stressful, we endeavor to make it as easy as possible.
We’ll give you a complete estimate for what you should expect for you care to cost when we meet you in person, but here’s what you should know about the cost of tooth extractions before that.
Factors That Can Affect Tooth Extraction Cost
First of all, it’s important to remember that every tooth extraction is different. As a consequence, you can expect the cost of your procedure to vary slightly depending on one of several factors.
Of course, the number of teeth that you’re removing plays a major factor. However, some teeth are also more difficult to remove than others, and in some circumstances, you may need to talk to a specialist about surgery. This will incur its own cost.
Once the tooth has been removed, you’ll have to take the time to replace it. How you intend to do this—be it with a dental bridge or implant—should be factored into the final cost of your tooth extraction.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Tooth Extractions?
If your tooth extraction is considered to be medically necessary, it’s common for them to fall in the realm of what dental insurance will cover. When they do, they tend to pay for around 50% of the overall cost of the tooth extraction procedure. That said, plans tend to vary and you should check with yours before proceeding with care.
Other Options for Making Tooth Extractions Affordable
We believe that you should still be able to get the care you need even if you don’t have insurance, which is why we’ve put thought into making that care as affordable as possible.
Wisestack, for example, is a financing firm that we work with often. They allow you to split the cost of your tooth extraction across several months, making affording care much more budget-friendly for patients who may otherwise struggle to afford care out of pocket. We’ll be happy to talk to you about this and other financial options available to you when we meet you in person.
Tooth Extractions FAQs
How Should I Prepare for My Tooth Extraction?
Our team will provide you with specific instructions for both preparing for your tooth extraction and taking care of yourself afterward. Remember to ask us any questions you might have before coming in for your appointment. Some instructions might include simply drinking water in the morning, fasting for a certain number of hours, or picking up a prescription if necessary. Patients who are receiving oral conscious sedation will need to arrange for a family member or trusted friend to drive them to and from the dentist’s office.
What’s Recovery for Tooth Extractions Like?
Generally speaking, your recovery after a tooth extraction will involve taking proper steps to help make the healing process go smoothly. Firstly, getting plenty of rest should be at the top of your list, as this will allow the blood clot to form in the empty socket. The last thing you’d want is to experience dry socket, which can lead to various oral health complications, such as infection. For this reason, you should avoid using a straw when drinking so that you don’t disturb the blood clot. To clean your smile, gently brush around the extraction site and carefully rinse with salt water (without swishing it). Of course, your aftercare instructions should also include using a cold compress, taking pain relievers, eating softer foods, changing your gauze when necessary, and avoiding tobacco products.
Can I Leave the Space Empty After a Tooth Extraction?
If you’re getting a rear molar extracted, then it might not seem necessary to replace it since no one else will be able to see it. However, wisdom teeth are the only pearly whites that typically won’t require replacements. Otherwise, getting a tooth replacement will be necessary for preserving your full smile and bite. Having a single tooth missing can make several habits more difficult, such as eating and speaking clearly. Trouble with these daily tasks can negatively impact your nutrition as well as your confidence, so it’s important to rebuild your missing tooth after you’ve extracted one. Plus, leaving a gap can allow the remaning teeth to shift out of place, creating crowding and even jaw pain.
How Long After a Tooth Extraction Can I Get Dentures?
In most cases, dentures take about six to eight weeks to be completed. After you’ve finished healing from your tooth extraction(s), our team will take impressions of your mouth and send these to a dental lab to fabricate your custom prosthetics. We’ll also use this period to adjust the size, shape, and color of your dentures so that they fit your exact smile specifications before you receive them.