Tooth Extractions – Jacksonville
Say Goodbye to Your Troublesome Tooth
Do you have a tooth that seems to be causing nothing but trouble? No one wants to have a tooth extracted. This is always the last resort for your dentist. Ultimately, in some cases, teeth are beyond repair and need to be removed to preserve the health of the rest of your smile. That’s why at Distinctive Dentistry, we offer tooth extractions in Jacksonville. To find out if a tooth extraction is the right option for you, don’t hesitate to contact us.
Why Choose Distinctive Dentistry for Tooth Extractions?
- Nitrous Oxide & Oral Conscious Sedation Options
- Same-Day Emergency Appointments
- Flexible Financing Available
Reasons Why Tooth Extractions Are Necessary
We always do everything in our power to help patients keep their natural teeth. However, sometimes it isn’t a viable option. Here are some reasons why a tooth extraction may be necessary to restore your overall dental health and function:
- There is severe, irreparable damage or decay to the tooth
- An extraction is needed for the long-term success of a restoration
- To allow for a patient to get orthodontic treatment
- If a tooth is impacted and unable to properly erupt
- When a primary tooth won’t fall out on its own
- If there isn’t enough room in the mouth to accommodate wisdom teeth
The Process of Removing a Tooth
Teeth are removed by one of two methods: pulling and surgical extraction. Teeth are only “pulled” when they have fully emerged from the gumline. In this case, we will begin by numbing the area around your tooth and using a clasping tool to shift the tooth around until it breaks away from the gumline. If pulling a tooth isn’t possible, the tooth will need to be surgically extracted. For this procedure, a small incision is made into your gum tissue, allowing us to reach your tooth and remove it completely.
To determine the ideal extraction method for you, we need to closely examine your smile in person. If necessary for your case, we will also discuss tooth replacement options to prevent complications of tooth loss.
Tooth Extraction Aftercare
Before you leave our practice, we will provide you with a specific aftercare plan to prevent complications and remain comfortable. Everyone’s case is different, but here are some of the key steps we recommend for a speedy recovery:
- Rinse with saltwater 24 hours after your procedure
- Avoid using tobacco products until your mouth has healed
- Elevate your head while sleeping
- Get plenty of rest
- Take recommended over-the-counter and prescribed medications as directed
- Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling and discomfort
- Stay away from hard, crunchy, and sticky foods until the area heals
Understanding the Cost of Tooth Extractions
Tooth extractions can always be a bit nerve-wracking, even under the absolute best of circumstances. We work hard to help our patients remain comfortable for the duration of their treatment with us, which is part of why we have made paying for your dental care as easy as possible.
We’ll be sure to give you a complete estimate for what your dental care will cost when we meet you in person, but until then, here’s what you should know about the factors that can affect what you pay for your dental care.
Factors That Can Affect Tooth Extraction Cost
The reason that it can be difficult to talk about what you’ll pay before we meet you in person is because there are several variables that can influence what your dental care is likely to cost. The biggest variable is the complexity of your procedure; the tougher your tooth extraction, the longer it will take and the more you’re likely to pay.
The more teeth you need to have removed, where they’re located in your mouth, and whether your teeth are impacted will determine how complex your tooth extraction is going to be. You should also think a little bit about how you’re going to replace the teeth that you’ve lost once they’re gone. The dental bridge, denture, or dental implant you use should be factored into your overall budget.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Tooth Extractions?
In most circumstances, dental insurance will be willing to cover at least a portion of the cost of your tooth extraction. So long as you’ve met your deductible and have yet to exceed your yearly maximum, you can generally expect around 50% of the cost of your procedure to be covered.
Of course, this depends on your particular plan, so we’ll help you deal with your insurance company to ensure that you’re getting the most out of your dental benefits.
Other Options for Making Tooth Extractions Affordable
However, we also know that not everyone has dental insurance. That being the case, we want to have options available that can make our care affordable for everyone, including those who are uninsured.
Many times, one of the hardest parts about paying for dental care is the need to pay the entire sum all at once. That’s why we work with CareCredit, a financing firm that can split up the cost of your services across several months. They offer low-to-no interest financing terms for patients who qualify, which can make the care that you receive fit your budget much more easily.
If you have any questions about paying for your tooth extraction, make an appointment with us. We’ll be happy to discuss all of your options with you at your consultation!
Tooth Extractions FAQs
Does Getting a Tooth Extracted Hurt?
Many people procrastinate scheduling their tooth extraction because they assume it will be a long and agonizing procedure. Rest assured, our team wants you to feel comfortable throughout your procedure. We’ll apply a topical anesthetic to ensure that you don’t feel any pain, although if you’re still anxious or your condition requires a surgical removal, we can also offer sedation.
Then, it’s natural to experience mild soreness and inflammation as the meds wear off. This should subside within a few days, but if you have a toothache that persists or gets worse, please contact us right away to let us know.
Is There an Alternative to Tooth Extraction?
Typically, our dentists do everything they can to protect and preserve your natural teeth because that’s usually better for your overall dental condition. However, if you have a tooth that’s too injured to be saved and puts your oral health at risk, then extraction is the best way to prevent potential problems.
For example, a tooth that is so decayed that its structure is compromised can’t be effectively filled. Cavities can also spread to neighboring teeth or impact your jawbone. In these instances, removing the troublesome tooth is the best way to safeguard your smile.
What Should I Expect from Tooth Extraction Recovery?
After your extraction, your mouth must form a blood clot to shield the tender nerves and bone tissue that are left exposed. If this clot is damaged or dislodged, then you could develop a painful complication known as dry socket.
Our team will provide post-op instructions for you to follow in detail, which often include:
- Avoid straws. While you need to stay hydrated, the force of suction created when drinking through a straw can dislodge your blood clot. Try sipping straight from the glass instead.
- Don’t smoke. Nicotine in tobacco hinders your body’s ability to heal.
- Stick to soft foods. To avoid inflaming your gums, try options that are easy to swallow, like scrambled eggs, yogurt, and mashed potatoes.
- Manage discomfort. To address any aches or inflammation, it’s usually safe to apply a cold compress or use over-the-counter medications like Tylenol and ibuprofen.
What Are My Options for Replacing a Missing Tooth?
There are several ways to refurbish your grin, but the best method for you depends on your unique circumstances. Depending on how many teeth are being removed and where they are, you could benefit from one of the following replacement options:
- Dentures. Whether you require a full or partial set, these prosthetics are the tried-and-true method of rebuilding your smile after tooth loss because they restore so much of your ability to eat and speak normally.
- Dental bridges. These are intended to close the gaps for those who have lost one or several teeth in a row. They consist of the right number of pontics (artificial teeth) with a dental crown on either side to anchor to healthy teeth (or implants) in your mouth.
- Dental implants. Many dentists consider these to be the ideal restoration because they are the only type that are embedded directly into your jawbone for added strength and resiliency.