Tooth Extractions – East Hartford, CT
Gentle Tooth Removal to Support Long-term Oral Health
We strive to help each patient retain their natural teeth for as long as possible — ideally, for their entire lifetime. In some cases, however, it becomes necessary to remove one or more teeth for the sake of the patient’s long-term oral health. When that happens, we perform tooth extractions in our East Hartford, CT dental office as gently and comfortably as possible. We also offer state-of-the-art tooth replacement when appropriate to help individuals regain full dental function and avoid the embarrassment of missing teeth.
Why Choose Comprehensive Dental Associates of Central Connecticut for Tooth Extractions?
- Used Only as a Last Resort
- Multiple Sedation Options Available
- State-of-the-Art Tooth Replacement
Reasons Why Tooth Extractions Are Necessary
There are a number of reasons why we may determine that one or more extractions are necessary:
- A tooth is so badly decayed or damaged that it cannot be preserved with a filling or crown.
- It is necessary to remove teeth in order to make room for orthodontia or a denture.
- Gum disease has severely compromised the health of the bone supporting a tooth.
- One of a child’s primary teeth is impeding the development of incoming adult teeth.
- A tooth is impacted (stuck beneath the gumline).
- The wisdom teeth are threatening a patient’s oral health.
- We must remove a tooth to stop an infection from spreading into nearby tissues.
The Process of Removing a Tooth
When you visit our dental office, we will first thoroughly examine your mouth to determine whether an extraction is truly necessary. If we conclude that it is, we will begin the procedure by using anesthesia and perhaps sedation to make sure you are comfortable. Then, we will lift the tooth with an instrument called an elevator. We will use forceps to grip the tooth and rock it back and forth so as to break the ligaments that attach it to the surrounding bone. After the tooth is out of your mouth, we will clean the socket and use gauze to control any bleeding.
Tooth Extraction Aftercare
Here are some simple things you can do to facilitate a smooth recovery after your extraction appointment:
- After the initial 24 hours, start regularly rinsing your mouth with warm salt water.
- Take all medications as recommended by our team.
- Prop your head up on pillows when you are resting.
- Stick to a soft diet.
- Do not smoke.
- Do not use a drinking straw.
- Avoid strenuous physical activity.
- Contact us right away if you notice any signs of an infection, such as pus, excessive swelling, or extreme pain.
- Attend all follow-up appointments so we can replace your tooth in a timely manner. This can reduce your risk of future problems, including further tooth loss, bone deterioration in the jaw, and dental drift.
Understanding the Cost of Tooth Extractions
The cost of tooth extractions can vary depending on a number of factors. When you visit us for your consultation, we will be able to discuss specific numbers. This procedure is affordable for most patients, especially when they take advantage of provisions like insurance, financing, or a dental discount plan. Ask our team about your payment options. We want the financial aspect of your care to be as low-stress as possible.
Factors That Can Affect Tooth Extraction Cost
A few factors that can influence the cost of tooth extractions include:
- The type and location of the tooth that needs to be extracted. Due to their position in the mouth or their size, some teeth are more challenging to remove than others. Therefore, they may come with higher fees.
- The number of teeth that must be removed. Logically, a patient who needs a single tooth extracted will end up paying less than someone who requires multiple extractions.
- The overall complexity of the case. We can easily handle most tooth extractions right here at Comprehensive Dental Associates of Central Connecticut. Rarely, though, we may need to refer patients to an outside specialist with a pricing structure that is different from our own.
- Additional care. Sedation during your procedure can add to your overall costs. There are also various forms of tooth replacement available, each of which comes in at differing price points.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Tooth Extractions?
It is very common for dental insurance to cover tooth extractions. If the procedure is straightforward, it may be classed as a minor service, so up to 80% of its cost might be covered. More complex extractions might be just 50% covered. Our team accepts many insurance policies, and we will be happy to help you figure out how your benefits apply. We will work with you to keep your out-of-pocket expenses to a minimum.
Other Options for Making Tooth Extractions Affordable
In addition to insurance, there are a couple of options that might make it easier for you to afford your extraction procedure:
- The Essential Dental Plan. This discount plan is especially beneficial for patients without insurance. In exchange for a reasonable fee, you can enjoy reduced prices on virtually all of the services in our office, including tooth extractions.
- Financing. CareCredit financing can allow you to pay for your treatment over time with the help of a low-interest installment agreement. After a brief application process, most patients are deemed eligible for credit.
Our team is ready to help you navigate the extraction process, including its financial side. Get in touch with us today to ask questions or book your consultation. We are eager to serve you!
Tooth Extractions FAQs
Does getting a tooth extracted hurt?
As a caring dentist in East Hartford, our team wants treatments to be as comfortable as possible for patients. To that end, we will numb your mouth prior to your extraction procedure. The numbing agent blocks pain signals, though you may still feel slight pressure as we are working
After the local anesthesia wears off, you can expect your mouth to be sore for a few days to a week or so. During this time, you can take pain medication, eat soft foods, and avoid vigorous physical activity in order to keep your discomfort to a minimum. If you experience severe or prolonged pain, that may indicate a problem; you should contact us right away for assistance.
Is there an alternative to a tooth extraction?
Our East Hartford team reserves tooth extractions as a last resort. If there is any reasonable way to preserve your tooth, we will recommend that treatment. For example, root canal therapy can often save infected teeth. A crown may be used to protect a damaged tooth and allow it to continue functioning normally.
If we recommend that you get a tooth extracted, you can be confident that we have already considered other options and believe that removing the tooth will ultimately be the best decision for your oral and overall health.
What is the difference between tooth extractions and wisdom tooth surgery?
Wisdom tooth surgery is a type of tooth extraction procedure. However, it is often categorized differently because it is exclusively for the removal of the third molars, which are located at the back of the mouth. In many cases, removing these teeth is more complex than other types of tooth extractions. For example, we might have to cut the teeth into pieces or make incisions in the gums.
If you need to undergo wisdom tooth extractions, we can share details of your surgical plan before your procedure.
What are my options for replacing a missing tooth?
There are at least three different options for replacing lost teeth:
- Dental implants rebuild lost teeth from the roots up. They bond with the jawbone and provide an incredibly strong base for crowns, bridges, and dentures. We often recommend them as the best form of tooth replacement.
- A fixed bridge gets attached to the teeth that surround the site of a missing tooth. The crowns on these abutment teeth support one or more artificial teeth between them. Bridges tend to be quite strong and have the potential to last for a decade or longer.
- Traditional dentures are removable dental prosthetics that can replace multiple teeth, providing either full or partial replacement of a dental arch. Suction or small clasps help them to stay in place. They can look very natural and often last for several years.