Tooth Extractions – Haverhill, MA
Safely Performed with Modern Techniques
No dentist will ever make a tooth extraction in Haverhill the first choice. Sometimes, however, a tooth is already beyond the point where fillings, dental crowns or root canal therapy can help. At Associates in Dental Health of Haverhill, we’ll use the digital technology and modern tools at our disposal to make sure tooth extractions in our Haverhill, MA dental office are performed as comfortably as possible; we can also use oral conscious sedation if desired. When you’re experiencing a dental emergency, you can count on us to handle it efficiently and effectively.
Why Do I Need a Tooth Extraction?
Oftentimes a patient’s wisdom teeth will need to be removed in order to prevent damage to the other teeth as well as additional complications. In other cases, an extraction will be the last resort to avoid further dental health problems. Reasons for extraction can include:
- Excessive tooth decay that can’t be reversed
- Advanced gum disease
- Severe physical damage
- A baby tooth that has stayed too long and is preventing adult teeth from developing properly
- Making room for necessary orthodontic treatment
We will examine the overall health of your mouth and make sure we understand the situation as fully as possible before moving forward with a tooth extraction.
The Tooth Extraction Process
Before planning the procedure, we’ll take an X-ray of your tooth. We’ll also need to know your medical history; be sure to tell us about any medications, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins and supplements you’re taking. Antibiotics might be used if you’re suffering from certain medical conditions, such as an impaired immune system.
We’ll give you some instructions to follow before the procedure; for example, in some cases we might ask you not to eat or drink anything for a certain amount of time. If you catch a cold the night before, you might need to reschedule.
There are two kinds of extraction: simple and surgical. A simple extraction involves the use of an elevator and some forceps to loosen and remove the tooth. A surgical extraction will require a small incision in the gums so that we can access the root of the tooth; we might also need to remove a little bone. Sometimes a particularly weak tooth will be easier to remove in pieces rather than as a whole.
After the Procedure
It can take a few days to recover after having a tooth removed. Ice packs can be used for 10 minutes at a time to reduce any swelling. Painkillers may be prescribed. Don’t go back to your regular routine right away; for the first 24 hours, you should limit physical activity and eat only soft foods such as yogurt and applesauce. Avoid drinking through a straw, and do not smoke while your mouth is still recovering.
After the first full day, you can rinse with eight ounces of warm water mixed with a teaspoon to reduce your risk of infection. Gradually reintroduce more solid foods into your diet. If the pain doesn’t subside after several days, or if you notice symptoms such as fever or pus from the incision, call us as soon as possible.
Understanding the Cost of Tooth Extractions
You only get one set of natural teeth as an adult, so it’s very important to take proper care of them. Even so, there are instances where someone diligent about oral hygiene will still require a tooth extraction in the interest of their oral health. If your emergency dentist in Haverhill said having one removed is necessary, it’s not unusual that your first thought might be to wonder about how much it is going to cost. It’s not easy to provide a one-size-fits-all answer since it comes down to the specifics of your particular case. To gain a better understanding of what goes into the expense, keep reading or contact our office!
Factors That Can Affect Tooth Extraction Cost
No two cases are exactly the same which is why it’s not feasible to provide you with an accurate cost estimate until we conduct an exam. At your initial appointment, our team at Associates in Dental Health of Haverhill will evaluate your situation to pinpoint what’s necessary for your tooth extraction. Multiple factors can influence the overall price of your procedure including:
- Complexity – The type of procedure you’ll need can also affect the overall price. For example, an impacted or erupted tooth extraction will cost more than a simple extraction because the treatment is more invasive.
- Location – The location of the tooth that’s being pulled can influence the total cost of your extraction.
- Anesthesia – Some patients will feel comfortable with just local anesthetic, while others may request dental sedation.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Tooth Extractions?
Fortunately, most dental insurance plans will partially cover the cost of tooth extraction in Haverhill after the deductible has been met. However, it’s worth noting there might be certain limits in place. For example, only a particular number of teeth may be covered, or perhaps there’s a waiting period before coverage kicks in.
Before committing to treatment, it’s a good idea to contact your insurance provider and confirm the details of your plan. Our team will be happy to help with this step to try to maximize your savings.
How to Make Tooth Extractions Affordable
Don’t have dental insurance? No problem! There’s still a way to make your dental bills easier to manage. We offer financing with approved credit through Wells Fargo Bank, CareCredit, or Lending Club. Give us a call for further details!
If your dentist in Haverhill recommended a tooth extraction, don’t worry! We are going to make sure you understand the procedure and develop a plan that makes sense for your budget.
Tooth Extractions FAQs
Since tooth extractions aren’t typically as routine as treatments like checkups or fillings, it’s natural for patients to have questions about this procedure. As always, our team is available to provide the specific answers you’re looking for at your initial appointment or, in some cases, over the phone. However, we know that some patients really value being able to do their research online first. For this reason, we’ve responded to a few of the most frequently asked questions about tooth extractions in Haverhill below.
Does Getting a Tooth Pulled Hurt?
Before the procedure, your mouth will be numbed with a local anesthetic by our dentist. It will help you feel comfortable during the extraction, and 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 like developing a fever, contact our office right away for assistance.
How Should I Prepare for My Tooth Extraction?
Preparing for your tooth extraction is just as important as taking the right steps for recovery after the procedure. Before your extraction, we’ll answer any questions you have and explain how you can prep for your appointment. Our team here at Associates in Dental Health of Haverhill will provide you with specific instructions like only drinking 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.
What’s the Recovery for Tooth Extractions Like?
Once the procedure is complete, your emergency dentist in Haverhill will give you a list of aftercare instructions. These are designed to help you prevent infection and heal comfortably. Some of the most important best practices are getting plenty of rest, keeping your mouth clean, sticking to soft foods, not spitting, and refraining from tobacco use. To keep discomfort at bay, you can place a cold compress against the outside of your cheek for 10 minutes at a time and take over-the-counter pain relievers as instructed. Around the three-day mark, you should begin to feel better.
What Are My Options for Replacing a Missing Tooth?
Filling the gap in your smile following a tooth extraction is essential for both appearance and function. For this reason, we will recommend a dental bridge, dentures, or dental implants. While dental bridges can replace 1-4 teeth, they need to be in a single row for this tooth-replacement solution. Partial and full dentures are a tried-and-true choice that can address moderate or severe tooth loss but cannot stimulate your jawbone to prevent bone loss. Fortunately, dental implants can effectively replace one, a few, or an entire arch of teeth. Since the implant posts are inserted directly into the jawbone, they are incredibly lifelike, extremely stable, and able to last for 20-plus years with proper care.