Tooth Extrations — Fort Lauderdale, FL
Protect Your Smile Health
At Seaside Family Dentistry, we understand that having a complete, natural smile is key to feeling confident in your daily life. We also know that on occasion, circumstances may arise that require a dental patient to receive a routine or emergency tooth extraction in order to preserve overall oral health. As your Fort Lauderdale general dentist, Dr. Kellner knows that the decision to extract a tooth can be a difficult one, so he makes sure that every aspect of tooth extractions at our Fort Lauderdlae, FL dental office is as stress-free and comfortable for our dental patients as possible by keeping you well informed, aware of what is happening, and aware of what your choices are along the way.
When Is a Tooth Extraction Needed?
Tooth extraction is performed only after all alternatives have been considered and ruled out. Situations that may lead to a tooth extraction include:
- Infection or risk of infection from decay (may require emergency tooth extraction)
- A tooth that is severely damaged from trauma (may require emergency tooth extraction)
- Impacted wisdom teeth (results in a wisdom tooth extraction)
- Overcrowded teeth (often requires orthodontic treatment)
What Is a Tooth Extraction?
A tooth extraction is a routine, general dentistry procedure for your Fort Lauderdale dentist, though in some instances, an emergency tooth extraction may be called for. The procedure includes:
- X-rays to assess the location, size, and position of the tooth to be removed to help determine the extent of the procedure
- An assessment of the anesthesia and sedation options that will best serve your needs, allowing for a pain-free, less-than-memorable experience
- The careful removal of the tooth, which often includes a bone-preserving graft
After the tooth has been removed, Dr. Kellner will have you bite down on some gauze in order to help stop the bleeding, so that a blood clot can form.
Tooth Extraction Aftercare
After your extraction, your recovery typically takes a couple of days. The following tips will help you relieve discomfort and avoid complications.
- Take pain relievers as prescribed or recommended.
- Leave gauze in place for the recommended amount of time.
- Apply ice for 10 minutes at a time to minimize swelling after the procedure.
- Avoid rinsing, sucking, or spitting for six hours after the procedure.
- After six hours, rinse your mouth with ½ teaspoon of salt and warm water.
- Do not smoke.
- Eat soft foods the day after the extraction; gradually add solid foods as the extraction site heals.
- Avoid the extraction site when brushing your teeth.
When teeth must be removed, especially ones that appear in your smile, there are a number of natural-looking, permanent tooth-replacement options, such as implants, that can give your smile a second chance. Your Fort Lauderdale dentist can help you make the decision that is right for your smile.
Understanding the Cost of Tooth Extractions
If you need a tooth extraction, it's natural to be curious about the potential cost of this procedure. Given that it's a significant investment, understanding the financial aspect is important. While we can't offer an accurate estimate without an initial consultation, there are various factors to take into account that may influence the overall cost. Click on the button below to learn more about the expenses associated with tooth extraction in Fort Lauderdale, and explore alternative financing options to make the procedure more budget-friendly!
Factors That Can Affect Tooth Extraction Cost
Because every patient has unique needs, each treatment plan is individually tailored, including the associated cost. While the price will vary depending on the case, here are several factors that can impact the overall expenses:
- Number of teeth requiring extraction – The cost differs significantly between extracting one tooth and extracting multiple teeth.
- Type and location of the tooth – Extracting a tooth located farther back in your mouth may cost more compared to a front tooth.
- Type of extraction needed – A simple extraction involves straightforward removal, while an impacted extraction requires minor oral surgery to access a tooth that hasn't fully erupted, potentially increasing the price.
- Choice of tooth-replacement solution – Certain restorations, like dental implants, may have a higher initial cost compared to others, such as dentures or dental bridges.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Tooth Extractions?
Tooth extractions are considered a significant dental procedure. It's typical for dental insurance providers to offer around 50% coverage of the treatment cost after you've met your annual deductible. Nevertheless, since each policy is unique to each patient and may come with limitations like waiting periods, it's advisable to consult your provider for specific details before making any decisions. Additionally, feel free to reach out to our friendly and knowledgeable team during this process. We're more than happy to assist you in understanding and maximizing your insurance benefits!
Other Options for Making Tooth Extractions Affordable
Don’t have dental insurance? No problem. Our practice is pleased to provide alternative financing solutions to help minimize your out-of-pocket costs. We've teamed up with CareCredit, a third-party financial service that can divide the cost of your treatment into convenient monthly installments.
Additionally, many of their plans come with minimal to no interest, ensuring you can undergo any necessary procedures without stress. If you’d like to learn more about this option, don't hesitate to reach out. We're more than happy to go over your payment options, ensuring a smooth process for your tooth extraction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are tooth extractions painful?
It is normal to experience some pain after the anesthetic wears off. There may also be some swelling and bleeding for up to 24 hours after the tooth extraction. If pain is severe or bleeding doesn’t stop, you should contact us immediately.
What is dry socket?
On occasion, the blood clot that has formed in the socket breaks loose. This is referred to as dry socket.
Will dental insurance cover tooth extractions?
Whether your tooth extraction or emergency tooth extraction is covered by your insurance depends on your provider. Our Fort Lauderdale dental staff will help you find out if your extraction is covered and, if not, what additional financial solutions are available to you.