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Tooth Extraction

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Removal of a tooth or teeth via a tooth extraction procedure is typically a last resort. Tooth extraction may be necessary when a tooth is decayed or damaged to the point that it is beyond repair, and when leaving it in place could significantly increase risks to the patient’s dental function, oral health, and comfort. As a board-certified prosthodontist, Dr. Sameet Sheth is particularly skilled and experienced with tooth extraction procedures. If a tooth extraction is necessary, he can utilize precise and intricate techniques to remove the tooth in a virtually painless way. 

What Are the Most Common Reasons for Tooth Extraction? 

There are a variety of treatments that can save compromised teeth from extraction, including root canal therapy, dental crowns, and others. However, sometimes teeth may be in such poor condition that it is actually more beneficial to remove them entirely. Common reasons why a tooth extraction may be recommended are: 

Additionally, there are cases where some patients who have lost most of their teeth on the upper or lower dental arch decide to have a denture or implant-supported denture placed. For these individuals, it is often necessary to extract the few remaining teeth on the dental arch in order to successfully accommodate the denture prosthesis. 

Our dentist will examine your teeth to determine whether tooth extraction is the most ideal solution. If a tooth or teeth can’t be saved with other techniques, he will explain the tooth extraction procedure and address all of your questions and concerns. Our dentist can also talk with you about dental implants or other options that can provide effective missing teeth replacement designed to look, feel, and function like natural teeth. 

How Is Tooth Extraction Performed? 

Tooth extraction procedures are customized treatments and are performed utilizing a specific technique based on the individual patient’s needs. For teeth that are fully erupted through the gum, oral surgery may not be necessary for the extraction. In cases where the tooth has not erupted through the gumline or has only partially erupted, a minor surgical procedure may be recommended to successfully extract the tooth. This can frequently occur with wisdom teeth that have not fully erupted and must be surgically removed. In either case, tooth extraction procedures are often relatively simple, and patients may only need a local anesthetic to reduce discomfort. For individuals who would like even further assurance that they will experience a virtually pain- and anxiety-free procedure, our practice offers sedation dentistry techniques that may be appropriate. 

For many tooth extraction procedures, stitches following removal of the tooth are not necessary. Some patients may require a few stitches (sometimes just one or two) after the tooth has been extracted to optimize the healing process. If that is the case, the stitches are typically removed about one week following the procedure. 

What Type of Tooth Extraction Aftercare Is Needed? 

Specific aftercare instructions will be provided to each patient so they will know how to care for the extraction site as the area heals. In general, patients are often advised to bite down on a gauze pad placed over the area where the tooth was removed for brief periods to help the gums heal and control residual bleeding. It is very important to avoid smoking, alcohol, or drinking beverages through a straw for a minimum of three days after a tooth extraction procedure. These habits can disrupt the healing process and may dislodge a clot that has developed to help stop any bleeding in the area. Patients should also be sure to brush the teeth and rinse the mouth gently in the days following the tooth extraction. If necessary, our dentist can prescribe pain medicine or an antibiotic to help the healing process along. In many cases, over-the-counter pain medication is often sufficient to effectively minimize discomfort after a tooth extraction. 

Bone Grafting After Tooth Extraction 

Bone grafting may be recommended after a tooth extraction to enhance the density and health of the jawbone. When a tooth is lost, it can cause the jawbone in that area to deteriorate, which can compromise oral health and the stability of surrounding teeth. A bone graft can address this concern. Bone grafting can also be necessary to improve bone density in order to securely accommodate a dental implant. 

Learn more about bone grafting procedures. 

How Much Does Tooth Extraction Cost? 

The cost of tooth extraction procedures is greatly dependent on factors unique to each patient. These include whether the tooth is impacted, the complexity of the procedure, the number of teeth that require extraction and where they are located in the mouth, whether sedation is utilized during the treatment, and other components. After your teeth are examined and Dr. Sheth has talked with you about your needs and goals, a treatment plan can be developed and a member of our team can provide you with a more precise estimate of the total cost. Many dental insurance policies offer at least partial coverage for tooth extractions depending on each unique case, and our practice accepts a variety of convenient payment methods. These include financing options available for qualified applicants via a reputable third-party lending agency with whom we have partnered. We will be happy to answer any questions you may have about the payment option that is most suitable for your budget. 

For additional information on tooth extractions or other procedures available here at Restorative & Implant Dentistry of Bayside, or if you would like to schedule an appointment, please contact us today.