In most cases, the team at New Haven Dental Group in Hamden is able to repair teeth that have developed damage or decay. Sometimes, though, the only viable treatment option is gentle tooth removal. When this happens, our team takes every step possible to keep a patient comfortable from the beginning to the end of the surgical procedure. We answer any and all questions beforehand and use plenty of local anesthetic. Afterward, we may be able to help a patient replace the tooth with a dental bridge or dental implant.
Here are some reasons why we may determine that a tooth needs to be extracted:
During a simple extraction, we use an instrument called an elevator to gently lift the tooth out of its socket. Then, we grip it with forceps, break the ligaments that are holding it in place, and remove it. We use gauze to control bleeding. During a surgical extraction, we take additional steps. For example, we may have to create incisions in the gums or break a tooth into pieces.
Whichever type of extraction you undergo, you can be confident that we will take steps to ensure your comfort throughout your procedure. Following your treatment, we will inform you of your tooth replacement options so you will not have to deal with the complications of an incomplete smile.
Here are some guidelines to help you enjoy a smooth recovery following your extraction:
The cost of tooth extractions is affordable for most patients. However, the price can vary depending on several factors. During your consultation, we will provide you with detailed cost information. We will also be happy to help you explore your payment options, such as financing and insurance. Feel free to ask questions; we want the process of paying for your care to be as stress-free as possible.
Some factors that can have a bearing on the cost of tooth extractions include:
It is very common for dental insurance to cover tooth extractions. Simple extractions are often classified as a minor service, so up to 80% of their cost may be covered. Surgical extractions, on the other hand, are usually designated as a major service. Only 50% or so of their cost may be covered. Our team will be happy to help you understand your insurance benefits and use them in the most advantageous way possible.
In addition to insurance, there are a couple of provisions that might make it easier for you to afford your extraction procedure:
Do you need to have one or more teeth removed? Our team is ready to help you with every aspect of your care, including its financial side. Get in touch with us today to learn more about how we may be able to serve you.
The team at New Haven Dental Group in Hamden is ready to help you with all of your oral health needs. At some point, that might mean that we have to remove one of your teeth. We understand, though, that you may want more information about this procedure before you commit to it. To assist you, we have put together a brief list of tooth extraction FAQs, along with succinct answers. If your specific questions are not addressed here, please reach out to us directly.
If you are getting supernumerary (extra) teeth or wisdom teeth removed, there is no need to worry about replacing them. In almost all other circumstances, though, tooth replacement is strongly recommended.
After tooth extractions in our Hamden office, your mouth will undergo some changes. For example, the bone at the site of the lost tooth will start to lose its density. Other nearby teeth may start to shift out of place, leading to a misaligned bite. You might even end up with additional tooth loss. Replacing a lost tooth with a dental implant can prevent these issues and help to protect your long-term oral health.
It is not wise to smoke after getting a tooth extracted. Cigarettes, cigars, and even e-cigarettes can interfere with your mouth’s healing process and increase the risk of post-treatment complications and discomfort.
You should abstain from smoking for at least five days after your appointment, though it would be better to avoid smoking for at least two weeks. In a best-case scenario, you would kick the habit altogether.
As a compassionate dentist in Hamden, we understand that quitting smoking can be challenging. Do not hesitate to express your concerns to us; we can support you as you strive to improve your oral and overall health.
The waiting period between tooth extractions and denture placement is usually 6 – 8 weeks. This allows time for your gums to heal. After an adequate waiting period, our impressions of your mouth should be accurate enough to create dentures that fit very well.
Some patients qualify for immediate dentures, which are made before extractions and are available for use immediately afterward. However, their fit tends to change quite quickly, leading to the need for adjustments. Immediate dentures are usually used for just 6 – 12 months before they are replaced with a permanent prosthetic.
Tooth extractions are a very low-risk procedure!
Our team takes patient safety very seriously, so we are careful to minimize the damage to surrounding tissues. We also stick to strict sterilization processes in order to minimize the risk of infections.
Of course, no procedure is totally risk-free. In rare cases, an infection develops. Dry socket is also a possibility; it occurs when the blood clot at the extraction site does not form properly or gets prematurely dislodged. Both dry socket and infections are treatable, so do not hesitate to reach out to us if you run into any unusual symptoms during your recovery period.
We strive to make the treatment experience as easy as possible for our patients. To that end, we use local anesthetic to numb the mouth. If a patient is not easily numbed or is nervous about their procedure, we may be able to administer sedation as well. You can expect to feel little to nothing during your extraction appointment.
After any sedation and anesthesia wear off, your mouth will be sore. If you carefully follow post-op instructions, you can keep your discomfort to a minimum and support your body’s natural healing process. For example, you should eat soft foods and avoid smoking. Most patients are feeling back to normal within one week or so.
In some cases, it is possible to prevent a tooth extraction with root canal therapy, gum disease therapy, or other restorative procedures. You can increase your chances of keeping all of your teeth by regularly visiting your dentist and scheduling treatment as soon as it is recommended.
If a dental problem progresses far enough, extraction may be the only viable treatment option. If we recommend that one of your teeth be removed, you can be confident that we have already considered alternative procedures.
The term “tooth extraction” can refer to the removal of any tooth in the mouth. Wisdom tooth surgery, also called wisdom tooth extractions, is exclusively for the third molars, which are located at the very back of the mouth.
Wisdom tooth extractions are often more complex than regular tooth extractions. That is because the wisdom teeth are often stuck beneath the gumline, so removing them can require that we make incisions in the gums or break the teeth into pieces.
The three most popular types of tooth replacement are:
Our team will recommend the form of tooth replacement that we believe best fits your circumstances.
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