Tooth Extractions – Savannah, GA
Gentle Tooth Extractions
For Savannah Families
Removing a tooth is never our first choice, but when an extraction becomes absolutely necessary (usually because a tooth is decayed/damaged beyond the point of repair), Dr. Fana and our team take every step to ensure a patient’s comfort. We’ll take the time to answer any questions beforehand, use plenty of local anesthetic, and dental sedation is always available as well. Most of the time, people don’t actually feel it when their tooth comes out, making it easy for them to stay relaxed from beginning to end.
Signs You Need an Extraction
There are many instances where a tooth needs to be removed. However, the most common reason is because of long-term decay that has made the tooth inviable in the mouth. Additionally, teeth may need to be removed if advanced gum disease has damaged the supporting bone tissue, causing the tooth to loosen.
In other scenarios, a tooth may need removal if it has become severely cracked due to physical trauma, such as while playing sports. In less common cases, teeth need to be removed before an orthodontic procedure can begin, particularly metal braces. If a wisdom tooth is either causing pain and discomfort or is likely to cause issues later down the line, they can also be removed by Dr. Fana.
The Tooth Extraction Process
Prior to treatment, Dr. Fana will make sure to provide local anesthetic to the extraction site as well as the gum tissue surrounding it, ensuring the most comfortable procedure possible. We’ll also provide sedation services at this time if requested.
Depending on whether the tooth is located underneath the gums or not, we will need to create a small incision in the gum tissue in order to access the tooth. If the tooth is not trapped underneath gum tissue or a nearby tooth (known as impaction), we can go right towards the step of removing it from the periodontal ligament. This involves gently rocking it back and forth until it can be extracted. We use a pair of dental forceps to grip and remove the tooth as carefully as possible.
Aftercare Following a Teeth Extraction
Once a tooth has been removed, you should expect the healing process to take between 7 and 10 days to complete. It’s very important that you keep the blood clot in place in the tooth socket. If it becomes removed, it can lead to dry socket, which is a painful condition that can easily be avoided when you practice the right aftercare steps. To prevent complications like these and ensure a speedy recovery, make sure to:
- Take painkillers as recommended by Dr. Fana
- Rest for the first 24 hours following your procedure
- Limit physical activity for the next few days
- Leave the initial gauze pad in place for the next three to four hours
- Apply an ice pack to your face for 10 minutes at a time to reduce swelling
- Avoid rinsing your mouth, spitting forcefully, or using a straw for the first 24 hours after treatment
- Avoid smoking and tobacco at all costs
- Prop your head up using pillows to promote healing
- Stick to a soft diet, which may include soup, pudding, yogurt, applesauce and smoothies (with a spoon only!)
Understanding the Cost of Tooth Extractions
Because every person’s situation is slightly different, there is no one-size-fits-all cost of tooth extractions. Instead, there are several factors that will influence how much you end up paying to remove a damaged or decayed tooth. If you want to avoid a trip to an emergency dentist in Savannah, read the information below and then give our office a call.
Factors That Can Affect Tooth Extraction Cost
It’s difficult to estimate the exact amount you will pay for an extraction without first examining the tooth or teeth in question. In general, there several factors that can influence the final cost of a tooth extraction in Savannah, including:
- Location – The location in your smile (front vs back) and how many teeth you need removed will affect your final costs.
- Complexity – Some extractions are much more complex than others. Impacted extractions, which require oral surgery, almost always cost more than a simple extraction. Fortunately, Dr. Fana can perform all types of extractions in-house, so you won’t have to see an outside specialist. This will help save you time and streamline your fees.
- Restoration – Missing even a single tooth can negatively impact your oral health. Dental implants, bridges, and other restorations can fill the gap that remains after an extraction at different price points.
Don’t hesitate to schedule an initial consultation at our office if you need a dental extraction. After Dr. Fana examines your teeth, they will be able to discuss next steps and provide an accurate cost estimate.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Tooth Extractions?
If your deductible has already been met, you can likely rely on your dental insurance to cover around 50% of the cost of a tooth extraction. However, every insurance plan is different and there are important exceptions. For example, some insurance plans have limits that cover only a certain number of teeth or require a waiting period before coverage kicks in. Before scheduling an extraction, be sure to contact your insurance provider to confirm your coverage. Our experienced team will be happy to help you understand the details of your insurance plan and maximize your benefits.
How to Make Tooth Extractions Affordable
Regardless of your insurance status, there are plenty of other payment options to help make tooth extractions affordable.
For instance, you could sign up for our in-house Dental Wellness Plan. One flat annual fee covers all your routine dental care for the entire year. You will also gain access to a sizeable discount on all other restorative and cosmetic treatments. Our Dental Wellness Plan offers many of the same benefits as traditional insurance, but without the annoying deductibles, annual maximums, and claim forms. Ask our staff for more details!
We also accept financing through CareCredit, a trusted dental financing organization. CareCredit allows qualified patients to space out the cost of tooth extractions in Savannah to make them easier to afford. Instead of paying upfront, you can make small monthly payments. They offer a wide variety of plans, many with little to no interest!
Our team at Compass Dental is committed to helping patients fit tooth extractions and other dental care comfortably into their budgets. Don’t hesitate to call for help if you have a decayed or damaged tooth that needs to be removed!
Tooth Extractions FAQs
Having a tooth removed is a major step, and it’s one that you should only move forward with once you’re completely sure what you can expect. If you have any concerns, please let us know; our team wants you to feel completely comfortable with your care. To help you get started, please review the answers to the FAQs below to see if they cover any topics that are already on your mind.
Does Having a Tooth Extraction Hurt?
Many people are hesitant about having a tooth extracted out of fear that the procedure will hurt. However, keep in mind that we will always numb your mouth before the extraction process, meaning you won’t experience discomfort during the actual tooth removal. Soreness may occur afterwards, but you can reduce it and promote healing by carefully following our aftercare instructions. Please let us know if your pain gets worse or fails to go away after a certain period of time; it could mean that something has gone wrong with the healing process or that you’re experiencing the warning signs of an infection.
Can I Leave the Space Empty After a Tooth Extraction?
You can, but it’s generally not a good idea. Even if the gap isn’t visible when you smile, it can still have an impact on your ability to chew your food, which in turn can stop you from maintaining a nutritional diet. Also, if you lost a tooth near the front of your mouth, it could cause you to lisp and make it more difficult to talk clearly. For these reasons, it’s recommended that you have an extracted tooth replaced as soon as your mouth is done healing.
How Should Prepare for My Tooth Extraction?
We’ll explain the preparations you need to make for a tooth extraction ahead of time. Feel free to ask any questions you might have, such as what you need to bring with you or what you should eat for breakfast the day of your appointment. In some cases, you might be told not to consume anything besides water before your appointment, or you might need to pick up a prescription medication; make sure to follow these instructions carefully. If you’re planning on receiving dental sedation during your treatment, arrange for a trusted adult to drive you to and from our office.
How Safe is Tooth Extraction?
A tooth extraction is a routine procedure that is considered to be extremely safe. Of course, no procedure is completely free of risks, but we’ll take steps to minimize them. For example, we’ll give you instructions for protecting the blood clot that forms after your instruction. A dislodged blood clot can lead to painful dry socket and increase the risk of infection, so it’s essential to be mindful about making sure that it stays in place.
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