Tooth Extractions Little Rock

Reasons Why Tooth Extractions are Necessary

Tooth extraction isn’t something to take lightly. After all, natural teeth are your best tools for biting, chewing, and smiling. Given those facts, we usually suggest restorative procedures like root canal treatment or a dental crown instead.

Still, there are times when extraction is necessary to preserve your oral health. In particular, our office may suggest it if you suffer one (or more) of the following:

• Severe tooth decay or damage
• An impacted tooth
• A dental infection that could spread to other teeth or body parts
• Overcrowding that prevents orthodontic work
• A “baby” tooth that won’t fall out on its own

The Process of Removing a Tooth

After the initial consultation, our office will decide how to extract your tooth. Depending on your situation, we’ll perform either a simple extraction or a surgical one.

If the tooth is visible, a simple extraction will be used. After numbing your mouth, this method removes your tooth with a special pair of forceps. The dentist will use that tool to rock your tooth back and forth until it naturally separates from your gum tissue.

A surgical extraction, meanwhile, is employed when the tooth hasn’t fully erupted. In that scenario, a dentist will make an incision in the gums to gain better access. Once that’s done, they’ll divide and remove the tooth in sections to minimize bone loss. The dentist will then conclude the extraction by sewing up the incision.

Regardless of the method, a dentist often follows up extraction with tooth replacement options. That way, you can prevent the long-term effects of tooth loss.

Tooth Extraction Aftercare

To ensure you recover well from the extraction, we’ll provide you with a detailed list of post-op instructions. That said, some good aftercare tips you should consider include:

• Manage post-treatment soreness with over-the-counter pain relievers
• Get plenty of rest so your mouth heals properly
• After 24 hours, rinse your mouth with salt water to clean the extraction site
• Avoid smoking to speed up the healing process
• Don’t drink out of a straw, as the suction can dislodge your blood clot

By following the advice above, your mouth will recover in no time. At that point, you should then give serious thought to replacing the missing tooth (or teeth). Doing so will keep surrounding teeth from tilting, restore more of your bite force, and more.

Understanding the Cost of Tooth Extractions

The cost of tooth extractions in Little Rock can vary depending on your unique case, but don’t worry, our team at Little Rock Family Dental Care will help you navigate dental insurance and financing! Our team will ensure that your benefits are always maximized, and if you’re uninsured, provide you with helpful alternative payment solutions so you can keep your oral health on the right track. If you have any questions about the cost of your treatment, never hesitate to contact our friendly team.

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Factors That Affect the Cost of Tooth Extractions

There are a number of details that will affect the overall cost of your treatment plan that our team won’t know until after we’ve examined your mouth and X-rays. Some of these factors include:

• How many teeth need to be extracted. For example, only needing one tooth removed would cost less than two or three.
• The location of the tooth in question. Molars are typically more costly to extract, as their root structures are more embedded in the jaw than front teeth.
• The kind of extraction needed. Certain procedures, like complex wisdom tooth extractions, may require the oversight of a specialist, which would come with a higher price tag.
• Whether a replacement tooth is needed. If your extracted tooth needs to be replaced, this process will incur a separate cost outside of the tooth extraction procedure.

Does Dental Insurance Cover Tooth Extractions?

If you have dental insurance, the good news is that it will likely cover either a portion or all of your procedure, depending on your plan’s individual benefits. Our team at Little Rock Family Dental Care accepts both in-network and out-of-network plans, and we ensure that your benefits are maximized regardless. We’ll also file claims on your behalf and help you gain a clearer understanding of your individual insurance plan as well as answer any questions you may have. In many cases, dental insurance covers between 50 to 80 percent of the treatment.

How to Make Tooth Extractions More Affordable

If you’re concerned about the cost of your treatment and you don’t have dental insurance, don’t worry! Our team has your back. We’re currently offering a $49 limited emergency visit special, as well as additional flexible financing through CareCredit at our West, Southwest, and Midtown dental offices. To learn more about how to apply for financing and what it entails, please call our office or ask our front desk staff during your appointment!