Tooth Extractions – Altavista, VA

Reasons Why Tooth Extractions Are Necessary

Typically, our emergency dentist recommends tooth extractions in the following situations:

• A tooth is causing you unbearable pain or discomfort.
• A tooth infection has reoccurred in an already-treated tooth.
• Severe decay has impacted a tooth beyond the ability of us to repair it with a filling.
• A tooth has been damaged or cracked, and our team cannot repair it with a dental crown.
• You want to undergo orthodontic treatment but don’t have enough room in your mouth.
• Advanced gum disease has broken down the supportive soft and hard tissues surrounding a tooth.

If you have any questions during our examination, we will be happy to answer them as well as further explain our findings, diagnoses, and treatment recommendations. We’re here to help and are always open to hearing your concerns!

The Process of Removing a Tooth

There are two ways we can remove the tooth in question: with a simple extraction or with a surgical extraction. A simple extraction is typically recommended when the tooth has broken through the gumline, allowing Dr. Hooks to gently rock it loose until it’s ready to be removed. Conversely, a surgical extraction is used when the tooth is trapped underneath. If that’s the case, she will need to create a small incision in your gums first. Then, she can remove the tooth section by section before tending to the extraction site.

Important note: In both cases, your mouth will be thoroughly numbed beforehand! So, you don’t have to worry – you won’t feel any pain as we work to remove your tooth.

Tooth Extraction Aftercare

There are a few things we want to avoid following your procedure, including a dry socket. For that reason, we will provide you with aftercare instructions like:

• Using a cold compress or towel-wrapped ice pack for 10 minutes at a time
• Taking prescribed or OTC pain medication as directed
• Sticking to a liquid diet
• Not smoking, drinking through a straw, spitting, or drinking alcohol
• Keeping your head elevated
• Changing the gauze pads as needed

Understanding the Cost of Tooth Extractions

Many people experience anxiety when having a troublesome tooth removed, especially if they’re unsure how much they’ll pay for their procedure. It’s natural to want to know how much your treatment will cost, but it’s difficult to determine in advance because it depends significantly on your unique circumstances.

Once you’ve consulted with Dr. Hooks, our team will gladly provide a detailed estimate and walk you through the information before proceeding. Continue reading to learn how the total is determined, and feel free to contact us for more information!

Factors That Can Affect Tooth Extraction Cost

You might not pay the same exact amount as someone else for your procedure because it depends on different factors, such as:

• The number of teeth requiring removal. Those having two or more teeth pulled can expect to pay more than those who only need one taken out.
• Where the tooth is located. Molars are harder to access and have more roots to contend with, which is more likely to require a steeper surgical extraction.
• The severity of your condition. If a specialist is required to assist, they must also be paid.
• The type of replacement. Restorations like dental implants, bridges, and dentures all come with their own pricing structures.

Does Dental Insurance Cover Tooth Extractions?

Most dental insurance policies cover 100% of the cost of preventive care, but only about 50% of major treatments like tooth extractions once your deductible has been met. However, there may be other restrictions to be aware of, like a limited number of teeth that can be treated or a waiting period that must pass before benefits kick in.

It’s worth checking the details of your plan so you know what’s included. Please let us know if you require assistance finding the information, applying for benefits, or submitting associated paperwork. Our friendly office staff is familiar with the process and is happy to help you maximize your benefits.

How to Make Tooth Extractions Affordable

Dental insurance is a great way to reduce your out-of-pocket expenses for dental implants, but our team in Altavista understands that not everyone carries a policy. However, we also don’t want your budget to keep you from resilient replacement teeth that can restore your appearance while simultaneously improving your oral health.

If you’re concerned about affording your elective procedure, you’re in luck! We partner with a third-party financer, CareCredit, to offer flexible financial packages. This program allows you to divvy your total invoice into more manageable installments over a designated period that are easier on your wallet.