Tooth Extractions – Ormond Beach, FL
Tooth Removal Specialists Offer Optimal Comfort
Dr. Andrew Nawrocki couldn’t be an expert in the field of prosthodontics or implant dentistry without also knowing the right steps for quick, comfortable, and effective tooth extractions in Ormond Beach. While he works hard to save teeth whenever possible, sometimes extractions are necessary to ensure the wellbeing of the patient. Other times it’s needed before a denture or bridge can be placed. Regardless, he takes all the best steps to ensure that your extraction and aftercare go as smoothly as possible.
Reasons Why Tooth Extractions Are Necessary
One of the most common reasons patients may need their teeth extracted is due to their wisdom teeth erupting. While this is rarely ever the case, some patients have mouths large enough to accommodate third molars. However, it’s far more common that wisdom teeth are taking up too much room and therefore need to be removed to prevent future damage to the remaining teeth and oral structures.
In other cases, teeth may need to be extracted because they are severely damaged, either from long-term decay or due to trauma inflicted on the tooth itself. If the tooth cannot be saved in its current form, an extraction will need to be performed.
Keep in mind that extractions are seen as a last resort and performed mainly to prevent infections or severe oral pain.
Types of Extractions
Extractions are typically categorized by their complexity. For example, simple extractions involve the removal of teeth that are visible in the mouth. Alternatively, surgical extractions require making an incision into connective tissue around the tooth to access it. This may often be the case for impacted wisdom teeth that have failed to erupt fully through the gum tissue.
Additionally, patients may require multiple tooth extractions as opposed to a single tooth extraction, which is often the case for those seeking a denture or other prosthetic device to rebuild their smile. Regardless of the type of extraction needed, you can trust your dentists to be with you every step of the way for your aftercare.
The Process of Removing a Tooth
If your tooth that needs to be extracted has already erupted and is above the gumline, then we might proceed with a simple extraction. Our team will numb your mouth before using a pair of special forceps to grasp it. We’ll gently rock the tooth back and forth until it moves away from the gum tissue.
However, if the tooth isn’t fully emerged from the gum line, then we may need to do a surgical extraction. In addition to numbing the area, we’ll make a small incision in your gums, that way we have more room to reach around the tooth and remove it. To know which kind of extraction you’ll need, or if one is necessary, it’s best to schedule a consultation with us. We’ll assess your situation and determine the treatment that’s best for you.
Tooth Extraction Aftercare
After you’ve completed surgery, you must follow the right steps from Dr. Nawrocki to avoid complications later. The extraction site will take a minimum of a few days to heal and is typically accommodated by oral bleeding, swelling, and a sore throat. Our dentists will make sure to provide proper post-care instructions to ensure a speedy recovery after your treatment.
Take note of the following tips:
- Take painkillers as needed.
- Apply an ice pack after surgery for 10 minutes at a time to reduce swelling.
- Limit all regular activities for the first 24 hours after surgery.
- Bite down on gauze pads placed by your dentists to reduce bleeding immediately after surgery. Change them out as needed.
- Avoid rinsing, spitting, or using straws for the first 24 hours after surgery to prevent dislodging of the blood clot covering the extraction site.
- Avoid smoking at all costs.
Got a question about your upcoming surgery? Contact your dentist in Ormond Beach today!
Understanding the Cost of Tooth Extractions
At your last routine checkup, were you informed that you need a tooth extraction in Ormond Beach? Before scheduling your appointment, you may be wondering how much the procedure will cost. Rest assured – our team will be more than happy to help you navigate the financial aspects of this treatment. If you’d like to learn more about what to expect, continue reading or give our office a call for personal assistance.
Factors That Can Affect Tooth Extraction Cost
It’s impossible to know the exact cost of your tooth extraction in Ormond Beach until our team has had a chance to perform an oral examination. Several factors must be taken into consideration to determine exactly how much you can expect to pay. Some of those include:
- Type and location of the tooth that must be extracted (i.e., incisor or molar)
- Whether you need one or multiple teeth pulled
- Overall difficulty of the extraction, as simple and surgical procedures are very different
- Any restorative treatment needed to replace the extracted tooth (i.e., dental bridge, implant, or denture)
Does Dental Insurance Cover Tooth Extractions?
Since tooth extractions are considered major restorative procedures, most dental insurance plans do offer coverage for them. You can typically expect your policy to cover around 50% of the total cost after the deductible has been met, including wisdom teeth. Of course, every plan is unique, which is why you should confirm the details of your coverage with your insurance provider before committing to anything. Our team is more than happy to help with this process if needed!
Other Options for Making Tooth Extractions Affordable
Getting a tooth extraction in Ormond Beach can be an unexpected expense for some people. Fortunately, our practice offers additional financing options to help make your care more affordable, such as:
- Third-Party Financing: With CareCredit and Wells Fargo, you can split up the total cost of your treatment into smaller monthly installments. Plus, these plans often come with little-to-no interest attached!
- Special Offers: Currently, new patients can get a one-time $100 gift certificate that can be used towards any treatment. Be sure to check our website every month to stay up to date on the latest deals!
Tooth Extraction FAQs
No matter the type of tooth extraction you are preparing for, the team at Brown & Nawrocki Restorative & Cosmetic Dentistry wants to answer any questions and address any concerns you might have before your procedure. This is why we’ve compiled some frequently asked questions about tooth extractions to give you greater insight and peace of mind. Making sure you are comfortable, confident, and knowledgeable about your upcoming procedure is important, so if at any point you would like to schedule a consultation with a member of our team, please do not hesitate to contact our office.
Why Do I Need My Wisdom Teeth Removed?
Some individuals experience no issues when their third molars (wisdom teeth) erupt. However, in a majority of cases, it is necessary to remove these teeth because there’s simply not enough room in the mouth.
These teeth were once an important part of the oral cavity, allowing early humans to gnaw on dense foods, but as time progressed and the jawline of humans became narrower, these teeth no longer served a valuable purpose. Nowadays, these third molars often become impacted and begin to push against healthy teeth, attempting to shift them out of alignment. It is also possible for these teeth to partially erupt, which will make it much more difficult to avoid tooth decay and gum disease. As a result, we will recommend wisdom tooth removal to prevent future dental problems.
What Is a “Dry Socket” and How Do I Know If I Have One?
A dry socket is when a blood clot breaks down in the extraction site. Whether caused by smoking, poor oral hygiene, or overuse during post-operative recovery, a dry socket can form and leave you susceptible to increased pain, a bad taste in your mouth, and foul breath. If one does occur, it will typically appear 3-5 days after surgery but are treatable.
Your dentist will need to wash out the extraction site and insert a medicated dressing, which will need to be replaced every 2-3 days by a professional. The average time for a dry socket to heal is 1-2 weeks, so if you believe you are experiencing symptoms, don’t wait to call our office.
What Can I Eat After Having a Tooth Extracted?
It is recommended that you eat soft, cool foods on the day of your surgery (i.e., cottage cheese, yogurt, applesauce). In the days following, you can begin to incorporate other foods but continue to stay away from anything crunchy or too hard, as these can break into small pieces and burrow into the extraction site(s).
Is it Normal for One of the Stitches to Come Out the Same Day as Surgery?
Yes, it is completely normal for one of your stitches to come out the same day as your surgery. In most cases, these are temporary placeholders that assist in controlling the bleeding and encouraging a clot to form. There’s no reason to panic if this happens, but if you received some form of bone graft, it may be necessary to come in to see us, as we will need to evaluate your current condition.
Will I Be Under Some Form of Dental Sedation During the Procedure?
Yes, because this is oral surgery, you will undergo local anesthesia and/or sedation to ensure you are comfortable and relaxed throughout the procedure. Depending on the severity of your case, your dentist may have you take an oral sedative before your arrival, so you will need to have someone escort you to and from your appointment.
This method of sedation will keep you cognizant enough to respond to cues by our dental team, but it will help you enter into a deep state of relaxation as well. You might even have slight amnesia following your appointment.