Tooth Extractions Lancaster

Reasons Why Tooth Extractions Are Necessary

• Excessive Tooth Decay: A tooth with deep, non-restorable decay is often not able to be saved with conventional dentistry techniques. Oftentimes, the decay can extend to the level of the bone or onto root surfaces, and the tooth is therefore deemed hopeless and will need to be extracted.
• Vertical or Horizontal Fracture: On occasion, a patient will experience a sudden, sharp, unrelenting pain with a tooth. This may indicate the tooth is fractured and can occur with patients who clench their jaw, have a history of chewing hard/crunchy foods, or have chronic habits such as nail biting. The location of the fracture determines the need for tooth extraction.
• Active Dental Infection with Pain and Swelling: When decay is left unattended, a serious infection can lead to a significant toothache and facial swelling. These infections can sometimes take weeks, but on occasion, can develop overnight. Usually, antibiotics are provided until the tooth extraction is completed, but it is important to remember that the antibiotics are only a temporary fix to the problem, which is the tooth itself.
• Excessive Crowding: Crowding of teeth in the oral cavity can create many problems, including the inability to clean the teeth properly, the development of a malocclusion (misaligned bite), deep periodontal pocketing, and bone loss. Oftentimes, an orthodontist will refer a patient to an oral surgeon to electively extract teeth prior to orthodontic treatment. These selective extractions allow the orthodontist to then have room to shift teeth into a more harmonious relationship.
• Cardiac/Joint Replacement Clearance: Patients who are undergoing specific cardiac surgeries are required to obtain dental clearance. This clearance requires that any teeth that are at risk of failure or infection be extracted prior to surgery. This same dental clearance also applies to patients who are pursuing orthopedic joint replacements.
• Impacted Tooth: Teeth that fail to erupt in the mouth often remain asymptomatic. It is important that these teeth are monitored with routine X-rays by your dentist because there are times, when left in place, the impacted tooth can cause damage to a neighboring tooth or develop its own pathology (cyst or resorption) or decay. When this occurs, extraction is advised.
• Treatment Following Dental Trauma: When you have sustained a sports injury or have been in a car accident, the mouth can sometimes be negatively affected. If the teeth are broken/fractured beyond repair or significantly mobile, then tooth extraction is often recommended. Fortunately, there are many replacement options, which will be discussed by your dentist or oral surgeon.
• Solutions When Other Options Have Failed: Teeth that have multiple restorations, root canals, or crowns can fail with time. If you have spent a large amount of money on your teeth only to find they need to be extracted, there are replacement options that will be discussed by your oral surgeon.

The Process of Removing a Tooth

A tooth extraction starts with a consultation with one of our oral surgeons. Contrary to popular belief, the procedure involves more than just "pulling" a tooth. Our oral surgeons use a gentle and precise approach to minimize trauma to the surrounding tissues during the procedure. This method leads to a faster recovery and fewer post-treatment symptoms.

For a fully erupted tooth, the process is generally straightforward. Once the chosen anesthesia takes effect, our surgeons use specialized techniques and tools to carefully remove the tooth while preserving the integrity of the surrounding gums and bone. If a tooth is difficult to remove, broken, or impacted, our surgeons may section it or divide it into smaller pieces for easier extraction. After the tooth is removed, the site is thoroughly cleaned and prepared for healing. Sutures or stitches are not necessary for every extraction. Our team provides detailed aftercare instructions to support quick recovery and optimal healing. 

Tooth Extraction Aftercare

On the day of the procedure, gauze will be placed in the mouth to control bleeding, and the dressing should be changed as needed. Also, during the first 24-48 hours, we’ll recommend that the patient…

• Relax and refrain from strenuous activity to encourage the development of a blood clot (necessary for recovery).
• Avoid spitting or eating hot foods for the first 24 hours after surgery.
• Do not use straws or smoke for at least 3 days after your extraction. Waiting even longer is highly recommended, as nicotine delays the healing process.
• Leave the treatment area alone and do not poke it with the tongue.
• Practice oral hygiene while not brushing the extraction area.
• Take any pain medication as directed by the oral surgeon/package instructions.
• Stick to a soft food diet for a few days that includes items like oatmeal, soup, pudding, scrambled eggs, etc.
• Contact your oral surgeon if pain lasts for more than a week, there is swelling after the first few days, or the patient develops a fever/general lethargy.

Understanding the Cost of Tooth Extractions 

When considering the cost of tooth extractions, various factors below come into play. While this information serves as a helpful guide to what you might expect, the most accurate way to receive specific cost details is by scheduling a consultation with us.

Factors That Can Affect Tooth Extraction Cost 

• The Type & Location of Tooth: Teeth located toward the back of the mouth typically have more complex root structures and are embedded in a denser part of the jawbone compared to front teeth. This complexity can make the extraction process more challenging and, therefore, more expensive.
• Number of Teeth Being Extracted: This may be an obvious point to make, but removing multiple teeth will be more expensive than a single tooth extraction.
• Sedation: All extraction patients receive local anesthetic for comfort during the procedure. Patients who are particularly nervous or require extensive treatment may benefit from additional sedation to help them stay calm, which incurs a separate cost.
• Materials: For some extractions or specific patients, using additional materials like bleeding agents, membranes, or bone grafts can also influence the final cost.

Does Dental Insurance Cover Tooth Extractions? 

In most cases, dental insurance can help cover the cost of a tooth extraction. The extent of coverage depends on the specific plan and whether the patient has met their deductible or exceeded their annual maximum at the time of the procedure. Generally, tooth extractions are classified as a “major” treatment. Some insurers may also impose a waiting period after signing up before they will cover this procedure. We will discuss all these details during your consultation to eliminate any uncertainty!

How to Make Tooth Extractions Affordable 

If you don’t have insurance, Conestoga Oral Surgery makes it possible to pay for your extraction in smaller installments using CareCredit. It’s used by thousands of healthcare providers around the country and has helped millions of patients get the treatments they need without financial stress. It takes just a few minutes to find and select a plan with transparent terms and little to no interest. To learn more and choose a plan, click here.

Tooth Extraction FAQs

It’s normal for patients to feel a little uneasy when they hear they need a tooth removed, which is why we provide as much information to help you stay relaxed and confident. Below, we’ve answered some common questions, and you’re always welcome to call us if you want more details about tooth extractions in Lancaster.