Tooth Extractions in Lawrence, KS

Factors That Can Affect Tooth Extraction Cost

Since every patient’s dental needs are unique, each treatment plan will be completely personalized, including the cost. Though the price will vary from person to person, here are several factors that can influence your overall expenses:

• The number of teeth needing extraction: Getting one tooth pulled is much less expensive than having multiple ones removed.
• The type and location of the tooth: Extracting a tooth that’s far back in your mouth may cost more to pull out than a front tooth.
• The kind of extraction necessary: For a simple extraction, your dentist simply needs to pull out your tooth. An impacted extraction requires a minor oral surgery to access a tooth that hasn’t erupted completely, which can hike up the price.
• The tooth-replacement solution you choose: Certain restorations like dental implants have a higher initial price than others, such as dentures or dental bridges.

Does Dental Insurance Cover Tooth Extractions?

Tooth extractions are considered major dental procedures, so it’s common for dental insurance companies to offer about 50% coverage of the cost of treatment after meeting your annual deductible. However, since each policy is different for every patient, which may include limitations like a waiting period, it’s best to consult your provider for the details before committing to anything. You can also contact our friendly and knowledgeable team during this process, and we’ll be more than happy to help you navigate your insurance plan so that you can make the most of your benefits!

How to Make Tooth Extractions Affordable

Don’t currently have dental insurance? That’s fine. Our practice is proud to offer alternative financing options to help reduce your out-of-pocket expenses. We are partnered with CareCredit—a third-party financier that can break up the cost of your dental treatment into smaller, more manageable monthly installments. On top of that, many of their plans come with little-to-no interest, allowing you to receive any necessary procedures stress-free! If this is something you think you can benefit from, don’t hesitate to contact our office. We’ll be glad to discuss your payment options so that you can get your tooth extraction with no problems.

What’s the Difference Between Tooth Extractions and Wisdom Tooth Surgery?

Tooth extractions and wisdom tooth surgery both involve pulling a tooth. However, there are important differences between the two procedures. One of the biggest (and most obvious) differences is that while wisdom tooth surgery is designed to remove the third and final set of molars, tooth extractions can remove any tooth that is severely damaged or causing overcrowding. Another difference is that wisdom tooth extractions are often a surgical procedure, since the third molars may be impacted or below the gumline.  

What Risks Are Involved with Tooth Extractions?

Fortunately, tooth extractions in Lawrence are considered to be extremely safe. With that being said, any oral surgery comes with some risks. With tooth extractions, the primary risk is infection, which can spread throughout your body if it isn’t handled swiftly. Another risk is dry socket, which occurs when a blood clot over the extraction site becomes dislodged. Dry socket can be painful and delay the recovery process significantly. To prevent infection, dry socket, and other issues, your dentist will provide you with a list of aftercare instructions, as well as a few common symptoms of infection to look out for.

Can I Leave the Space Empty After a Tooth Extraction?

You may be tempted to avoid replacing a missing tooth if the empty space leftover is in the back of your mouth. After all, if no one can see it, why replace it? However, missing even one tooth can contribute to a bunch of problems. For instance, you may find that you have trouble pronouncing certain words or chewing on healthy foods. For these reasons and more, we recommend that once you are done healing, you schedule an appointment at our office to find a tooth replacement option that works for you.

Can I Smoke After Getting a Tooth Extracted?

We strongly recommend that you avoid smoking for at least five days after getting a tooth removed. If you can, abstaining from all tobacco products for two weeks is ideal. Cigars, cigarettes, and even e-cigarettes can delay the healing process. If you’ve had difficulty quitting in the past, don’t hesitate to talk to your dentist in Lawrence. They aren’t interested in passing judgment; they just want to know so they can help you prepare in advance.

What Should I Do After My Tooth Extraction?

After getting a tooth removed, it’s important to return home and rest. Your body needs to heal and recover from the extraction procedure. Avoid strenuous activities, like working out, for the first 24 hours. To prevent dry socket, make sure to keep the gauze pad in place as instructed, stay hydrated, and avoid using a straw or spitting. In addition, you will need to adjust your diet and eat only soft foods, at least initially. Yogurt, apple sauce, mashed potatoes, and room-temperature soups, for example, are all safe to eat during this period. If you experience any swelling or discomfort, use a cold compress to number the area. You can also take over-the-counter or prescribed pain medication as instructed by your dentist.