Tooth Extractions - Schenectady, NY • Capital District
Comfort From Beginning to End
At Capital Smiles, our number one goal is to help our patients maintain a full, healthy set of teeth for a lifetime. However, in some cases the patient and Dr. Page may ultimately choose to remove a tooth for the sake of a patient’s oral health. When it comes to Capital District tooth extractions, Dr. Page has the experience and the tools necessary to ensure that our patients always experience a comfortable procedure.
“Capital Smiles is an amazing dental practice, with a wide range of services not often provided in a single practice. The practitioners are so well trained and the technology is amazing and continually upgraded."
Elaine D.
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Why Would a Tooth Need to Be Extracted?
Typically, we will recommend that a tooth be removed if:
- A large cavity has damaged it beyond repair
- It is so broken that there is too little to restore
- Advanced gum disease has weakened the bone supporting it
- Room needs to be created for a denture/orthodontic treatment
- A weakened tooth is going to be replaced with a dental implant
How Does a Tooth Extraction Work?
Fortunately for our patients, a tooth extraction doesn’t actually involve “pulling” a tooth. This approach is inefficient and would be very uncomfortable for doctor and patient alike!
Instead, we start by numbing the tooth and the surrounding area. Next, Dr. Page will loosen the tooth’s supporting tissue, and once the tooth begins to wiggle, she will use forceps to apply pressure and gently rock it back and forth to remove the tooth. Using this method, most patients don’t actually feel it when their tooth comes out!
Sedation Dentistry Can Help with Anxiety
Of course, the need for a tooth extraction can cause many patients to feel nervous, but at Capital Smiles, we are prepared to help even the most anxious patients to have a relaxing experience. Dr. Page extensively trained in the field of sedation dentistry. Whether you need a little or a lot of help to feel comfortable during your appointment, our sedation methods will allow you to relax during your tooth extraction procedure.
After an Extraction
Immediately following an extraction, a patient may experience some soreness, swelling, and bleeding in the area for the next few days. This is all very normal, and it will go away over time. To help speed up the healing process, we recommend that our extraction patients take the day of their procedure to relax, and we may also suggest that they initially stick to a soft food diet and apply ice for a few days.
We ask that patients not drink from a straw or rinse their mouth for the first 24 hours as well, as this could interfere with the blood clotting. It’s also very important that they not smoke right after treatment—this can slow healing and lead to an infection.
Depending on which tooth has been extracted, our team can quickly help a patient choose a suitable replacement so they can regain a full set of teeth. We have a multitude of options to choose from, and our team will go over each in detail so they can make a well-informed decision.
Have Any Questions?
Whether you have been dealing with dental pain for a long time or have recently suffered an accident, a tooth extraction could be your first step to reclaiming a healthy smile. To learn more about tooth extractions and schedule an appointment at Capital Smiles, contact us today.
Understanding the Cost of Tooth Extractions
The cost of tooth extractions can vary. When you visit us for your consultation, we will evaluate the details of your case before we provide you with a price estimate. We will also help you understand your payment options. For example, we can help you file insurance claims, and we are happy to accept CareCredit financing. We want to do everything in our power to enable you to enjoy top-quality dental care without too much stress about money.
Factors That Can Affect Tooth Extraction Cost
The cost of tooth extractions can be affected by a few different factors:
- The number of teeth that need to be removed. Logically, removing several teeth costs more than removing just one or two.
- The type of tooth that needs to be removed. Some teeth are more challenging to remove than others. For example, wisdom teeth are sometimes impacted (stuck beneath the gumline), so extracting them requires extra time and effort. Therefore, they incur higher fees.
- The overall complexity of the case. Page and our team can handle most extractions right here in our Schenectady dental office. Occasionally, though, we refer patients to a trustworthy local specialist, who may have prices that are quite different from our own.
- Additional care. You may choose to be sedated during your procedure, which will add to the total cost of your care. After your tooth is removed, you may be encouraged to pursue tooth replacement. Bridges, dental implants, and dentures all have their own prices.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Tooth Extractions?
Yes, it is very common for dental insurance to cover the cost of tooth extractions. Depending on the details of your case, anywhere from 50% to 80% of the total price might be covered, up to the amount of your policy’s annual maximum. Our team is not in-network with any insurance plans, but we will still be happy to help you navigate your benefits and file all necessary claims so you can minimize your out-of-pocket expenses.
Other Options for Making Tooth Extractions Affordable
In addition to insurance, there is another provision that might make it easier for you to afford your tooth extractions: financing. We are partnered with CareCredit, a third-party company that offers low-interest and no-interest payment plans for dental services. The application process is fast and easy, and most patients are deemed eligible for credit. Once you are approved, you may be able to choose from between a number of different monthly payment options.
You should not let concerns about money prevent you from getting the care that your smile needs! To learn more about tooth extractions and their cost, get in touch with our team. We are ready to guide you through the entire treatment process, including its financial aspects.
Tooth Extraction FAQs
Dr. Page and our team are ready to help get your oral health back on track via gentle, careful tooth extractions. Before you commit to anything, though, you may want to know more about this procedure and what it involves. To assist you, we have put together the following list of tooth extraction FAQs. If your questions are not mentioned here, do not hesitate to reach out to us directly.
Does Getting a Tooth Extracted Hurt?
We want our patients to be comfortable, so one of the first things we will do during your appointment is apply a local anesthetic to numb your mouth. The anesthetic blocks out pain, but it will not stop you from feeling pressure, so you will still have some sensations during your procedure.
If you are nervous about your extractions, or you are not easily numbed by local anesthetic, you might be a candidate for sedation. Sedation uses special medications to help you stay calm, relaxed, and pain-free throughout your procedure.
After any anesthesia or sedation wear off, you can expect to experience some soreness for several days. Our team will give you instructions to facilitate an easy and smooth recovery process.
Is There an Alternative to a Tooth Extraction?
In some cases, a tooth extraction can be prevented via restorative procedures, such as root canal therapy and a crown. Usually, though, if our team recommends that a tooth be removed, we have already considered other options. Removing a tooth may be the most practical and predictable way to improve your oral health.
What Are My Options for Replacing a Missing Tooth?
There are a few ways to replace missing teeth:
- A fixed bridge relies on the support of the remaining natural teeth. It is composed of two crowns and one or more artificial teeth.
- A dental implant rebuilds a missing tooth from the root up. We often recommend this as the best way to replace a lost tooth due to its stability, longevity, and other benefits.
- Dentures are removable prostheses that replace multiple teeth. They can be very natural-looking and restore a degree of chewing function.
Dr. Page will recommend the tooth replacement option that she believes is best for your unique situation.
Can I Leave the Space Empty After a Tooth Extraction?
If you get wisdom teeth or supernumerary (extra) teeth removed, then it is fine not to replace them. In almost all other circumstances, though, you most certainly should pursue tooth replacement. If you do not, you could face some unpleasant circumstances. For example, your remaining natural teeth may drift out of place. Your jawbone will deteriorate. And you will be at an increased risk of further tooth loss.
What Is the Recovery for Tooth Extractions Like?
Most people are back to feeling normal within 1 – 2 weeks after their extraction procedure. In the meantime, you may experience some swelling, light bleeding, and general discomfort.
It is important that you follow post-treatment instructions from our team to support your body’s healing process. For example, you should adhere to good oral hygiene habits, eat a soft diet, and avoid the use of drinking straws. Regularly rinsing with warm salt water may also be helpful.
Can I Smoke After Getting a Tooth Extracted?
Cigarettes, cigars, and even e-cigarettes should be avoided following a tooth extraction. These products can slow down your body’s ability to heal and increase your risk of infections. They could even contribute to a painful complication known as dry socket. (Dry socket occurs when the blood clot at an extraction site gets dislodged or fails to form.)
It is best if you quit smoking altogether. At the very least, you should avoid smoking for 5 – 14 days after your procedure. Nicotine patches might be able to help you manage withdrawal symptoms.
How Long After a Tooth Extraction Can I Get Dentures?
The timeline for tooth replacement after extractions can vary. Most patients must wait 6 – 8 weeks to get dentures. During that time, Dr. Page and our team will take impressions of your mouth and design your beautiful new prosthetic.
If you know you are interested in dentures (or another specific type of tooth replacement), let us know before your extraction procedure. We will do all we can to make your tooth replacement journey as efficient as possible. We do not want you to have an incomplete smile for any longer than necessary!
What Risks Are Involved with Tooth Extractions?
Tooth extractions are a low-risk procedure. Dr. Page takes patient safety very seriously and does everything she can to minimize the chances of complications, such as infections and dry socket.
Of course, you must also play your role. Following post-treatment instructions can do much to reduce the risk that something will go wrong after your procedure.
What Is the Difference Between Tooth Extractions and Wisdom Tooth Surgery?
Wisdom tooth surgery is a specific type of extraction procedure. It is exclusively for the third set of molars, which are located at the very back of the mouth. Wisdom tooth removal can be more complex than basic extractions, especially if the teeth are stuck fully or partially beneath the gumline.
If you need to have your wisdom teeth removed, Dr. Page may refer you to a local specialist.