Tooth Extractions – Jonesboro, AR
Safely Removing Hurting Teeth
Just about any dentist, including Dr. Shane Smith, will do everything they can to help you keep all of your natural pearly whites for life. In some situations, though, the healthiest thing to do for your smile is to remove a tooth. We generally only recommend tooth extractions in Jonesboro as a last resort, but rest assured that if you need one, we’ll ensure you feel safe and comfortable every step of the way. If you’ve been dealing with a hurting or broken tooth, contact us today to find out whether removing it would be the best way to get your smile back on track.
Why Choose Shane Smith DDS for Tooth Extractions?
- Dentist with Years of Oral Surgery Experience
- Same-Day Emergency Dental Appointments Available
- Locally Owned & Operated Dental Office
When Are Tooth Extractions Necessary?
Oftentimes, when a patient calls us with a painful dental emergency in Jonesboro, we can address the problem with a dental crown, root canal therapy, or some other treatment that doesn’t require removing the tooth. However, a tooth extraction may be the ideal solution in cases of:
- Extensive decay or damage that no other procedure can repair
- Serious infection in the tooth
- A baby tooth not falling out on its own
- Overcrowding of teeth that hinders orthodontic treatment
- Advanced gum disease that threatens the health of the remaining teeth and/or jawbone
- Wisdom teeth that have become impacted (stuck under the gums), leading to all sorts of oral health risks
The Process of Removing a Tooth
If the tooth in question has fully emerged from the gumline, then all we need to do is numb the area, grasp the tooth with a special pair of forceps, and gently rock it back and forth until it breaks free from the connective tissues. If the tooth has not fully erupted, as it often the case with wisdom teeth, then we’ll have to perform a surgical tooth extraction. This may involve making a small incision in the gums to access more of the tooth in order to remove it.
No matter which type of tooth extraction you need, know that your comfort is our top priority. We’ll help you feel at-ease throughout the entire process.
Tooth Extraction Aftercare
Once we’ve finished with your extraction but before you leave our office, we’ll provide you with a printed list of aftercare guidelines to make your recovery process faster and smoother. We may give more specific instructions depending on your unique case, but you can generally expect tips like:
- Take the pain medication that we’ve prescribed for you before the numbness from your procedure has fully worn off.
- Continue to take the medication as directed.
- Apply a cold compress or ice pack to the outside of your mouth for 10 minutes on, then 10 minutes off to reduce pain and swelling. Repeat these steps for up to an hour.
- Being careful when brushing and flossing near the extraction site.
- Avoid drinking through a straw, smoking, or spitting forcefully.
If it has been a few days and your discomfort hasn’t begun to subside, or if the extraction site is severely swollen and sensitive, please let us know right away. That way, your emergency dentist in Jonesboro can quickly give you the help you need!
Understanding the Cost of Tooth Extractions
Remember that tooth extractions are usually reserved as a last resort, as our team will want to help you preserve as many natural teeth as possible. However, if removing one or a few is the most viable option for keeping your smile safe, you’ll want to at least know about the price of the treatment before moving forward. You won’t be able to receive an accurate estimation of how much you’ll have to pay without first undergoing an initial consultation with us. In the meantime, here are several things to consider regarding the cost of tooth extractions.
Factors That Can Affect Tooth Extraction Cost
Whenever you first visit our office, Dr. Smith will thoroughly evaluate your oral health and your tooth/teeth that might require extraction, and provide you with a more precise cost estimate for the procedure. Some factors that can influence the price include:
- The complexity of the extraction: Some teeth might come out at different angles which can make it more difficult to remove them. The harder it is to extract them, or the longer it takes, the higher the cost of the treatment.
- The number of teeth: Requiring one tooth to be extracted will usually cost less than needing to remove several.
- The type of tooth replacement: Other than wisdom teeth, extracted pearly whites will need to be replaced with a prosthetic or other solution to maintain your smile and oral health. Our team will go over your viable options, which might involve a dental bridge, denture, or dental implant.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Tooth Extractions?
In most cases, dental insurance will likely help cover around half of the overall price of tooth extractions once you’ve met your deductible. That said, there might be some limitations in your policy to keep track of before your benefits can kick in, such as a waiting period or coverage for only a certain number of teeth. Since each plan is unique, it’s best to consult your provider to get familiar with the details. You can even speak with our knowledgeable team, as we’ll be happy to help you make the most of your plan to minimize your out-of-pocket expenses.
How to Make Tooth Extractions Affordable
Our team understands that not everyone is covered by dental insurance. Still, we want to ensure that patients can receive the care they need and deserve without having to worry about how to afford it. That’s why we’re proud to offer flexible financing through financiers like CareCredit, which allows you to make monthly payments like a credit card. The best part: these plans usually come with little to no interest!
Tooth Extractions FAQs
Have you been told that you’re in need of a tooth extraction? While this is a common procedure, you may still have some unanswered questions, so we’re here to help! Here are the answers to some of the most common questions we receive about tooth extractions in Jonesboro. If you don’t see the information that you’re looking for below, just give us a call. We are happy to talk to you more about the procedure so you can feel prepared.
Does Getting a Tooth Extracted Hurt?
Many patients are hesitant to commit to treatment because they’re fearful that the procedure will be painful. The good news is that our first step is always going to be numbing your mouth with a local anesthetic. You won’t feel any pain during the procedure, but you may experience some soreness afterwards. By following your aftercare instructions, you can prevent infection and promote healing. If your discomfort worsens or you start showing signs of infection, give us a call so we can help.
Can I Leave the Space Empty After a Tooth Extraction?
Many patients think that they don’t need to have a tooth replaced if it is being extracted from the back of the mouth. After all – no one can see it! The truth is that your teeth do so much more than just create a beautiful smile. They are essential to chewing properly and enunciating clearly. Even a single missing back tooth can make it difficult to chew, leading to poor nutrition and indigestion. Since your tongue makes a series of distinct movements against the back of your teeth to form words, a missing tooth toward the front of your mouth can cause a lisp. Ultimately, it is recommended that you schedule an appointment with Dr. Smith after your mouth heals to determine which tooth replacement option is right for you.
Can I Smoke After Getting a Tooth Extracted?
Tobacco products can delay healing, so you shouldn’t smoke immediately following your tooth extraction. It is recommended that you abstain from smoking for at least 5 days after the procedure. However, if possible, you should avoid smoking for at least two weeks. If you have had trouble quitting in the past, let us know. This way, we can help you prepare in advance.
How Long After a Tooth Extraction Can I Get Dentures?
Generally speaking, it takes around six to eight weeks to get your dentures. Once you’ve healed completely, your dentist will take impressions of your mouth, which will be used to craft your restoration. During this time, they will make note of the ideal size, shape, and shade of your replacement teeth, which the laboratory will use to create your dentures. Once they are ready, Dr. Smith will have you try them on, make any final adjustments, and show you how to care for them.