Tooth Extractions – North Naples, FL
Removing Teeth for Healthy Smiles
Dr. Makram and the rest of our dedicated dental team share a goal of providing each patient with a healthy, beautiful smile. While that usually involves maintaining and restoring natural teeth, there are some cases when an extraction is best. If that’s the case for you, you can have peace of mind knowing that we will attend to your needs throughout your visit for a positive, successful experience. If you are interested in learning more about this restorative dental treatment before your visit, you can read on, too!
Why Choose Mark M. Makram, DDS for Tooth Extractions?
- Several sedation techniques available for nervous patients
- Over 25 years of dentistry experience
- Compassionate team of dental professionals
Reasons Why Tooth Extractions Are Necessary
As we mentioned above, our goal is to save your natural teeth whenever possible. There are a few instances when that’s not the best choice for your oral and overall health, including if the tooth is irreparably damaged or we need to make room in your mouth prior to orthodontic treatment. Whatever the case may be, you can trust that Dr. Makram will perform the procedure with the utmost care and attention to detail.
The Process of Removing a Tooth
There are two ways we can remove a tooth: with a simple extraction or with a surgical extraction. A simple extraction is used when the tooth in question has broken through the gumline, allowing us to gently rock it loose until it’s ready to be removed. A surgical extraction, on the other hand, requires us to make an incision in the gums to access the tooth first. Then, we can remove it section by section. Since your mouth will be thoroughly numbed beforehand, you don’t have to worry – you won’t experience any pain or discomfort in the treatment chair.
Tooth Extraction Aftercare
When you come in for your extraction, we’ll provide you with more detailed instructions for taking care of the site for optimal healing. Here are some general tips to help you recover without complication or infection:
- Keep gauze on the site for several hours after the procedure, switching out for a clean dressing as needed.
- Use a cold compress in 10-minute increments to reduce swelling.
- Allow a blood clot to form on the site to protect the vulnerable nerves underneath.
- Eat softer foods for several days and then gradually build back up to your normal diet.
- Avoid using a straw because the sucking motion can dislodge the clot and cause an infection called dry socket.
If you think you would benefit from having a tooth extracted – whether it’s because there is a large crack in your enamel or you’re dealing with considerable pain – don’t hesitate to contact us to schedule an appointment. From there, we can complete a comprehensive oral exam, review our findings, and discuss your treatment options.
Understanding the Cost of Tooth Extractions
To determine the exact cost of your tooth extraction, it’s important to receive an in-person examination by Dr. Makram first. This will allow him to assess the condition of the tooth, as well as determine the type of extraction necessary to remove it. There are several factors that can affect the price of this treatment, and without being seen in person it is impossible to calculate an accurate total.
Factors That Can Affect Tooth Extraction Cost
It is very difficult to determine the exact cost of a tooth extraction until Dr. Makram and the team have had the opportunity to examine the tooth (or teeth) in question. There are several factors that could influence the final amount, including:
- The type and location of the tooth, and how many teeth need to be removed.
- The overall difficulty of the tooth extraction, and whether a specialist will need to come in to assist with the procedure. Simple extractions and impacted extractions are very different procedures.
- The next steps for replacing the tooth, if necessary, such as a dental implant, bridge, etc.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Tooth Extractions?
While it’s very common for dental insurance companies to cover around 50% of the cost of a tooth extraction (including wisdom teeth) after you’ve met your deductible, please be aware that there may be limits in place that only cover a certain amount of teeth, or a waiting period before your coverage kicks in. Because every plan is different, it is extremely important to confirm your coverage with your insurance company first. Our dental insurance team will be happy to assist you with this process if necessary.
Other Options for Making Tooth Extractions Affordable
In addition to welcoming dental insurance, Dr. Makram also proudly accepts flexible financing from our preferred third-party lenders, CareCredit and LendingClub. These programs can make your tooth extraction more affordable by breaking up the cost of your treatment into multiple, low-to-no-interest monthly payments that may be better suited to your budget.
Dr. Makram and the team are ready to assist you with your tooth extractions and are here to help you navigate the cost of this treatment. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact us at your earliest convenience and we’ll be glad to help!
Tooth Extraction FAQs
Does Getting a Tooth Extracted Hurt?
Many patients are hesitant to commit to cosmetic treatment because they are worried that their procedure will be painful. The good news is that we will always do everything we can to help you feel as comfortable as possible in the dental chair. Before your procedure begins, we will numb the area with a local anesthetic, so you shouldn’t feel a think. We also offer multiple sedation options for even more comfort if you are anxious or struggle to sit in the dental chair for that duration. Some soreness and discomfort are to be expected for a few days afterward, but this can be managed by closely following your aftercare instructions.
Can I Leave the Space Empty After a Tooth Extraction?
You may be wondering if it is worth replacing your tooth after having it extracted – especially if the tooth was in the back of your mouth. After all, no one can see it, so why replace it? Your teeth actually do so much more than just create a beautiful smile. They are essential to chewing properly and enunciating clearly. Even a single missing tooth can make it difficult to chew, leading to poor nutrition and indigestion. It can also cause you to develop a lisp. Ultimately, it is recommended that you schedule an appointment to discuss a tooth replacement option once the area has finished healing.
What Risks Are Involved with Tooth Extractions?
Tooth extractions are considered to be extremely safe. That being said, any dental procedure 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. This can be very painful and delay the recovery process significantly. To prevent that from happening, your dentist will you with an extensive list of aftercare instructions, as well as a few common symptoms of infection to keep an eye out for.
How Should I Prepare for My Tooth Extraction?
Preparing for your tooth extraction is just as important as following all of the aftercare instructions. Before your procedure, make sure to be open with your dentist about any questions that you have, like what to bring and what to eat the morning of. If your dentist has any specific instructions, like sticking to just water the morning of or picking up a prescription, do so beforehand. It is also a good idea to arrange for a trusted adult to drive you home.
