Tooth Extraction Dentist in Toledo Ohio

A tooth extraction is a common procedure involving tooth extraction from its socket in the jawbone, usually performed under local, sedation or general anesthesia to reduce discomfort.

There are several reasons why our patients may require a tooth extraction. Severe tooth decay that has progressed to the point where the tooth cannot be repaired is often a common cause. Other reasons may include impacted teeth, usually seen with wisdom teeth lacking sufficient space to emerge or develop properly.

While tooth extractions are generally safe, they can occasionally lead to potential issues like infection, dry socket, nerve damage, or other complications, or damage to adjacent teeth. Therefore, our team at Great Smiles Family Dentistry is always available to provide follow-up care and respond to any concerns you may have after a tooth extraction. We are dedicated to safeguarding your dental health and comfort throughout any procedure.

A frequent reason for tooth extraction at our practice is severe decay. When a tooth has deteriorated to the extent that it cannot be restored, extraction may be the best option to halt the spread of infection and relieve discomfort.

Our team also recommends extraction in cases of advanced periodontal disease, or gum disease. This condition can cause teeth to become loose by damaging the supporting bone and tissue. If the affected teeth cannot be saved through scaling and root planning, extraction may be required to avoid further complications.

Teeth that are impacted, meaning they have not successfully emerged, through the gums or have emerged only partially, are also a common reason for extraction. This condition is often seen with wisdom teeth and can lead to pain, infection, and harm to nearby teeth. Therefore, extraction is usually the recommended treatment.

Tooth extraction may also be necessary in cases of overcrowding. If a patient’s jaw is not large enough to fit all of their teeth, or if the teeth are too large for the mouth, extraction could be required. This is commonly the case when we are preparing patients for orthodontic treatment, like braces, to correctly align their teeth.

Severe tooth damage or injury is another reason why we may advise tooth extraction. If a tooth is cracked or shattered below the gum line, and cannot be restored or stabilized, extraction may be the most effective treatment.

Lastly, tooth extraction may be necessary for patients undergoing certain medical treatments, such as chemotherapy or organ transplantation, which weaken the immune system. Even a small amount of infection in the teeth can lead to severe complications during these treatments.

At Great Smiles Family Dentistry, we understand that tooth extraction may seem like an intimidating process. Rest assured, our experienced and caring team will support you at every step, making the process as seamless and stress-free as possible. Here’s how we approach it:

Consultation and Imaging:
When you schedule a consultation with our dentists, we’ll go over the procedure, any possible risks, and the instructions for post-operative care. We’ll also review any pre-existing medical conditions that could affect your healing process post-extraction. Our practice utilizes advanced imaging technology, including X-rays or CT scans, to fully understand the condition of your tooth and its surrounding structures.

Medications and Diet:
We’ll need to know about any medications you’re currently taking, including over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and supplements. This is important because certain medications can influence the anesthesia or lead to excessive bleeding. We also advise eating a healthy meal before the extraction, but if you’re under general anesthesia, we’ll provide specific fasting instructions.

Oral Hygiene:
We recommend brushing and flossing your teeth before the procedure to minimize bacteria in your mouth and decrease the risk of infection post-extraction. Using an antiseptic mouthwash can further clean your oral cavity.

Pain Management:
Our dentists might suggest over-the-counter pain relievers to manage discomfort. If necessary, we can prescribe stronger pain medication or antibiotics.

Clothing and Comfort:
On the day of your procedure, choose comfortable clothing. Our goal is for you to feel at ease in our clinic, and wearing loose, comfortable clothing can contribute to this.

Transportation:
The effects of the anesthesia might leave you feeling groggy or sedated, so it’s safer to organize for someone to take you to and from your appointment.

Post-operative Care:
You can expect some discomfort and swelling after the extraction. Our team will offer comprehensive guidance on wound care, including rinsing with salt water and limiting vigorous activity. Eating soft foods and applying cold compresses can help manage any discomfort.

Additional Tips:
Stay hydrated and avoid smoking for at least 24 hours afterward. Stock up on necessary supplies like pain relievers and gauze before the procedure.

At Great Smiles Family Dentistry, we’re here to ease your concerns and make your tooth extraction as comfortable as possible. By following these guidelines, you can contribute to a successful extraction and minimize any potential discomfort.

The initial healing phase typically lasts one to two weeks, during which you may notice some pain, swelling, and occasional bleeding. These symptoms are generally manageable with over-the-counter pain medication, cold compresses, and gauze pads.

Our dentists recommend avoiding hard, crunchy, or hot foods and beverages during the initial few days post-extraction to prevent irritation and disruption of the clot that forms in the extraction site. This clot is essential for effective healing. After the first week, you can return to your usual diet and oral hygiene routine, but it’s important to be gentle around the extraction site until it has completely healed.

We understand that each patient is unique. The type of extraction procedure, whether simple or surgical, can affect the healing process. Moreover, individual health, particularly the presence of underlying health conditions or a compromised immune system, can influence the recovery duration. Full healing can take several months, but any pain or discomfort should significantly reduce well before this point.

Here at our practice, we aim to provide quality dental care at affordable prices. As with any dental procedure, the cost of tooth extraction at Great Smiles Family Dentistry depends on several factors. These include the type of extraction, the location of the tooth, the complexity of the procedure, the kind of anesthesia administered and your dental insurance benefits.

Simple and Surgical Extractions:
Tooth extractions come in two forms: simple and surgical. Simple extractions, where the tooth is fully emerged and visible, generally cost less than surgical extractions, which are necessary when the tooth is impacted, broken, or deeply rooted.

Tooth Location:
The position of the tooth to be extracted can also affect the cost. Typically, extracting teeth in the back of the mouth, such as molars and wisdom teeth, costs more than extracting teeth in the front.

Procedure Complexity:
The complexity of the extraction may also influence the cost. If the tooth is in a difficult position, if there’s an infection present, or if bone grafting is required, these factors can increase the cost.

Anesthesia Options:
We offer both local and general anesthesia. The choice of anesthesia can affect the cost, with general anesthesia typically being more costly than local anesthesia.

Dental Insurance Coverage:
Your dental insurance coverage can significantly affect the overall cost of the procedure. Many dental insurance plans help cover the cost of tooth extractions, particularly when they are medically necessary. However, since coverage varies significantly, we advise you to check with your insurance provider to understand your coverage limits and any potential out-of-pocket costs.

Associated Costs:
The costs we’ve discussed typically do not include additional procedures that may be necessary in connection with the extraction, such as x-rays, sedation, consultation fees, and post-operative care like antibiotics or pain medication. These factors can contribute to a higher overall cost.

It’s important to discuss the cost of tooth extraction with our team at Great Smiles Family Dentistry before the procedure. We are committed to transparent pricing and will collaborate with you to understand your financial responsibilities and insurance coverage. Remember, the cost of extraction is only one factor to consider. The risks of not removing a problematic tooth could lead to more serious health problems, and ultimately more expensive treatments, down the line. Visit us to learn more. We are available 5 days a week from Monday to Friday. We serve patients from Toledo OH, Ottawa Hills OH, Oregon OH, Perrysburg OH, Woodhurst OH, Sylvania OH, Shoreland OH, and BEYOND!