Tooth Extractions – Edison, NJ
Safe & Comfortable Tooth Removal
Are tooth extractions painful?
Modern dentistry is never painful, even tooth extractions. The right dentist will always do everything they can to save your natural teeth. Occasionally, it may be better or necessary to remove one. With sedation dentistry options, local anesthesia, and a gentle hand, a tooth extraction can be a simple procedure that gets you back to exceptional oral health. Call One Dental New Jersey today to schedule an appointment for tooth extractions in Edison.
How It Works: The Tooth Extraction Process
Clean & Sanitize
To begin, your dentist will clean and disinfect the treatment site in preparation for the tooth extraction procedure.
Local Anesthesia
Your dentist will use local anesthesia to numb the extraction site and the nerves that surround it, ensuring that you feel no pain or discomfort during the procedure.
Sedation Dentistry Options
We may recommend, or you may request, sedation for your tooth extraction. Sedation dentistry is helpful for anxious patients and can make you more comfortable during longer tooth extraction procedures.
Loosening & Removing the Tooth
Your dentist in Edison will gently loosen the tooth in the socket using special dental tools. When the tooth has been loosened sufficiently, they will pull it out with a pair of dental forceps.
Cleaning & Necessary Sutures
When the tooth has been removed, your dentist will clean and disinfect the area again, and suture the extraction site to ensure it heals properly.
Healing & Aftercare
You’ll be sent home to heal and recover, and your dentist will provide you with a comprehensive set of instructions that will ensure your mouth heals as quickly as possible.
Types of Tooth Extractions
Basic Tooth Extractions
Basic extractions are typically used for teeth that have been damaged by oral injuries, gum disease, or tooth decay. We will always try to save your tooth first, but sometimes extraction may be necessary.
For example, if a tooth is severely infected, it may not be possible to save it with a root canal. Instead, your dentist in Edison may recommend a tooth extraction. Restorative dentistry treatment, like a dental implant, a dental bridge, or a partial denture, can be used to replace your missing tooth.
Wisdom Tooth Extractions
Wisdom teeth are the third set of molars and a natural part of our mouths. However, they grow in much later than the rest of our teeth, usually between the ages of 17-25. Because of this, many people do not have enough space in their mouths for wisdom teeth, particularly if they have had orthodontic work.
That means that the wisdom teeth can cause issues with your other teeth when they begin to erupt. They may cause your other teeth to shift and become misaligned, or they may become impacted and get infected. Wisdom teeth tend to cause discomfort, which is why most people choose to have them extracted when they begin to emerge.
Understanding the Cost of Tooth Extractions
While tooth extractions can be stressful for patients, the thing we find people worry most about is the cost of the procedure. In the interest of making your oral healthcare as easy as possible, we try and take the stress out of paying for your tooth’s removal.
Part of that is ensuring that you know as much as possible about the cost of treatment before we begin. We’ll give you a full estimate when we meet you in person, but until then, here’s what you should know.
Factors That Can Affect Tooth Extraction Cost
While it’d be easiest to just tell you here what your tooth extraction will cost, that unfortunately isn’t really possible. This is because the price of your treatment will vary depending on any of a few factors:
- How many teeth need to be removed.
- Where the teeth in the mouth are located.
- The condition of the teeth that need to be removed, e.g. whether or not they’re impacted.
- Whether a specialist needs to be brought in for the procedure.
- How you’re going to replace the tooth that you’ve lost.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Tooth Extractions?
While every person’s plan is different, it’s common for an insurance plan to cover around 50% of the cost of a tooth extraction. This is provided that the treatment is determined to be medically necessary, that you’ve met your deductible, that you’ve yet to exceed your yearly maximum, and other factors. We’ll coordinate with your dental plan in order to help you get the coverage you need, so if you’re wondering about the finances surrounding your tooth extraction, give us a call today!
Tooth Extractions FAQs
When is a tooth extraction necessary?
The most common reason for tooth extractions is the improper growth of wisdom teeth. If your wisdom teeth are impacted or are otherwise not coming in properly, they may need to be removed to ensure that your other teeth remain healthy. However, not everyone needs their wisdom teeth to be removed, so it’s best to consult with your dentist in Edison to find out if your wisdom teeth are or will be a problem.
Tooth extractions may also be necessary if you have an extremely severe cavity, severe damage from oral trauma, or an infected tooth that cannot be saved with root canal therapy. In most cases, it is possible to save your tooth with a crown or root canal therapy, but sometimes extraction may be your only option.
Some patients with severe gum disease may require tooth extractions. In its most severe stages, periodontal disease causes teeth to become loose and eventually fall out. Your doctor may want to extract these teeth to prepare you for a strong and long-lasting tooth replacement option. Extractions are required to prepare patients for these treatments, including the placement of dental implants or dentures.
Will I be in pain after my tooth extraction and how long does it take to heal?
You shouldn’t feel any pain or discomfort during or immediately after your extraction due to the numbing and sedation used during the procedure. However, you will start to experience symptoms including pain, discomfort, swelling, bruising, and bleeding within a few hours following your extraction. These symptoms usually peak within the first 2-3 days, and then start to fade as you heal. You will typically need to eat a diet of mostly soft foods for about 5-7 days after your treatment, so plan accordingly.
Overall, it will take about 1-2 weeks for your extraction site to heal completely. Following the recovery instructions provided to you by your dentist will enhance your healing progress. If you are still feeling a lot of pain and discomfort 1-2 weeks after your extraction, this is not normal. Contact your dentist for a follow-up appointment.
Are tooth extractions covered by dental insurance?
Usually. Tooth extractions that are required to remove impacted wisdom teeth, or damaged or decayed teeth, are typically covered by dental insurance. However, we recommend that you contact your insurance provider and work with them to fully understand your coverage and benefits.
Is There an Alternative to a Tooth Extraction?
Yes, depending on the underlying issue. If your extraction is due to extensive decay, root canal treatment may be an option to consider. For cases related to gum disease, scaling and root planing could help restore oral health. However, these alternatives may not be ideal in all situations.
While tooth-replacement options like dental implants are realistic and durable, we’ll always prioritize saving natural teeth whenever possible. If an extraction is necessary to restore your smile, we’ll proceed with it to ensure a strong, healthy, and pain-free outcome. Ultimately, your treatment depends on the specific oral health condition, and Dr. Shefat Rabbi will recommend the most effective solution for your oral health.
Can I Leave the Space Empty After a Tooth Extraction?
While it may be tempting to leave an empty space after extracting a tooth, it's not recommended. Your teeth play a crucial role beyond aesthetics, contributing to proper chewing, clear enunciation, and overall oral function. Even a single missing back tooth can negatively affect chewing, potentially leading to poor nutrition and indigestion.
Additionally, missing a front tooth can affect speech, causing a lisp due to altered tongue movements. To maintain optimal oral health and function, you should schedule an appointment with Dr. Shefat Rabbi following the healing process and explore tooth replacement options. This ensures that your smile remains functional, preserving your ability to chew properly and articulate words clearly.
Can I Smoke After Getting a Tooth Extracted?
Absolutely not! Tobacco products, including cigars, cigarettes, and e-cigarettes, can significantly impede the healing process. It’s strongly recommended to refrain from smoking for at least five days following the extraction. For best results, it's advised to avoid smoking for two weeks if possible.
If you've faced challenges quitting smoking in the past, be sure to communicate that with Dr. Shefat Rabbi. He’s there to support you and help you abstain from smoking to ensure proper healing after the tooth extraction.
How Should I Prepare for My Tooth Extraction?
Preparing for your tooth extraction involves a few key steps to ensure a smooth experience. Open communication with your dentist is incredibly important! Ask about any pre-procedure guidelines, such as what to bring and what to eat on the morning of the extraction. If your dentist provides specific instructions, like drinking only water before the procedure or getting prescribed medication, be sure to follow them in advance.
Since anesthesia is commonly used during extractions, you must arrange for a trusted adult to drive you home after the procedure. This precaution is necessary as the effects of local or general anesthesia can temporarily impair your ability to drive safely. By addressing these aspects beforehand, you contribute to a well-prepared and comfortable tooth extraction process.