Tooth Extractions – Burlington, MA
Comfortable Removal
When Needed
Our number one goal is to keep your teeth healthy and your smile complete whenever possible. But sometimes, a crown must be removed to protect your oral and overall health. If patients have severely infected or damaged teeth, we may recommend tooth extractions in our Burlington, MA dental office. There’s no reason to worry, though -- this is a routine procedure that is performed under local anesthesia for your total comfort. Keep reading to learn more about tooth extraction in Burlington from your trusted restorative dentist, Dr. James P. Kostas.
Why Choose Complete Dental Care for Tooth Extractions?
- Fellowship with the Academy of General Dentistry
- In-House Dental Implant Placement Available
- Caring, Compassionate, Qualified Dentist and Team
When Is Tooth Extraction Necessary?
There are several cases in which your dentist may recommend the removal of a tooth. Some of the most common include:
- Wisdom teeth: These are third molars that may come through in late adolescence until the early 30s. Wisdom teeth often do not have enough space to erupt smoothly, which can cause them to become trapped beneath the gums and cause an infection.
- Severe tooth decay: Tooth decay occurs gradually, and if it is not treated early, it will progress to the interior of the tooth. Once the interior pulp has been affected, a root canal can help rescue the tooth -- but if this is not possible, extraction will be recommended to protect your oral and overall health.
- Extra teeth: If you have too many teeth that are crowded into the gum line, we may recommend extraction before orthodontic treatment or to improve the alignment of the bite.
- Broken tooth: If a tooth is severely broken and cannot be restored with a dental crown, extraction may be required.
What to Expect from Tooth Extraction
Tooth extraction is performed under local anesthesia, which numbs the treatment site to ensure you do not feel anything throughout the procedure. Sedation dentistry can help to provide additional relaxation for patients who are nervous or anxious about the extraction. We will only begin once you are completely comfortable!
If the tooth is erupted through the gums and can be removed in a single piece, your dentist will extract it using a tool similar to forceps. For a broken or impacted tooth, your dentist will open the gums and remove them in several pieces. Dissolvable stitches may be used to close the extraction site.
Recovery
If you have a surgical procedure to remove the tooth, your dentist will advise you to eat a soft foods diet and rest and relax to speed recovery. Rest with your head elevated and use an ice pack in 10- to 15-minute intervals to reduce swelling and inflammation. When everything goes as it should, you should be feeling back to normal after a day or two. If, however, you experience bleeding, swelling, or pain for a week or more, or if your symptoms get worse instead of better, get in touch with our dental office right away.
Don’t Fear Tooth Extraction
For a severely damaged, decayed, or painful tooth, extraction may be the only answer. Don’t hesitate to get the treatment you need! Dr. Kostas performs comfortable, efficient extractions with an immediate plan for replacement, if necessary. Go ahead and request an appointment with your dentist in Burlington today.
Understanding the Cost of Tooth Extractions
Even if you’ve been recommended to get tooth extractions, you’ll want to know as much as you can about the overall price. After all, the last thing you’d want is a surprise when it comes time to pay the bill. While you can’t expect a flat fee for the procedure, as every patient is different, our team can provide a more specific estimate of how much you’ll pay after you’ve undergone an initial consultation. During your appointment, we’ll assess your situation and walk you through the factors that can influence the price of your treatment. Until then, here’s what you should know about the cost of tooth extractions in Burlington.
Factors That Can Affect Tooth Extraction Cost
Every treatment plan is completely personalized to address each patient’s specific dental needs. This typically means the overall price of the procedure will vary. Here are several factors to consider that can impact the cost:
- The location of the tooth – The cost of your tooth extraction can differ based on where the tooth is, as molars are further in the back and consist of more roots than your front teeth.
- The number of teeth – The more teeth you need extracted, the higher the cost.
- The kind of extraction – A simple extraction usually involves pulling a tooth that’s already erupted and angled in a way that makes the process easier. If the tooth is impacted or not fully erupted, then you might undergo minor oral surgery, which will cost more.
- The tooth-replacement option – After extracting your tooth, you’ll likely need to replace it with a restorative treatment like a dental bridge or dental implant, which will increase the overall price.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Tooth Extractions?
While the answer can vary based on your specific dental insurance plan, it’s fairly common for most providers to cover around 50% of the cost of tooth extractions. That said, there may be some limitations you’ll have to keep in mind, such as your annual deductible and if there’s any waiting period involved. For this reason, you’ll want to go over the specifics of your policy with your insurance provider before committing to any procedures. You can even consult our knowledgeable team so we can help you navigate your plan and maximize your benefits!
How to Make Tooth Extractions Affordable
Even if you don’t have insurance, you may be able to explore alternative financing options to help you afford your treatment. For instance, we offer an in-house savings plan that can give you a 15% discount on all dental services, including tooth extractions, with one low flat annual fee. You can also consider applying for alternative financing through CareCredit—a third-party financier that can help split up the cost of your procedure into monthly installments that come with little to no interest. This means you’ll be able to save more money while receiving the necessary treatment to preserve your smile.
