Sedation Clinics
Our goal with each and every patient is to help them keep and maintain their natural teeth for as long as possible. Of course, there are some situations in which the only option is to remove a problem tooth, and, when this is the case, we do everything we can to help our patients feel comfortable. Thanks to our team’s experience, gentle touch, and expertise in sedation dentistry, we’re able to perform pain-free extractions for patients of all ages. Want to learn more? Schedule a consultation with us or read on!
Tooth Extractions – Lexington, KY
The Team You Can Trust for Extractions
Why Choose Dental Wellness of Lexington for Tooth Extractions?
- Multiple types of sedation available for nervous patients
- State-of-the-art tooth replacements
- Experience team that makes patient comfort priority #1
Reasons Why Tooth Extractions Are Necessary
We will only recommend removing a tooth if:
- It has a cavity so large that it can’t be reliably repaired with a filling or crown.
- The enamel is so broken that it can’t be trusted to support a restoration.
- Advanced periodontal disease has weakened the supporting bone.
- A patient needs more room in their mouth to be fitted for a new denture.
- More room is needed in the mouth for an upcoming orthodontic treatment.
- A baby tooth is preventing an adult tooth from coming in correctly.
The Process of Removing a Tooth
There are two types of extractions: simple and surgical. Simple extractions are used when the tooth in question has broken through the gumline, allowing us to simply rock it loose until it’s ready to be removed. Surgical extractions, on the other hand, require an incision to be made so we can access the tooth before removing it section by section. The good news is that the first step is always numbing your mouth thoroughly to ensure you don’t feel any pain. Plus, we offer sedation dentistry for patients who need multiple extractions or struggle with dental-related anxiety.
Tooth Extraction Aftercare
Before you leave our office, your dentist will provide you with detailed aftercare instructions to help you heal comfortably at home:
- Don’t eat anything for the first few hours
- Change the gauze pads as needed
- Take OTC pain medication as directed
- Drink lots of water to stay hydrated (just don’t use a straw)
- Use a cold compress for 10 minutes at a time
- Keep your head elevated, even while you sleep
As always, if you have any questions for us – whether it’s leading up to your visit or during the recovery period – we’re just a phone call away.
Understanding the Cost of Tooth Extractions
Not all tooth extractions are the same, and because of this the cost of treatment can vary greatly from patient to patient. Factors like the location of the tooth, the type of tooth, and even whether it must be removed surgically or not can all affect the price. Here’s a closer look at how we determine the cost of your tooth extraction.
Factors That Can Affect Tooth Extraction Cost
It can be difficult to determine the exact cost of a tooth extraction until our dental team has had the opportunity to evaluate the tooth or teeth in question. That’s because there are a variety of factors that can influence the total price. These include:
- The type and location of the tooth, and how many teeth need to be extracted.
- The overall difficulty of the extraction itself, and whether a specialist will need to be brought in to assist. Simple extractions versus impacted extractions are very
- What are the next steps for replacing your teeth, if necessary.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Tooth Extractions?
While all plans vary, it is very common for dental insurance to cover around 50% of the cost of your tooth extraction, after your deductible has been met. However, there may be limits in place in your plan that cover only a certain number of teeth. There may also be a waiting period before your coverage kicks in. This is why it’s so important to confirm your coverage with your insurance company first. At Dental Wellness of Lexington, our team is happy to assist you with this process.
Other Options for Making Tooth Extractions Affordable
In addition to proudly being in-network with Delta Dental, we are happy to accept a variety of other dental insurance plans. Additionally, we accept flexible financing for dental care through third-party financier, Cherry. These plans can help break up the cost of your care into multiple, low-to-no interest payments that are easier on your budget.
At Dental Wellness of Lexington, we’re ready to assist you with your tooth extraction and navigate any out-of-pocket costs. If you have any questions or concerns about your treatment, payment, or dental insurance coverage, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our team for help!
Tooth Extractions FAQs
Is There An Alternative Treatment to a Tooth Extraction?
Many patients wonder whether it’s truly necessary to remove their troublesome tooth and whether other procedures might be able to fix it. In some cases, a root canal can alleviate symptoms caused by an infected tooth, like aches or inflammation. This is typically followed by placing a dental crown to restore the tooth’s appearance and functionality.
However, if our team in Lexington has recommended an extraction, there’s a good chance your tooth is likely already too far gone to be successfully repaired. In many instances, removal is the last available option when no other services can effectively repair your dental health.
Does Getting a Tooth Extracted Hurt?
It’s natural to worry that undergoing an invasive procedure, such as a tooth extraction, might hurt. Our providers understand that many patients experience anxiety, and our team will do everything we can to help you feel comfortable throughout your visit.
For instance, before beginning your procedure, we will apply a local anesthetic to prevent potential pain. We also offer medications to induce a deep sense of relaxation, including nitrous oxide (laughing gas) and IV sedation.
Can I Leave the Space Empty After My Tooth Extraction?
Some patients near Lexington wonder whether it’s safe to leave their socket empty after their tooth has been removed, especially if it’s located toward the back of the mouth, where it’s less noticeable.
Unfortunately, your remaining teeth are prone to shifting out of alignment to fill in the space left behind, which can wear down your enamel prematurely, increasing your vulnerability to cavities and injuries. It can also cause bite misalignments that contribute to additional TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorders and aches. As a result, our team recommends seeking an appropriate replacement as soon as possible.
What Are My Options for Replacing a Missing Tooth?
There are several potential ways to rebuild your smile’s appearance and functionality, and our team is happy to provide recommendations tailored to your unique situation. Depending on how many teeth you’ve had removed, we might suggest one of the following options:
- Whether you need a full or partial set, these restorations typically consist of an acrylic base containing the correct number of pontics (teeth) to fill the gaps in your grin and are often the most cost-effective choice.
- Dental bridges. These oral appliances can replace one or several consecutively missing teeth and have a dental crown on each side that are cemented over dental implants or healthy abutment teeth on either end of the space in your smile.
- Dental implants. This treatment involves surgically placing support rods into your jawbone to anchor your restoration more permanently. Although it may be more expensive upfront, it’s often more durable and lasts longer than the alternatives, which can save money over time.