Tooth Extractions – Belmont, MA

Factors That Can Affect Tooth Extraction Cost  

The tooth extraction process can look very different for every patient. As such, the final cost can vary significantly and is very difficult to determine without a thorough examination of your mouth in its current state. Some of the most important factors we’ll need to take into account before we give you an estimate of how much tooth extraction will cost include:

• What kind of tooth needs to be removed. Some teeth are more difficult to extract than others.
• Whether a simple or surgical extraction is required. Simple extractions are performed on fully erupted tooth; surgical extractions are needed for teeth that are trapped beneath the gums or have broken off below the gum line. If a surgical extraction is needed, we might need to refer you to a specialist.
• How many teeth need to be extracted. Obviously, getting one tooth extracted is less costly than having multiple teeth removed.
• What the next steps are. If you choose to replace the tooth with a dental implant, a bridge, or a partial denture, the cost will vary depending on which option you choose.

Does Dental Insurance Cover Tooth Extractions?

More often than not, the answer is yes, dental insurance does indeed partially cover the cost of tooth extractions assuming that you’ve already met your deductible for the year. Most of the time, you can expect the coverage to be around 50%, as tooth extraction is typically considered a “major” dental procedure. Note that some insurance policies may have restrictions on their coverage for tooth extractions. They might only help pay for the removal of a certain number of teeth, or there might be a waiting period before your coverage actually takes effect.

How to Make Tooth Extractions Affordable

We accept several different insurance plans, but many of our patients don’t have coverage. That’s why we also offer our Wellness Dental Access Plan. You can pay annually or monthly in exchange for steep discounts on many of our procedures. This lets you avoid many of the headaches that can come with insurance, such as deductibles. Also, we offer easy payment plans through CareCredit, a third-party financing company that lets you pay in monthly installments according to your budget. Get in touch with us to learn more about the financial options available to you when you choose our office for tooth extractions.

Does Getting a Tooth Extracted Hurt?

Our Belmont dentist is proud to offer pain-free tooth extractions. Whether you are getting one tooth extracted or several, we will always start the procedure the same way: numbing your mouth and making sure you feel comfortable. Once you’re ready to get started, you may feel some slight pressure from our team working. If you’d feel more comfortable being sedated, we can make those accommodations as well.

In the hours and days following your appointment, you may feel some discomfort and soreness. Luckily, this isn’t anything that can’t be remedied with a cold compress or some OTC pain reliever. Just make sure to follow all of your post-op instructions to a tee. This will help ensure you have the smooth recovery experience you deserve.

Is There an Alternative to a Tooth Extraction?

The answer to this question will depend on each patient’s dental needs. For example, if a tooth has sustained extensive decay, then priority number one will be to preserve your natural tooth with a filling, dental crown, or root canal therapy. If the tooth in question has been compromised to the point where that is no longer feasible, then a tooth extraction is the only option. Of course, if you have any questions or concerns or simply want to review all of your available options, don’t hesitate to ask your dentist during your appointment! Remember, they are there to help you make an informed decision on what is best for your oral health.

What’s the Recovery for Tooth Extractions Like?

Once the procedure is complete, you’ll be given a list of aftercare instructions. These are designed to help you prevent infection and heal comfortably. Some of the most important best practices are getting plenty of rest, keeping your mouth clean, sticking to soft foods, not spitting, and refraining from tobacco use. To keep discomfort at bay, you can place a cold compress against the outside of your cheek for 10 minutes at a time and take OTC pain relievers as instructed. Around the 3-day mark, you should begin to feel better.

What Are My Options for Replacing a Missing Tooth?

Filling the gap in your smile following a tooth extraction is essential for both the look and function of your smile. For this reason, we will recommend a dental bridge, dentures, or dental implants. While dental bridges can replace between one and 4 teeth, they need to be in a single row for this tooth-replacement solution. Partial and full dentures are a tried-and-true solution that can address moderate or severe tooth loss, but unfortunately cannot stimulate your jawbone to prevent bone loss. Fortunately, dental implants can effectively replace one, a few, or an entire arch of teeth. Since the implant posts are inserted directly into the jawbone, they are incredibly lifelike, extremely stable, and able to last for 20+ years with proper care.