Tooth Extractions – Hayward, CA
Ensuring the Future of Your Smile by Removing Unhealthy Teeth
As your dentist, Dr. Diep will use every resource to save your existing teeth. However, if no other option proves successful, removing them will be necessary to avoid further harm to your smile. If you are interested in learning more about tooth extractions, including why they are sometimes necessary, give us a call to schedule an appointment or read on!
Why Choose SoHay Dental for Tooth Extractions?
- Sedation Dentistry Options Available
- Your Dental Insurance Benefits Will Be Maximized
- Modern, State-of-the-Art Facility
Reasons Why Tooth Extractions Are Necessary
Not all decayed or damaged teeth need to be extracted. In fact, many can be treated using other solutions such as dental crowns or even root canal therapy, which we can provide a referral for if necessary. However, Dr. Diep will recommend tooth removal if you are faced with one or more of these issues:
- Extreme facial trauma.
- An infection that has spread and is posing a risk to your oral and overall health.
- You need orthodontics, but need one or more teeth removed due to severe overcrowding.
- You’re dealing with advanced gum disease that is causing your teeth to loosen.
In short, when teeth begin to put your oral health at risk because of infection or damage, a tooth extraction becomes the preferred method of treatment.
The Process of Removing a Tooth
Whether we’re removing a tooth prior to orthodontic treatment or during an emergency visit because there is a severe crack in your enamel, the first step is always the same: to numb your mouth thoroughly. Once that has set in and you’re ready to begin, Dr. Diep will get to work removing the tooth. If it is trapped underneath the gumline, then an incision will need to be made before we can carefully remove it section by section. If that’s not the case, then we can grip the tooth and rock it loose before tending to the extraction site.
Tooth Extraction Aftercare
To help you heal comfortably at home, we will provide you with detailed aftercare instructions. A few general ones include:
- Changing the gauze pads as needed
- Taking prescribed or OTC pain medication as directed
- Using a cold compress for 10 minutes at a time
- Eating only extremely soft foods, like plain yogurt
- Brushing and flossing carefully around the extraction site
- Keeping your head elevated, even while you sleep
Understanding the Cost of Tooth Extractions
Many people feel nervous when they learn they need a tooth extraction, and it’s not always because they’re concerned the procedure might hurt. Many patients also have questions about how much they might pay out of pocket for this service.
Our team is happy to provide a detailed estimate after your initial consultation with Dr. Diep. Continue reading to learn more about how the price of your procedure is determined and how our team helps make dental care more affordable!
Factors That Can Affect Tooth Extraction Cost
You might not pay the same rate as someone else to have your problematic tooth removed because the amount due can vary significantly based on factors unique to your circumstances. Potential considerations include:
- Where it’s located. Molars in the back of your mouth are harder to access and contain more roots, requiring additional steps and time to extract, which can increase the price.
- The severity of your condition. If a specialist is required to assist with your procedure, you will be responsible for covering the cost of their services, too.
- Type of replacement tooth. The different types of restorations, such as dental bridges or implants, have their own pricing structures.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Tooth Extractions?
Dental insurance can often be a simple and effective way to reduce your out-of-pocket expenses for everything from routine visits to more complex treatments. Most of these plans are designed to promote proper prevention and cover up to 100% of the cost of routine checkups, and often also include 50% of major procedures, including extractions.
However, every policy is different, and there are no guarantees that your treatment will be included, so it’s worth verifying your benefits before proceeding. If you’re unsure what’s a part of your plan or would like help with claims or paperwork, please let us know. Our friendly staff are familiar with different providers and are happy to help you maximize your available benefits.
How to Make Tooth Extractions Affordable
Removing a problematic tooth can sometimes be the only option to prevent additional harm to your dental health, and our team doesn’t want your current financial situation to prevent you from undergoing a potentially smile-saving procedure.
If you’re worried about affording this treatment, you can apply for a flexible payment plan through CareCredit or Cherry. Once your application is approved, you can divide the total cost of your procedure into more manageable installments that are paid over a designated period.