Dental Extraction in Auburn Hills, MI
Tooth Extraction Overview
At Pristine Dental Care, we’re committed to preserving your natural teeth, but sometimes, dental extractions are necessary, especially when leaving the tooth in question could pose an array of other—often much more serious—oral health concerns.
What is a Tooth Extraction?
Also known as pulling a tooth, tooth extraction is a dental procedure during which your tooth is completely removed from its socket. If your tooth has been badly damaged and restorative methods like fillings or crowns aren’t enough to save the tooth, then removal may be necessary.
Why Would You Need to Get a Tooth Pulled?
There are several reasons why you may need to have a tooth removed, including:
- Decay or Infection: When a tooth is decayed to the point that even a root canal cannot save the tooth, the only option is usually extraction. The same applies when gum disease (periodontal disease) goes untreated, the tissues surrounding the tooth deteriorate, and it may be necessary to remove the tooth to preserve the surrounding teeth.
- Trauma or Injury: Teeth are often some of the first casualties in an accident. In this case, tooth extraction is necessary for recovery; otherwise, a damaged tooth could become severely infected.
- Orthodontic Treatment: Sometimes, you may need a dental extraction before undergoing orthodontic treatment, especially if you have overcrowded teeth.
- Wisdom Teeth: Because they don’t have enough room in the mouth to grow upright, wisdom teeth are usually impacted, and it’s best to have them removed as soon as possible to prevent further damage to the other teeth.
Can You Leave a Dead Tooth in Your Mouth?
No, you shouldn’t leave a dead tooth in your mouth. That’s because, left untreated, the bacteria from the dead tooth can spread and lead to the loss of additional teeth. Once you have extracted your dead tooth, you can replace it with an implant or a bridge.
- Implants: This is a titanium screw that’s surgically inserted into your jawbone to replace your tooth root.
- Bridges: A dental bridge is used to fill the gap with one or more artificial (false) teeth.
Is Tooth Removal Painful?
Tooth extraction is usually performed under local, general, intravenous anesthesia, or a combination, so you won’t experience any pain during the procedure. However, you may experience some pain and discomfort after the procedure once the anesthesia wears off.
Dr. Joseph may recommend an over-the-counter pain killer or prescribe one for you. Placing an ice pack will reduce swelling in the area, so put it on the side of your face near the extraction site for an interval of 15 minutes for the next one to two hours after your appointment.
What are the Side Effects of a Dental Extraction?
Normal side effects following tooth extraction include bleeding, swelling, and discomfort. However, if you experience severe fever, chills, swelling, and redness, you may have an infection or bleeding that lasts longer than 12 hours, don’t hesitate to contact Dr. Joseph.
What is the Recovery Time After Tooth Extraction?
This depends on the complexity of your case, but most people can resume normal activities within 48 to 72 hours. Follow these aftercare instructions to ensure your recovery goes well:
- Keep the extraction site clean by rinsing the area with an antimicrobial mouthwash twice daily. While you can brush and floss your teeth, avoid brushing directly over the site.
- Eat soft foods such as smoothies, yogurt, and soup, and avoid hard or chewy foods.
- Don’t drink through a straw or smoke, as this causes suction that can disrupt the clot and cause the socket to dry.
- Avoid any strenuous exercise after your tooth extraction. Get ample rest and elevate your head to an upright position.
Tooth Removal Cost
The cost of tooth removal varies depending on several factors, such as the type of extraction needed. Generally, you can expect to pay between $75 and $200 per tooth for a simple extraction and $225 and $600 for an impacted tooth removal. In most cases, dental insurance covers the cost of dental extraction, so you may not have to pay out of pocket for the procedure.
Tooth Extraction Procedure in Auburn Hills, MI
A dental extraction may be your only option if your tooth has been severely damaged beyond restoration. At Pristine Dental Care, we’re committed to helping all our patients in the Auburn Hills, MI, area get the best oral care they deserve. Dr. Joseph will carefully examine you to determine if a dental extraction is warranted and develop a custom treatment plan for you. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!