3 Things To Know About Tooth Extractions

Dentist Blog

There are a variety of reasons why you may need to have a tooth extracted. Dental decay that cannot be repaired, injury to the tooth, and other factors can lead to the need to have a tooth removed. In some cases, tooth removal is for cosmetic reasons or to make room for other teeth in the case of overcrowding. Dental extractions are common, and many people have teeth removed at some point. If you are about to have a tooth extracted, here are three things that you should be aware of.

Types of Extractions

When it comes to dental extractions, it's not always as simple as pulling out a tooth. In fact, there are two types of tooth extractions, and which one you need will depend on your situation. Simple extractions are exactly like they sound: teeth that are visible are removed using specialized tools with a local anesthetic used to numb the mouth. For teeth that are not easily accessible or that are under the gumline, surgical extraction is needed. With surgical extractions, an incision is needed to remove the tooth. Patients are typically put under general anesthetic during this type of extraction.

Healing Time

Another thing to consider when it comes to extractions is the amount of downtime that will be needed. How long it takes to heal will depend on the type of extraction as well as your age, overall health, and how well you follow aftercare instructions. The initial healing time for a tooth extraction is typically one to two weeks. In order to heal quickly, it's important to follow your dentist's aftercare instructions carefully. Soft foods are a must, and it's also important to keep the site of the tooth extraction as clean as possible in order to prevent infection.

The Cost

If you require a tooth extraction, it's also important to look into the cost of this procedure. Costs can vary depending on the type of extraction your require. Simple extractions cost on average between $75 and $300. Surgical extractions tend to be pricier. The average for a surgical extraction is between $150 and $650. The good news is that if you have dental insurance, between 70 and 80 percent of the costs will likely be covered as long as the extraction is for medical reasons.

If you are getting a tooth extracted, there are a few things that you should know. First, there are two different types of tooth extraction. You may need either a simple extraction or a surgical extraction. Healing time can vary, but most heal within one to two weeks. Costs can also vary, but surgical extractions tend to be the most expensive. 

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9 May 2019

Mouth Rinses Are Not Just for Bad Breath

I have always brushed and flossed my teeth daily, but I still had the occasional cavity when I visited the dentist for a check-up. He told me it was normal to have a cavity on occasion and that I shouldn't let it stress me out too much. Well, I am not one to just accept any problem I am having, so I started looking into how to improve my oral hygiene even more. I had always thought mouthwash was just to improve your breath, but I found some that said they helped keep cavities away. I started using one every day before bed. I haven't had a cavity in two years now, and I think the mouth rinse is the reason! I created this blog to remind other people that even if they brush and floss regularly, they can always find ways to take even better care of their teeth.