Tooth Extractions – Garland, TX
When a Problem Tooth
Has to Go
We do everything in our power here at The Dental Specialists to help our little patients preserve all of their natural teeth for as long as possible, but sometimes, a tooth may simply be beyond repair. When this is the case, an extraction is usually the best option, and we go above and beyond to make the process comfortable and stress-free for both children and parents. If you believe your child might need an extraction, we’ll make it as easy as possible, so contact us today to schedule an appointment to learn more about tooth extractions in Garland, TX.
Why Choose The Dental Specialists Pediatric Dentistry
for Tooth Extractions?
- Same-Day Emergency Appointments Available
- Friendly Team Led by 2 Board-Certified Pediatric Dentists
Reasons for Kids’ Tooth Extractions
- Decay: If a cavity has already damaged most of a tooth, and the infection is about to spread to the surrounding teeth, we will remove the tooth.
- Trauma: Teeth can be broken to the point that the remaining enamel can’t be trusted to support a filling or crown.
- Orthodontics: Extremely crowded teeth need room to move in response to orthodontics, and an extraction can sometimes be necessary to create enough space.
The Tooth Extraction Process
We’ll give your child a thorough examination and consider all other restorative options before we recommend a tooth extraction. For the procedure itself, we’ll numb your child’s mouth, gently wiggle the tooth back and forth, and it will painlessly slide out on its own. For teeth that are still trapped below the gum line, we may need to perform a surgical extraction, which involves making a small incision in the gums and bone so we can safely access the tooth.
Aftercare for Your Child’s Tooth Extraction
While your child likely won’t feel anything during their extraction, a little swelling, tenderness, and bleeding can be expected afterward. Make sure your child takes the rest of the day off to relax, as this will allow a blood clot to form over the treatment area, which is essential for healing. Don’t let them spit, drink with a straw, or eat anything that requires a lot of chewing for the first 24 to 48 hours.
Understanding the Cost of Tooth Extractions
If your child needs a tooth extracted, it’s normal to wonder ‘how much does it cost to pull a tooth?’. However, because there are many important factors that can affect the price, it is impossible to give an accurate quote without examining the tooth or teeth in person. To that end, please schedule an appointment with us at your earliest convenience. Your child’s dentist can take a closer look at their smile and customize a treatment plan that includes the exact price of the extraction. In the meantime, please feel free to take a closer look at how we determine the cost of tooth extractions at The Dental Specialists Pediatric Dentistry.
Factors That Can Affect Tooth Extraction Cost
It is difficult to determine the exact cost of a tooth extraction until your child’s dentist has had the opportunity to assess the tooth or teeth in question. That’s because there are several important factors that can influence the total amount, including:
- The type and location of the tooth, and how many teeth need to be extracted.
- The overall difficulty of the extraction itself, and whether we’ll need to bring in a specialist to assist with the procedure.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Tooth Extractions?
In most cases, dental insurance will cover tooth extractions at around 50% of the total cost after your deductible has been met. However, there may be limits in place that cover only a certain number of teeth, or a waiting period before your coverage takes full effect. Because every plan is different, it is extremely important to confirm your coverage with your insurance company first. Our friendly insurance team is also happy to assist you with this process if you’d like us to!
Other Options for Making Tooth Extractions Affordable
In addition to being an in-network provider for a variety of popular dental insurance plans, we also welcome Medicaid plans from MCNA and Dentaquest, as well as flexible financing from CareCredit. These plans are an excellent way to break up the cost of your child’s dental treatment into multiple, low-to-no-interest monthly payments that may be better suited to your budget.
At The Dental Specialists Pediatric Dentistry, our team is ready to assist your child with their tooth extraction. We’re here to help you and your family navigate the cost of this treatment, so please feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns. We can’t wait to see your child smile!
Tooth Extractions FAQs
Is There an Alternative to Tooth Extraction?
While the preservation of the patient’s natural teeth is one of the primary goals of pediatric dentistry, there are cases where it is necessary to remove one tooth to protect the health of the rest of the mouth. We offer several ways to address dental damage and infection and prevent tooth loss, including:
- Pulp therapy: These treatments can treat the soft tissue inside a tooth if it is damaged.
- Tooth-colored fillings: These can eliminate infected material and restore the structure and strength of a decayed tooth.
- Metal-free crowns: These devices can rebuild teeth damaged by injury or decay.
That being said, if one of the dentists at The Dental Specialists Pediatric Dentistry recommends tooth extraction for your child, you can rest assured that all alternative treatments have been eliminated and tooth removal is the best course for your child’s oral health.
What Is Recovering After Tooth Extraction Like?
The team at The Dental Specialists Pediatric Dentistry will be happy to provide you with a detailed list of aftercare instructions that will help your child stay comfortable while healing after tooth extraction. These will probably include:
- Getting plenty of rest
- Not poking at or otherwise disturbing the blood clot forming over the surgical wound
- Refraining from spitting or drinking through straws, as these actions can break the clot protecting the surgical wound and lead to a painful condition called dry socket.
- Practicing excellent oral hygiene after receiving approval to brush and floss.
- Rinsing with a solution of salt and water to reduce irritation and inflammation.
- Changing gauze as necessary
- Addressing discomfort with over-the-counter pain medication and cold compresses.
- Sticking to a soft diet.
Your child should start feeling better after about three days, but contact our office if their pain seems to be getting worse or if you notice signs of infection like fever, fatigue, or chills.
What Risks Are Involved with Tooth Extractions?
Tooth extractions are considered extremely safe, but there are a few risks to keep in mind. If the surgical wound isn’t properly cared for, it can become infected, which may lead to dangerous secondary infections if the issue is not addressed in time. Dry socket is a severely painful condition that can happen if the blood clot forming over the surgical wound is broken or disturbed, and it can leave the patient more susceptible to infection. To prevent these issues, make sure your child adheres to the detailed set of aftercare instructions we will be sure to provide.