The Castleberry Center Family & Cosmetic Dentistry
Tooth Extractions – Louetta, TX
Safe and Comfortable Tooth Removal
While Dr. Castleberry and his team work hard to help patients avoid the need for extracting teeth, sometimes the treatment is necessary to protect the overall health of your smile. Tooth extractions in Louetta are never our first choice, so if we do recommend one, it’s because all other options have been considered. Those who are unfamiliar with the tooth extraction process are encouraged to call and schedule an appointment with our office today. We’ll examine your mouth and create a personalized treatment plan that meets your needs to the fullest!
Reasons Why Tooth Extractions Are Necessary
While there are many reasons for tooth removal in Harris County, the most common cause is usually severe decay that no restorations or amount of root canal therapy can resolve. However, other common causes we may remove teeth include:
- To make room for orthodontic treatment and ensure results remain
- To ensure the successful placement and longevity of a full or partial denture
- A child’s primary (baby) tooth is not falling out on its own
- A tooth has become impacted (or trapped underneath a tooth or existing gum tissue), which can trigger dental infections
Tooth removal is never taken lightly, which is why when it’s recommended, it’s because your mouth is at much greater risk if you don’t have your tooth removed.
The Process of Removing a Tooth
To remove a tooth, Dr. Castleberry uses a pair of dental forceps as well as a dental elevator. The elevator is designed to remove the tooth from the periodontal ligament, a group of specialized connective tissue fibers that keep the tooth in place. Once he elevates the tooth out of its socket, he’ll gently rock it back and forth until it has fully released from the jaw. From there, he’ll grab the tooth with a pair of dental forceps and carefully take it out. Dr. Castleberry holds the expertise necessary to replace teeth with dental implants. He’ll make sure to discuss this option ahead of your tooth extraction near Vintage Park, as it’s crucial to your long-term oral health to replace teeth after they have been removed.
Tooth Extraction Aftercare
It is very important that you keep the extraction site clean during your recovery period. Not only will this speed up the healing process, but it will prevent complications from developing (such as infections). Make sure to take all prescribed medications from our office and rinse your mouth out with salt water about 24 hours after your procedure. This mixture is made up of about 8 ounces of warm water and a half teaspoon of salt and effectively cleans the treatment site. Additionally, patients should remember to:
- Avoid smoking
- Avoid drinking liquids with a straw
- Keep the head propped up while sleeping
- Get plenty of rest and avoid strenuous activity
Once you’ve healed, you can start thinking about your tooth replacement treatment. Replacing teeth not only makes your smile complete, but ensures you can eat the foods you enjoy, keep your jawbone tissue intact, and prevent dental drift or changes in your bite.
Understanding the Cost of Tooth Extractions
Does dental insurance cover tooth extractions? Are there other ways you can make treatment more affordable if you don’t have dental insurance? What sort of factors can influence your total expenses? If you’re asking yourself questions like these, you’re in the right place. Below, we’ve included information that will help you understand the cost of tooth extractions in Houston. Scroll through it to see how we could help you save money and get the dental care you need!
Factors That Can Affect Tooth Extraction Cost
A tooth extraction might seem like a fairly straightforward procedure, and perhaps it would be if each patient had the exact same mouth and dental line-up. However, there are several factors that could affect the total cost of your treatment. For example:
- Depending on the number of teeth you need removed, you can expect to pay more or less money.
- The type and location of the tooth that needs to be treated can also make a difference. Molars that are far back in your mouth, for example, tend to cost more than front-facing teeth.
- There are two different types of extraction. Simple extractions don’t usually require surgery, so they’re less expensive than surgical extractions.
- You should also be mindful of the tooth replacement you choose after your procedure. Some restorations are more costly than others and will affect the overall impact on your wallet.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Tooth Extractions?
Fortunately, tooth extractions are considered to be major procedures by most dental insurance companies. Many plans cover 50% or more of the treatment costs, and also apply benefits to tooth replacement.
Still, like smiles, every dental insurance policy is unique. Our office accepts PPO plans, military plans, and Medicaid and Chip, so we’re very familiar with the sometimes confusing details of dental insurance benefits. Let us know if you need help navigating your plan, and we’ll gladly make sure you’re getting the most out of your policy!
Other Options for Making Tooth Extractions Affordable
Even if you don’t have dental insurance, we may be able to help you manage your tooth extraction costs. Instead of paying the entire amount at once, you can apply for a CareCredit, Lending Club, or United Medical Credit financing plan. Since we’re partnered with these trusted organizations, you can break your tooth extraction bill down into smaller, bite-sized pieces. You’ll simply make payments on a monthly basis, allowing you to spread the costs out across your paychecks.
If you need help applying for one of these plans, get in touch with our team so we can walk you through the process!