Tooth Extractions – Alpharetta, GA
Open the Way for Improved Oral Health
The thought of having to remove a tooth can be scary, especially because everybody would like to maintain their natural smile for a lifetime. In cases where a tooth is damaged, infected, or decayed beyond repair, we may recommend tooth extraction to open the way for improved oral health. Not to worry, though — our team will work with you closely to restore your smile to be healthier and more functional by replacing your extracted tooth with a beautiful, customized restoration. Give us a call to find out how we can help you enjoy a healthier smile with tooth extractions in Alpharetta.
Why Choose Alpharetta Modern Dentistry for Tooth Extractions?
- Same-Day Emergency Dental Treatments
- Start-to-Finish Dental Implants
- Advanced Diagnostic Technology
Reasons Why Tooth Extractions Are Necessary
Our team will only recommend removing a tooth if we believe there’s no other option available. This is often in situations like the ones below:
- Gum disease has severely eroded the supportive structures of a tooth, causing discomfort and inevitable tooth loss.
- A tooth is so damaged that a filling or crown won’t be able to repair it.
- You experience pain in a tooth that has already been treated, like one that has received a root canal, and upon examination, it is infected again and beyond repair.
- Orthodontic treatment cannot achieve your ideal results unless a tooth is removed to create enough space in your mouth to prevent future crowding.
- Wisdom teeth are putting your oral health at risk.
The Process of Removing a Tooth
During simple extractions, we numb your mouth so you will be comfortable throughout the procedure. Then, we use an instrument called an elevator to lift the tooth out of its socket. Next, we grip the tooth with forceps and rock it back and forth to break the connective tissues holding it in place. Once it is out, we clean the socket.
Surgical extractions are more complicated and might require that a tooth be broken into pieces or that some incisions are made in the gum tissue. Surgical extractions are often necessary in cases where teeth are impacted (stuck beneath the gumline).
Tooth Extraction Aftercare
To facilitate an easy recovery, you should:
- Take any medications as recommended by our team.
- Regularly (and gently) rinse your mouth with warm salt water to calm inflammation and kill bacteria.
- Do not drink through a straw.
- Do not smoke or chew tobacco.
- Keep your head propped up on pillows while sleeping.
- Be very gentle around your extraction site when caring for your oral hygiene.
- Get enough rest.
It is also important that you attend any recommended follow-up appointments. Replacing your lost teeth in a timely manner can prevent future oral health complications, such as dental drift, bite problems, and additional tooth loss.
Understanding the Cost of Tooth Extractions
The cost of your tooth extraction will depend on a few factors. That means it’s difficult to give an accurate price without having a closer look at your oral situation. However, we understand the importance of a budget, and don’t want you to feel completely in the dark about what to expect.
To give you a better idea of what expenses could be involved in your tooth extraction and how you could make your treatment more affordable, we’ve put together some financial facts below. Feel free to explore our website for more information, or give us a call – we’d be happy to discuss tooth extraction costs with you in more detail!
Factors That Can Affect Tooth Extraction Cost
The factors that will affect the price of your tooth extraction mostly have to do with your situation and preferences. Here’s what we mean:
- The number of teeth you need removed will impact your total. The more you need pulled, the more costly you can expect your overall treatment to be.
- Some oral locations are more expensive than others. Teeth in the back of the mouth are more difficult to work with and may cost a bit more, for example.
- Simple extractions are generally cheaper than impacted extractions. This is because impacted extractions require minor oral surgery.
- The tooth replacement you choose after your extraction should also be factored into your expenses. While some might have less of an up-front cost, pricier options like dental implants tend to last longer, and could save you more money in the long run.
- Dental sedation options like nitrous oxide benefit many patients. Just remember that if you receive dental sedation during tooth extraction, it will count as a separate cost!
Does Dental Insurance Cover Tooth Extractions?
Most dental insurance companies consider tooth extractions to be a major treatment and will cover about 50% of the costs. However, every policy is different, so it’s still worth checking your plan to review your benefits. If you need help understanding your dental insurance, let us know. We handle a number of different plans on a daily basis and will make sure you get the most out of your premium!
Other Options for Making Tooth Extractions Affordable
If you don’t have dental insurance, don’t panic! We offer alternative ways to save money on your tooth extraction treatment, such as:
- CareCredit financing. Essentially, CareCredit plans allow you to pay at your own pace by breaking down your final bill into smaller, monthly chunks.
- Our in-house Wellness Plan is like signing up for a membership. You’ll pay an annual fee in exchange for deals on various services, including 2 free emergency exams per year.
We always want to do our best to accommodate our patients, so if you have any questions or concerns about affording your tooth extraction, please get in touch!
Tooth Extraction FAQs
Does Getting a Tooth Extracted Hurt?
Tooth extractions may sound intimidating, but contemporary anesthetics and techniques can ensure a comfortable experience. At Alpharetta Modern Dentistry, we use numbing agents to block pain sensations. Once the medication begins to take effect, you’ll only be able to feel slight pressure against your teeth from the instruments.
After the procedure, some soreness is normal, but generic pain relievers and cold compresses help manage discomfort. Our goal is to make tooth extractions in Alpharetta as smooth and stress-free as possible. If you have concerns, our team is happy to walk you through the process to give you peace of mind.
Is There an Alternative to a Tooth Extraction?
Whenever possible, saving a natural tooth is the best option. However, finding alternatives to extraction largely depends on the reason your extraction is necessary. Depending on your situation, alternatives may include:
- Root canal treatment to remove infection while preserving tooth structure.
- Dental crowns to strengthen a damaged or weakened tooth.
- Periodontal treatment to restore gum health and stabilize loose teeth.
At our Alpharetta dental office, we always explore these more conservative treatment options before recommending tooth extractions. However, when extraction is recommended, it has become the best option to save your smile.
What’s the Difference Between Tooth Extractions and Wisdom Tooth Surgery?
Both procedures involve removing teeth, but the big difference is in complexity.
Tooth extractions typically involve removing a damaged or decayed tooth that is fully erupted. This is a generally straightforward procedure performed under local anesthesia using minimal tools.
Wisdom tooth surgery, on the other hand, is often more complex because wisdom teeth may be impacted (trapped beneath the gums) or positioned awkwardly. This requires a surgical approach, going under your gumline to remove offending teeth.
At our dental office, we provide both types of tooth extractions in Alpharetta. Whether you need a simple extraction or wisdom tooth removal, our team has the technology and the training to handle your procedure with precision and care.
Can I Smoke or Vape After Getting a Tooth Extracted?
The first few days after your extraction are critical for proper healing, and unfortunately, smoking or vaping can slow healing and increase the risk of complications. To protect your mouth during recovery:
- Avoid smoking or vaping for at least 72 hours after your procedure.
- Wait 7–10 days for full healing before resuming tobacco or vape use.
We know that for those who are addicted to the chemicals in these products, it can be difficult to stop. So don’t hesitate to ask if you’re in need of guidance. We can offer resources and recommendations to help you if you’re ready to make a change.