Tooth Extraction in Great Neck

Whether you have dental phobia or you've simply never thought you'd hear that you need to have a tooth extracted, you can rest assured that we'll work hard to make this a gentle, positive experience with minimal pain or discomfort. Having a tooth pulled by a dentist is actually a very quick procedure. Keep reading to learn a little more about what to expect when booking a tooth extraction in Great Neck.

What Is the Average Tooth Extraction Cost?

Pricing for tooth extractions varies by patient and circumstance. We will always offer clear pricing from the start to ensure you're never surprised by your extraction bill. During your consultation, our dentist will determine if you require a simple or surgical extraction. Other factors that include the placement of the tooth will be used to create a quote. Our office staff will ask you about any dental insurance coverage you have as it might cover a percentage of the cost for your extraction.

What Does It Mean When You Need an Oral Surgery Extraction?

In some cases, the tooth that needs to be extracted isn't exposed enough to be pulled out easily. This can happen in situations where you have severe tooth damage, severe crowding, or impacted wisdom teeth. Oral surgery extraction is more complex than simple tooth extractions performed in the office by a general dentist. It often requires anesthesia, tooth sectioning, or stitches.

What Is an Example of a Situation When Tooth Removal Is the Only Option?

We understand that nobody likes to hear that they need to have a tooth pulled. Rest assured that your dentist truly believes this is the only option for preserving your oral health if you receive this suggestion. In cases of severe decay, a tooth may be too damaged for restoration. There's a risk that restoration attempts will fail in the long term. In addition to causing you pain and hassle, this can also jeopardize healthy teeth that surround the damaged tooth. Extraction can also be one of the best ways to eliminate agonizing tooth pain when you have a severely injured or decayed tooth.

Can My Dentist Pull Decaying or Broken Teeth?

First, your dentist will check if a root canal is feasible when you show up at the office with a cracked, broken, or severely decayed tooth. We generally categorize a "severe" issue as damage that has reached the middle of the tooth. Depending on how accessible the tooth is, your dentist may be able to pull the tooth immediately to relieve pain and discomfort. Don't delay if you have a broken or decaying tooth. Call our office today to come in for care.

Is It Necessary to Have Baby Teeth Pulled?

Most baby teeth will simply fall out on their own with no fanfare. However, there are cases where a baby tooth is blocking an adult tooth that's ready to come in. To avoid the adult tooth shifting or becoming damaged, your dentist may recommend simply removing a stubborn baby tooth. Another common reason for pulling a baby tooth is that the tooth has a large cavity that's too extreme to fill. While it's true that this decaying tooth will eventually fall out on its own when an adult tooth moves in, leaving it in may increase the risk for infection. Additionally, the bacteria building up within the decaying baby tooth can actually infect other cavity-free teeth that are perfectly healthy. Our office provides kid-friendly, gentle pulling that will put your child at ease!

What About Tooth Extractions for Advanced Gum Disease?

Yes, tooth extractions are sometimes needed because of gum disease. This happens once gum disease has advanced to the stage of severe periodontal disease. At this point, an affected tooth will become loose because the gum disease is weakening the ligaments holding the teeth inside the gums. While dentists have many tools for reversing damage in the early stage of gum disease, nothing can be done once a tooth has progressed into advanced gum disease. Leaving a tooth in at this point becomes a liability because the gum disease can spread throughout the mouth.

Why Do Some People Need Wisdom Teeth Removal?

For many patients, wisdom teeth are mysteries. Our office is here to help you understand why these teeth sometimes need to be removed to maintain good oral health. Your wisdom teeth make up your third set of molars. For most people, wisdom teeth begin coming in during our late-teen years or early adulthood.

The problem is that many people lack the jaw space to support them. That can lead to issues like crowding, damage to the jawbone, or infection. If your wisdom teeth are impacted (stuck under the gum), the risk for infection is high because food gets stuck. It can also be frustrating for a young adult who has just finished wearing braces or undergoing orthodontic treatments to notice their "perfect" teeth shifting because their mouth does not have room for wisdom teeth. All of these reasons contribute to why wisdom teeth extraction is so common.

Is Extraction a Solution for Crowded Teeth?

Yes, extraction can be a way to address crowding. Crowding can cause teeth to become misaligned. In addition to affecting the appearance of your smile, crowding can also harm your oral health because it makes brushing and flossing more difficult. Bacteria and plaque can get stuck between teeth that are overlapping or pushed in tightly together. Extraction is used to make room for new teeth or straighten out a smile.

What Is Recovery Like After Getting a Tooth Pulled?

When you visit our office for a tooth extraction, our dentist will give you detailed instructions for how to care for the extraction site and handle any post tooth extraction pain. The first 24 hours are generally the most critical for tooth extraction healing. The main goal during those first few hours after recovery is simply to keep bleeding under control using gauze. You'll also be given instructions for rinsing your mouth to keep things clean and to reduce the risk for infection. Of course, you'll also be given some practical tips for protecting the blood clot and preventing dry socket by only eating soft foods and avoiding drinking straws.

What Is the Healing Time After Teeth Extractions?

Every patient heals differently. However, the first 24 hours after extraction are considered the prime healing period. This is a time to take things easy, avoid any kind of aggravated rinsing, and stay away from any strenuous activities or sports that might put you at risk for facial contact injuries. Your healing period will also vary based on whether you have a simple extraction or surgical extraction.

Our office is here if you're seeking a dentist who can perform a tooth extraction in Great Neck. Simply call us today at (516) 210-5129 to schedule your consultation.