Tooth Extractions – Tulsa, OK
When Tooth Removal is the Only Option
Our dentistry team at O’Brien Dental Wellness Center wants to help dentistry patients maintain their natural smiles for a lifetime. However, when tragedy strikes and customized dental restorations or root canal treatment are not enough to fix the problem, it means taking a more invasive approach. Because an unhealthy tooth can have devastating consequences on your overall health, tooth removal then becomes the only option. Dr. O’Brien makes tooth extractions at our Tulsa, OK dental office as comfortable for you as possible, ensuring you remain safe and at ease throughout the procedure. If you want to learn more about whether you need to have a tooth removed, call us.
Why Choose O’Brien Dental Wellness Center for Tooth Extractions?
- Advanced Dental Technology for Greater Comfort
- Nitrous Oxide Sedation Available
- Biological Dentist Dedicated to Total-Body Health
Reasons Why Tooth Extractions Are Necessary
If you are unsure whether you need to have a tooth removed, Dr. O’Brien will review your smile using digital imaging to determine the extent of the tooth’s damage. Based on his findings, he will either recommend tooth extraction or another form of treatment. However, if he discovers any of the following, there is a good chance you will need to have your tooth removed:
- Severe decay that cannot be successfully treated by other means
- Extreme facial trauma that damages the tooth so severely that it cannot be repaired or saved.
- Gum disease has advanced, resulting in a loose tooth that cannot be stabilized.
- A tooth is impacted and causing problems for nearby healthy teeth.
The Process of Removing a Tooth
If the tooth that needs to be removed has broken through the gumline, then a simple extraction is conducted. In this case, Dr. O’Brien will numb your mouth thoroughly before rocking your tooth loose. Once it’s ready to be removed, he will do so and tend to the extraction site. In contrast, a surgical extraction is used when the tooth in question is trapped underneath the gumline. This requires him to create a small incision first to access it. Again, your mouth will be completely numbed beforehand, so you won’t feel a thing.
Tooth Extraction Aftercare
To prevent infections, dry sockets, and other complications, we will provide you with aftercare instructions, including:
- Keeping your head elevated while you sleep
- Eating only soft foods, like plain yogurt
- Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water
- Brushing and flossing carefully around the extraction site
- Not smoking, spitting, or drinking through a straw
- Contacting us if any abnormal symptoms arise, like a fever
If you’re in need of emergency dental care, like a tooth extraction, then there’s only one thing left to do: contact us to schedule an appointment! Once we know what the root of the problem is, we can create a custom treatment plan to address it, restoring the look, health, and function of your smile in the process.
Understanding the Cost of Tooth Extractions
There is no one set price for tooth extractions; their cost can depend on several factors. During your consultation, we can review the details of your case and share some specific numbers. We will also be happy to help you understand your payment options, including convenient financing from CareCredit. We can also file insurance claims on behalf of patients. Most people find that tooth extractions are relatively easy to fit into their budget.
Factors That Can Affect Tooth Extraction Cost
The cost of your extraction surgery may be affected by:
- Which tooth/teeth needs to be removed. Some teeth are more challenging to extract than others and may lead to a higher overall treatment cost.
- The number of teeth that must be removed. Logically, it costs less to remove one tooth than several. (However, removing multiple teeth at once may be more affordable than having several teeth removed during separate procedures.)
- The overall complexity of your case. We can handle most tooth extractions in-house. However, if your case is particularly complicated, we may refer you to a local specialist whose pricing structure is different from our own. This is sometimes necessary with impacted teeth (teeth that are stuck beneath the gumline).
- Additional care. Sedation during your procedure, as well as tooth replacement afterward, may add significantly to your total financial obligation. Different types of tooth replacement are available, and they can come at vastly different price points.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Tooth Extractions?
In most cases, yes, dental insurance does cover tooth extractions. Non-surgical tooth removal is usually classified as a minor service, so around 80% of its cost may be covered. Surgical tooth removal is often around 50% covered. Our team is not in-network with any insurance plans, but we are happy to file claims for all PPO policies. Simply give us your plan information so we can make sure that you get the benefits you are entitled to.
Other Options for Making Tooth Extractions Affordable
Beyond insurance, there is another provision that might make it easier to afford your extraction procedure: financing. We work with CareCredit, a third-party lending company, to provide low-interest payment plans for our patients. The application process is fast, and most people are readily approved for a plan that works with their budget.
Our Tulsa dental office is always happy to help patients understand every aspect of their care, including its financial side. To learn more about tooth extractions and their cost, get in touch with our friendly team.