Tooth Extractions – Studio City, CA
Remove Problem Teeth to Reduce Dental Pain
At Studio City Dental Arts, we always strive to help patients maintain a natural, healthy smile for as long as possible. However, when teeth become severely damaged or decayed, a tooth extraction may be the best course of action to maintain oral health and dental function. Are you looking for a way to reduce daily dental pain? With 20 years of experience, Dr. Proshat Shahrestany provides safe and comfortable tooth extractions in Studio City.
Why a Tooth May Need to Be Extracted
Tooth extraction is typically recommended only after all other restorative options have been exhausted. It is often the best course of action if a tooth:
- Has a cavity so large that it is too weak to support a restoration
- Has been broken so severely that it cannot be repaired by an emergency dentist in Studio City
- Is impacted, which means it is unable to erupt through the gums
- Is contributing to severe overcrowding
- Needs to be removed to create room for a new bridge, denture or dental implants
How Are Teeth Removed?
There are two general types of tooth extractions: simple and surgical. During an initial consultation, Dr. Shahrestany will carefully examine your teeth and mouth to determine which procedure is right for you. Here is what you can expect from each type of tooth extraction:
- Simple extractions – This procedure, also known as the pulling method, is commonly used on teeth that can be seen above the gums. Using a special metal clasping tool, Dr. Shahrestany will grab ahold of your tooth and gently shift it back and forth until it breaks free.
- Surgical extractions – Oral surgery may be required for impacted teeth or teeth that have broken off. Dr. Shahrestany will make small cuts to open the gums and reveal more of the tooth. She will then drill or break the bone into smaller pieces and remove them one by one. After the tooth is completely removed, she will sew the gums closed.
Regardless of which extraction procedure it used to remove your problem tooth, you do not have to worry about feeling any pain. At Studio City Dental Arts, we utilize local anesthetic and sedation dentistry to ensure your comfort throughout the tooth extraction process.
Tooth Extraction Aftercare
After a tooth extraction in Studio City, our team will provide you with detailed instructions to help speed your recovery. Some of those tips and recommendations will likely include the following:
- Rest up for the first 48 hours
- Do not rinse, spit or use a straw for 24 hours after your tooth is removed in order to keep the protective blood clot in place
- After 24 hours, gently rinse your mouth with warm salt water to clean the extraction site
- Try to eat only soft foods for the first few days
- Do not smoke or chew tobacco
Manage any lingering pain by taking over-the-counter or prescription pain medication as directed by Dr. Shahrestany
Understanding the Cost of Tooth Extractions
Many patients worry when they learn that they need to undergo a tooth extraction. Not only is there concern about the procedure itself, but they also wonder how much it will cost and whether they can afford it. Because it’s a major procedure, you need to know what to expect so you can plan accordingly. Keep reading to learn more about the cost of having a tooth extraction in Studio City.
Factors That Can Affect Tooth Extraction Cost
Before we can calculate the cost of your tooth extraction, we must first assess your condition. Dr. Shahrestany will examine your mouth and then make recommendations based on her findings. Some factors that influence the total expense can include:
- The type and location of the problem tooth. Extracting teeth in the back of your mouth can cost more to remove. They are larger, harder to access, have more roots, and require more work for your dentist.
- The number of teeth needing extraction. Pulling one tooth is both quicker and less costly than removing several.
- The kind of extraction required. A simple extraction requires applying an anesthetic and gently removing your tooth with forceps. This is less complex and expensive than a surgical extraction, which involves a minor oral procedure to remove gum or bone tissue that is blocking the tooth.
- The type of tooth replacement selected. How you replace your missing tooth can impact the price tag. For example, dental implants can cost more upfront than dentures or dental bridges.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Tooth Extractions?
Many dental insurance plans will compensate for about 50% of the cost of your tooth extraction. There may be rules or limitations that apply, however, so it’s important to check your policy to know what’s included. For instance, your plan may include a waiting period before coverage kicks in or only apply to a certain number of teeth. If you’re not sure what your insurance policy covers, feel free to contact us with any questions and our friendly team is more than happy to assist you.
How to Make Tooth Extractions Affordable
If you don’t currently have a dental insurance plan, don’t worry! We also partner with CareCredit Financing to provide flexible payment plans that suit your budget. This third-party-financer allows you to break up the payment for your tooth extraction into smaller, more manageable amounts until it’s fully reimbursed. If you need a tooth extraction and aren’t sure how to make it happen, let us know and we’ll gladly help you find solutions.