Safe Tooth Extractions in Ballwin, MO

If you’ve got a toothache and think that you may need a tooth extraction, it’s important to see a dentist right away. At 100 West Dental, Dr. Brandon Prior can diagnose the cause of your pain and discomfort and determine if an extraction is necessary. As a conservative dentist, his goal is always to save your natural teeth whenever possible.  

However, if the tooth is too damaged or unhealthy to restore, an extraction may be the best way to eliminate your pain and protect your smile. If you’re in pain and think you may need a tooth extraction, our team is always here to help. Some of the types of tooth extractions we offer are:  

• Simple Tooth Extractions

• Surgical Tooth Extractions

• Wisdom Tooth Extractions

• Emergency Tooth Extractions  

What To Expect from the Tooth Extraction Process

Getting a tooth extraction can be intimidating. But our team is dedicated to providing pain-free care in a relaxed environment. With sedation options for every need, you can stay comfortable throughout your entire visit.

Along with creature comforts like ceiling-mounted TVS, Netflix, and massaging chairs, Dr. Prior has invested in the latest dental technology. Tools like CBCT x-rays and intraoral scanners ensure a safe, effective, and pain-free treatment experience. Here’s what you can expect from your visit:

• Preparation and numbing – To begin, Dr. Prior will clean the area around your unhealthy tooth. Then, we’ll numb the tooth’s nerve to ensure you don’t experience any pain or discomfort during the extraction process.

• Removing your tooth – If your tooth is in one piece and is visible above the gum line, Dr. Prior can perform a “simple” extraction. He’ll loosen the tooth then grasp it with forceps, pulling it out in one piece. If the tooth is extensively damaged, Dr. Prior will perform a surgical extraction. He’ll create an opening in the gums, then cut the tooth into small pieces, extracting them bit by bit until he’s removed the entire tooth.

• Cleaning and stitches – Once Dr. Prior has removed your tooth, he’ll clean and sanitize the treatment area, then suture it with dissolving stitches. This ensures the now-empty tooth “socket” can heal with minimal infection risk. If you need multiple teeth to be pulled, Dr. Prior will repeat the process.

• Aftercare and recovery – You won’t feel any pain during or immediately after your procedure, but once your numbing wears off, you may feel some discomfort. Dr. Prior will send you home with a full list of care instructions to help you manage discomfort, care for your socket, and recover fully from your procedure.

Recovering After Your Extraction – Dos & Don’ts

Dr. Prior will give you a full set of post-operative instructions that go over how you should care for your smile. Curious about what’s included? Here are some of the “dos” and “don’ts” that you’ll need to follow as you heal after your tooth extraction surgery at 100 West Dental.

Do:

• Take a day or two off of work or school to recover, if possible.

• Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.

• Take over-the-counter medication or any prescribed pain medication according to package instructions.

• Eat nutritious, soft foods like applesauce, yogurt, softly scrambled eggs, and smoothies. Proper nutrition helps you heal faster!

Don’t:

• Spit forcefully or use straws for 2-3 days, as this can dislodge your blood clot.

• Smoke, vape, or use any other type of tobacco products. Smoking and vaping can dislodge the blood clot, too. Tobacco/nicotine also impairs proper blood flow and healing.

• Play around or touch the extraction site with your fingers or tongue, since this can dislodge the clot.

• Exercise or lift heavy objects for a few days, as this can cause bleeding and pain.

Answering Your Top Tooth Extraction FAQs

Got questions about tooth extractions? We’ve got answers! Check them out below or come in for a visit to learn more.

How Can I Avoid Tooth Extractions?

By avoiding issues like gum disease, cavities, and tooth infections, you can dramatically reduce the likelihood that you’ll need an extraction. Here are a few steps you can take fora healthier smile:

• Brush 2-3 times per day and floss once per day

• Eat a “tooth-healthy” diet that’s low in sugar

• Make sure you’re getting all the vitamins you need

• Stay hydrated to stimulate saliva production

• Avoid smoking, vaping, or using tobacco/nicotine products of any kind

• Wear an athletic mouthguard while playing sports to prevent oral injuries

What Happens If I Don’t Get an Extraction?

In the short term, your condition will only get worse. You’ll likely continue to experience symptoms like pain, gum swelling, discomfort, or your tooth loosening in the socket. The only way to relieve your symptoms is to see a dentist like Dr. Prior and get the appropriate care.  

In the long term, failing to remove a damaged or dying tooth can lead to other serious complications including an abscess (pus-filled infected pockets below the tooth), or even sepsis, a rare but potentially deadly response to the infection.

How Much Does a Tooth Extraction Cost?

Tooth extractions usually cost between $150 and $500 per tooth. The cost varies depending on the location of the tooth, the specifics of your case, and whether a simple or surgical extraction is needed. The best way to get an accurate idea of how much your treatment will cost is to come in for a consultation with Dr. Prior.

Does Dental Insurance Cover Tooth Extractions?

Whether you’re worried about wisdom tooth extraction costs or the cost of same-day extractions, we’ve got good news! Most insurers cover tooth extractions and will pay up to 80% of the cost of extraction.  

Things like deductibles and annual maximums do apply, of course. If you’ve got questions, you can ask your insurer or our front desk team. We’re always happy to help our patients get the most out of their insurance plans.

Do I Need to Replace My Tooth?

Not always! If you get a wisdom tooth extraction, for example, there’s no need to replace your tooth, and you’ll be fine without it. However, if you have any of your other teeth pulled, it’s best to replace them. Replacing extracted teeth keeps your mouth healthy, prevents issues like teeth shifting, and also ensures you can smile proudly without gaps in your smile!  

You’ve got lots of options, too, including partial dentures, dental bridges, and dental implants. Not sure which type of tooth replacement is right for your needs and your budget? Schedule a visit with 100 West Dental to go over your options!

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