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Tooth Extractions

If you need a tooth removed, you are in good hands.

Your Dental Health Associates of Madison dentist will ensure that you are comfortable throughout the entire process. 

The dentists at Dental Health Associates may recommend a tooth removal (extraction) for one of many reasons:

  • not enough space available for developing wisdom teeth
  • additional space is required to prepare for orthodontics (braces)
  • a tooth is broken and/or severely decayed
  • a tooth is infected and causing pain
  • severe gum disease has caused breakdown of the supporting bone around a tooth

Many tooth extractions are simple, and can be performed by your Dental Health Associates dentist at an ordinary office visit. These procedures are completed with localized numbing with local anesthetic, often in a shorter time period than most patients expect. If your tooth will require greater manipulation of the structures surrounding the tooth, such as with impacted wisdom teeth, your dentist may refer you to a specialist, such as an oral surgeon or periodontist. If you prefer to be sedated for your tooth removal, talk with your dentist. They may suggest the use of nitrous oxide, medications, or general anesthesia with a specialist.

tooth extraction illustration
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Options for Replacing Extracted Teeth

Every mouth is different. There are several options available for replacing missing teeth, but only your dentist can tell you if you are a good candidate for them. There are three general types of tooth replacement: implant, bridge, or denture. Your DHA dentist will help you choose the best option for you.

Implants

A dental implant is an excellent long term replacement for a missing tooth. It is a titanium screw-like component that is placed into the jawbone where the tooth root used to be. Once healed, a tooth-like crown is custom made and cemented or screwed to the dental implant. Implants require several appointments. After it has been determined that you are a good candidate for a dental implant, you will often be referred to a specialist for the initial surgery. After the healing process is complete, you will return to your DHA dentist for two more appointments to make the crown that will be attached to the implant.

Bridges

A fixed bridge consists of multiple crowns linked together. This means that teeth on both sides of the open space are covered by “caps” which support a fake tooth or teeth in between them. This prosthetic appliance is cemented in place, and is not removable from your mouth. This option requires two appointments, typically two weeks apart.

Dentures

If multiple or all teeth are missing, partial or full dentures may be a good solution. These prostheses are removable, meaning that you can take them in and out of your mouth at will. They require multiple visits to the dentist to be made, fitted, and adjusted to your mouth.

Tooth Extraction FAQs

Although tooth extraction is a routine dental procedure, it is common for patients to have anxiety about having their tooth removed. Your Dental Health Associates dentist is mindful of this, and will help you to be comfortable for your appointment. If you prefer to be sedated for your tooth removal, talk with your dentist. They may suggest the use of nitrous oxide, medications, or general anesthesia with a specialist.

Replacing teeth is an individual decision. It will depend on where the tooth is located in your mouth, the condition of your remaining teeth, and your personal oral health goals and expectations. Potential negative consequences of leaving a gap where a tooth used to be include:

  • Shifting – Teeth tend to shift forward over time. If you have lost a tooth, there may be tilting or shifting of the teeth behind it into the space left behind. Also, the tooth above or below the empty space may shift down or up, becoming out of line with your bite. In advanced cases, this may make chewing more difficult, and dental treatment more complex. This also means that your once straight teeth could become crooked and misaligned, which can be frustrating, especially if you went through treatment with braces to straighten them.
  • Nutrition – You use your teeth for biting, grinding, and chewing food every day. Each tooth serves a purpose when you eat. The more teeth you are missing, the more difficult it is to eat the foods you love.
  • Appearance – Missing teeth, especially those in the front, could make you unhappy with the appearance of your smile.

The cost of an extraction varies depending on the complexity of the procedure. Insurance coverage for extractions can range from 0% to 100%. Your specific coverage depends on your insurance company and individual plan.

To find out what percentage may be covered by your insurance plan, refer to the information provided to you when you enrolled, or call the 1-800 number on the back of your card to ask a representative. If you need help obtaining this information, a DHA front desk staff member would be happy to help you. If you are a DHA patient, our financial coordinators will help you obtain an estimate of coverage if requested.

Patient Information

We encourage new patients to fill out a new patient form online prior to your first appointment. Be sure to select the appropriate location for your new patient forms, as once you complete them, they are sent electronically to the office you’ve chosen. 

Insurance

Medical and dental insurance can be confusing. Our staff has experience with your questions and can help you get the most from your insurance.

No insurance? Apply today. 

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