Tooth Extractions – Silver Spring, MD

Reasons Why Tooth Extractions Are Necessary

We might recommend the removal of one or more of your child’s teeth if:

• A tooth has spots of extensive decay or damage.
• There is overcrowding, and we must remove one or more teeth to make room for orthodontic treatment.
• A primary (baby) tooth did not fall out on time, and we must remove it to make room for an incoming adult tooth.
• There is an infection in a tooth, and an extraction is the only way to prevent the problem from spreading.
• A tooth is impacted (we often refer patients to local specialists for the removal of impacted teeth).

The Process of Removing a Tooth

The tooth extraction procedure is usually pretty straightforward. We start by numbing your child’s mouth. In some cases, we also administer sedation. Once your child is comfortable, we use an instrument called an elevator to lift the tooth out of its socket. Then, we grasp the tooth with forceps and wiggle it in order to break the connective tissues keeping it in place. Once the tooth is out, we clean the socket and place some gauze in it to control bleeding.

If your child needs to have a permanent tooth extracted, we may talk about future tooth replacement options. If a baby tooth is removed, we might recommend the use of a space maintainer so other teeth do not drift out of place and interfere with the development of an incoming adult tooth.

Tooth Extraction Aftercare

Here are some things you can do to contribute to a smooth recovery for your child:

• Give them appropriate doses of pain medication (along with any prescribed medications, such as antibiotics).
• Stock up on soft foods that require little to no chewing.
• Do not let your child drink out of a straw.
• Prepare some activities for your child that require limited physical exertion (vigorous activity should be avoided for at least a few days).
• Give them extra pillows to prop their head up while they are resting.
• Bring your child to all recommended follow-up appointments.

Understanding the Cost of Tooth Extractions

If you’ve been informed that your child needs to undergo tooth extraction, you might have initial concerns about how much the treatment will cost. Since this is a major procedure and investment, you’ll want to make sure your wallet can handle the expenses! That said, while we won’t be able to provide you with an estimate until we’ve inspected your child’s smile, you should know that there are several things we’ll consider that ultimately impact the overall price. Read on to learn more about the cost of pediatric tooth extractions in Silver Spring, or please contact our office to request additional information!  

Factors That Can Affect Tooth Extraction Cost

There are various factors that can affect the cost of your child’s tooth extraction, including things like:

• The number of teeth needing extraction – Getting one tooth removed is generally much less expensive than having multiple extracted.
• The type and location of the tooth/teeth – Teeth in the back of the mouth are usually more expensive to remove than front teeth.
• The kind of extraction needed – Simple extraction is commonly cheaper to perform than surgical extraction. However, the latter is necessary for impacted teeth, which are teeth that haven’t properly erupted. This usually happens to the wisdom teeth.
• The tooth-replacement solution chosen – Permanent teeth need to be replaced to ensure optimal oral health. Certain restorations have higher price points than others.

Does Dental Insurance Cover Tooth Extractions?

Tooth extractions are considered a major dental procedure, so it’s fairly common for dental insurance companies to offer some degree of coverage (usually around 50%) after the plan’s annual deductible has been met. However, since each policy differs, you’ll always want to read closely and consult with us if you have any questions. Our practice is proud to work with a large number of insurance providers to ensure that your whole family is always able to get the care you deserve at a price that works for your budget.

How to Make Tooth Extractions Affordable

If you don’t have dental insurance, don’t worry – there are still ways of lowering the cost of your child’s tooth extraction, and our practice is ready to help. We offer additional third-party financing through CareCredit, which allows qualifying patients to pay their bill in manageable, zero-to-low-interest monthly installments. We’re happy to discuss all your payment options with you so that you can ensure your child is getting their tooth extraction with no problems; we want them to smile happily and healthily for many years to come!