Tooth Extractions – Northampton, MA • East Longmeadow, MA

Removing Problematic Teeth to Keep Your Smile Safe

The decision to remove a tooth is never one to be made lightly. At EMA Dental, our dentists will always take whatever steps we can to ensure your natural smile remains intact. However, in some cases, we may discover that a tooth simply cannot be saved. If that happens, we can carry out the necessary tooth extraction while helping you stay comfortable during the procedure. Please give us a call if you think you may need to have a tooth removed soon.

Why Choose EMA Dental for Tooth Extractions?

  • Same-Day Appointments for Dental Emergencies
  • Multiple Options for Replacing Missing Teeth
  • Highly Skilled, Experienced Dental Experts

Reasons Why Tooth Extractions Are Necessary

Man sitting on couch rubbing jaw in pain

There are some specific circumstances where a tooth extraction might be the only choice to protect the overall health of your smile. For example:

  • There may be a severe infection in your tooth that could spread to the rest of the mouth if nothing is done.
  • The tooth in question has been severely damaged or weakened, and it is beyond the point of being repaired with a crown or another type of dental restoration.
  • There isn’t enough space in your mouth for a necessary orthodontic treatment due to the teeth being badly crowded.
  • You are planning to get full dentures but some of the teeth that need to be replaced are still in your mouth.

Of course, the question of whether your tooth needs to be removed isn’t one you should try to answer on your own. Our team will need to examine your mouth and learn more about your specific situation in order to determine whether an extraction is truly required.

The Process of Removing a Tooth

Close-up of forceps holding tooth after tooth extraction in East Longmeadow, MA

The key thing to remember about tooth extractions is that they can fall into two categories: simple and surgical. The kind of extraction you receive will depend on the current state of your tooth.

A simple extraction can be performed if the tooth has completely erupted through the gums. The process involves gently loosening the tooth until it can be taken out of its socket with forceps. A local anesthetic will be used to keep your mouth numb while the extraction is being carried out.

A surgical extraction is often necessary for teeth that are at least partially trapped under the gums. This procedure involves making a small incision in the gums in order to get at the tooth. A small amount of bone tissue may need to be removed as well.

Tooth Extraction Aftercare

Close-up of woman in dental practice smiling

Once your tooth has been removed, a blood clot will form to help the area heal. To make sure the blood clot isn’t dislodged (which can cause a painful dry socket), be sure to avoid drinking through a straw, spitting, or directly touching the extraction site.

When it comes to meals, you should plan on only eating soft and liquid foods. When chewing, be sure to keep the food away from the area where the extraction was performed.

There may be some discomfort while your mouth is recovering. Fortunately, you should be able to manage it with ibuprofen or another type of over-the-counter pain reliever.

Understanding the Cost of Tooth Extractions

Closeup of dentist grabbing patient’s tooth with forceps

Sometimes, removing a troublesome tooth is the best way to safeguard your smile, but many patients avoid treatment if they’re concerned they can’t afford it. As a result, many inquire about the cost of this procedure.

Our EMA Dental team will gladly provide a detailed estimate during your consultation, after we’ve examined your damaged tooth. Continue reading to learn more about how the total amount is determined, and feel free to contact us for additional information.

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Factors That Can Affect Tooth Extraction Cost

Three extracted teeth on gauze next to forceps and mirror

The cost of your treatment depends significantly on your unique circumstances. There are several factors that can affect your final invoice, such as:

  • How many teeth are impacted. Those having multiple teeth extracted can expect to pay more than a single removal.
  • The severity of your condition. In extreme cases, a specialist may be required to remove your damaged tooth successfully and will require compensation.
  • How it’s replaced. Our team recommends restoring your missing tooth as soon as possible to preserve your jawbone, and each type of replacement has its own unique pricing structure.

Does Dental Insurance Cover Tooth Extractions?

Two people looking at dental insurance on a digital tablet

EMA Dental is in-network with several major insurance providers, and many patients wonder whether their plan covers the cost of having their damaged tooth pulled. Most policies cover approximately 50% of the cost of major procedures, such as extractions, once you’ve met your annual deductible. However, there’s no guarantee. Additionally, your plan may have other restrictions to be aware of, such as a limit on the number of teeth that can be treated or a waiting period that must pass before benefits take effect.

It's worth checking the details of your plan to maximize your available benefits. Please let us know if you’re struggling to find the information or require assistance with paperwork or claims. Our friendly office staff is well-versed in the process and is happy to help!

How to Make Tooth Extractions Affordable

Woman holding extracted tooth with one hand and making “ok” sign with other hand

Our team understands that not everyone carries dental insurance, and we don’t want your budget to keep you from receiving the top-quality dental care you deserve. If you’re concerned about the cost of your extraction, you may benefit from one of our flexible financial packages. We have partnered with CareCredit and Lending Club so that if your application is approved, you can break down the total cost of your procedure into more manageable monthly installments.