Tooth Extractions Southampton
When Your Child Needs a Tooth Removed
Under normal circumstances, your child’s baby teeth will fall out by themselves when the time comes. However, there are cases where a tooth might have to be removed by a dental expert – potentially if it has been damaged in a way that makes repairing it impossible. Reach out to us immediately if you think your child has a dental issue that might warrant a tooth extraction in Southampton. Dr. Amar can take a look at your little one’s smile to figure out whether an extraction is really the right choice.
Why Choose Happy Teeth Southampton for Tooth Extractions?
- Trustworthy Board-Certified Pediatric Dental Expert
- Sedation Dentistry for Anxious Patients
- Fully Personalized Dental Treatments
Reasons for Kids’ Tooth Extractions
A tooth extraction is only recommended in situations where it is absolutely necessary for protecting the patient’s oral health. For example, your child may require an extraction if they have a baby tooth that has failed to fall out when it was supposed to. Additionally, damaged teeth may need to be removed if they can’t be repaired with a crown or filling. Rest assured that we will always consider your child’s options for treatment carefully before we suggest an extraction.
The Tooth Extraction Process
To keep your child comfortable during their tooth extraction, we will administer a local anesthetic to the area where the treatment will be performed. Sedation dentistry is also available for patients who might need it. When it comes to removing the tooth, we can use an instrument known as a dental elevator to rock the tooth back and forth. Eventually, the tooth should be loosened to the point where it can be gently taken out of your mouth. Right after the tooth is removed, we’ll have your child bite down on some gauze, allowing a blood clot to form at the extraction site.
Aftercare for Your Child’s Tooth Extraction
To make sure there aren’t any problems while your child’s mouth is recovering from a tooth extraction, be sure to follow these steps:
- Replace the gauze in their mouth every 30 minutes or so until the bleeding stops.
- Do not let them drink anything through a straw or engage in any type of strenuous exercise.
- Give them a cold compress to keep their oral swelling down.
- Make sure that they continue to practice good oral hygiene.
- Have them only eat soft foods (such as mashed potatoes and scrambled eggs) until their mouth has sufficiently recovered.
Understanding the Cost of Tooth Extractions
The cost of your child’s tooth extraction will depend on a few factors. During their consultation, we can share some specific numbers and talk about payment options. For example, we welcome PPO dental insurance, and we accept financing through CareCredit. Generally speaking, tooth extractions are among the more affordable restorative dentistry services; most families do not find it too difficult to fit this important treatment into their budget.
Factors That Can Affect Tooth Extraction Cost
Some factors that might affect the cost of your child’s extraction procedure include:
- The number of teeth being extracted. Logically, you can expect to pay less if your child needs just one tooth extraction, rather than two or more.
- The specific teeth that require removal. Some teeth are more challenging to extract than others, which can impact overall fees.
- The complexity of the case. We can handle most extractions right here in our office. However, we sometimes refer patients to outside specialists for surgical removal of teeth. Each specialist has their own fee schedule.
- Additional care. Your child might need a space maintainer, bridge, or other treatments after the removal of their teeth. They might also require sedation during the extraction itself. These services come with their own prices that can add to the total cost of your child’s care.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Tooth Extractions?
Very often, yes, dental insurance does cover tooth extractions. This treatment is usually classified as a minor service, so up to 80% of its cost might be covered. More complex extractions may be 50% covered. Our team welcomes insurance, and we are even in-network with a few plans. We will be happy to help you figure out how your benefits apply and file claims on your behalf. With the help of your plan, you might be able to save hundreds of dollars out of pocket!
Other Options for Making Tooth Extractions Affordable
Outside of dental insurance, another provision that you might choose to take advantage of is financing. We work with CareCredit to provide low-interest payment plans for qualified applicants. The application process is fast, and most people are readily approved for credit.
Our team does not want you to be overly stressed about the cost of your child’s tooth extractions! Talk to us to learn more about our financial policies so you can be well-prepared to fit necessary care into your family’s budget.
Tooth Extraction FAQs
Does Getting a Tooth Extracted Hurt?
Before we begin your child’s tooth extraction in Southampton, we will use a local anesthetic to numb their mouth. As a result, your little one shouldn’t experience any discomfort during the procedure, although they may feel some pressure while the tooth is being loosened.
Once your child’s tooth has been removed and the local anesthetic has worn off, they may experience some soreness in their mouth. The discomfort should largely subside within a few days, and your child’s mouth should feel normal again after a couple of weeks. Be sure to follow any post-treatment instructions we provide for keeping your child’s discomfort under control.
How Should I Prepare My Child for a Tooth Extraction?
Before your child has a tooth removed, you should take the time to explain exactly what will happen during the procedure. It’s always best for them to know what to expect ahead of time. Be sure to let them know that our team will help them stay as comfortable as possible throughout their visit. If sedation will be used during the procedure, you should also take the time to explain how it will work.
It may help to give your child something to look forward to after their tooth extraction. For example, you might stock up on their favorite soft foods, such as ice cream. And if you have a younger child, you can remind them that losing a tooth means a visit from the tooth fairy.
Is There an Alternative to a Tooth Extraction?
Our team prefers to save natural teeth whenever possible. Before we suggest removing your child’s tooth, we’ll consider any options that are available for treating the underlying problem that would allow us to keep your little one’s natural smile intact. Unfortunately, this means that if a tooth extraction is being recommended at all, it’s likely because other treatments have already been ruled out; that said, you can rest assured that the procedure will help get your child’s oral health back on track.
What Risks are Involved with Tooth Extractions?
Tooth extraction is considered to be a very safe procedure, but there are some risks that you should be aware of as a parent. For example, it’s possible that an infection might occur while your child’s mouth is healing. To avoid this issue, you should make a point of keeping your little one’s mouth as clean as possible. After the first 24 hours, make sure that your child is brushing their teeth like they normally would; remind them to be gentle while cleaning around the extraction site.
Another risk associated with tooth extraction is the possibility of a dry socket. When a tooth is removed, a blood clot forms at the extraction site to aid with the healing process. If the blood clot is dislodged, it results in a dry socket, which is very painful and can slow down your child’s recovery. Our team will give you and your child instructions for keeping the risk of a dry socket occurring to a minimum.