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Tooth Extractions – Nashville, TN

Precise Removal of Your Problem Teeth

A young Asian man smiling confidently on a city street

Here at Green Hills Dental Center, we always strive to save our patients’ teeth. Doing so is the best way to ensure their smiles are as healthy and strong as possible. However, sometimes teeth simply can’t be saved (or salvaged) and need tooth extractions in Nashville. Through these removals, our team can protect a patient’s oral health and keep it from getting worse. For more details on how they work, continue reading below or schedule a visit to see us.


Reasons Why Tooth Extractions are Necessary

An unhappy woman suffering from a toothache

Keeping your natural teeth is always best, so our team never takes tooth extraction lightly. The treatment is a last resort – done when no other option exists. We would much rather preserve a tooth with restorative treatments like dental crowns, tooth-colored fillings, etc. That way, you could keep it as the ideal tool for biting, chewing, and smiling.

With all that said, our office only performs tooth extractions in severe cases. We may suggest you get one if you suffer any of the following:

  • A tooth with an inoperable cavity
  • Loss of the bone needed to support a tooth
  • Broken teeth that can’t be put back together
  • A rapidly-spreading tooth infection

The Process of Removing a Tooth

A 3D illustration of the tooth extraction process

At your consultation visit, we’ll assess your tooth to see how (or if) we should remove it. We’ll then use our findings to confirm whether the extraction (if done) will be simple or complex.

Our team will perform a simple extraction if the affected tooth is visible. For this kind, we’ll start by numbing the treatment site so the procedure goes painlessly. We’ll then use dental forceps to rock your tooth back and forth until it separates from your gums.

If the tooth hasn’t fully erupted, we’ll likely perform a complex extraction. This procedure makes an incision in your gums once we’ve numbed your mouth. Once that’s done, we’ll divide and extract the tooth into sections to reduce bone loss. Treatment will end by sewing the incision closed.

Whether your treatment is simple or complex, we’ll plan how to replace your missing tooth after its removal. This step ensures you won’t suffer the long-term effects of tooth loss.


Tooth Extraction Aftercare

A dentist holding a woman’s extracted tooth

Adult teeth are normally permanent, so you’ll need time to heal from the extraction process. Your mouth will likely feel achy and sore during this recovery period. Thankfully, you can manage these temporary symptoms by doing the following:

  • Clean the treatment site with a saltwater rinse 24 hours after the extraction.
  • Since suction can dislodge blood clots, don’t drink from a straw for a few days.
  • Don’t smoke or spit right after treatment, as these habits would delay your recovery.
  • Use store-bought painkillers to reduce post-treatment aches.
  • As long as it’s healing, don’t chew near the extraction site.

The tips and tricks above should help you heal from your extraction. Once you’ve recovered, you can look into our tooth replacement options. A new prosthetic would restore your smile, improve your bite, and more.

Understanding the Cost of Tooth Extractions

Many patients worry that their tooth extraction will be too expensive, so they want to know what they can expect to pay before scheduling their appointment. However, we can’t provide an estimate until Dr. Kirby can examine your condition to determine what type of extraction is required, which influences the final amount due.

Continue reading to learn more about the different considerations that can influence your invoice, and feel free to contact us with additional questions.

Factors That Can Affect Tooth Extraction Cost

You might not pay the same dollar value for this procedure as someone else because the cost depends on your unique situation. Several different factors can affect the total price of having your tooth removed, including:

  • The location of the tooth. Molars are harder to access and have more roots than your front teeth, so they’re more likely to require a surgical extraction, which raises the rate.
  • The type of extraction required. In severe cases, or if your tooth is impacted or infected, a specialist may need to be brought in to assist, who must also be paid for their services.
  • How you are replacing it. Different options like dental implants, bridges, and dentures each have their own associated fees.

Does Dental Insurance Cover Tooth Extractions?

Most dental insurance policies cover about 50% of major procedures like tooth extractions once your deductible has been met. Every plan is different, though, and there’s no guarantee, so you may need to check your information to verify whether it’s included. Please let us know if you’re struggling to find the information or would like help with claims, applications, or other paperwork. Our friendly office staff would be happy to assist you!

How to Make Tooth Extractions Affordable

Although we are in-network with many of the most common insurance providers, we know that not all patients carry a policy. However, we don’t want your budget to hold you back from undergoing the procedures necessary to protect and preserve your smile. If you’re concerned that you can’t afford to have a tooth removed, you might benefit from one of the following options:

  • Green Hills Dental Membership Club. For a low monthly or annual fee, you gain access to free preventative care, including exams, cleanings, and X-rays, as well as 20% off all other treatments. Plus, we offer multiple tiers at various price points, so you can find one that works for your wallet.
  • Flexible Financing. We are proud to partner with third-party financers, Lending Club and CareCredit. If your application is approved, these programs allow you to break down your final invoice into smaller, more manageable installments.