At Miller Family Dentistry in Nashville, TN, we do everything we can to save your natural teeth. Unfortunately, there are times when a tooth needs to be extracted. Tooth extraction doesn't have to be scary. Our professional and caring dental staff guides you through the process so that you can enjoy a healthier mouth afterward.
What is a Tooth Extraction?
A tooth extraction means we remove a tooth from your mouth. Tooth removal is always a last resort at our office. We will restore a damaged tooth whenever possible because we know that your natural teeth are valuable.Why Would You Need to Get a Tooth Pulled?
Some of the reasons people get a tooth extracted include:
- Severe decay or infection
- Trauma or injury to the tooth
- Not enough bone structure to support a tooth, making it unlikely to survive in the long-term
- Orthodontic treatment requires one or more teeth to be removed in cases of overcrowding
- One or more wisdom teeth that need removal
Can You Leave a Decayed Tooth in Your Mouth?
If the tooth has had a root canal, then that tooth can safely remain in your mouth. However, if a tooth has advanced decay and we have determined that it cannot be restored, it is better to remove it. If not removed, the infection could either begin again or get worse and spread to other areas in the mouth.
Ways to Replace Teeth
At Miller Family Dentistry, we provide our patients with a wide range of tooth replacement options. Find out if one of these options is suitable for you:
- Dental implants. A dental implant acts as a tooth root. It is surgically placed into your jaw. After the implant has healed, a tooth replacement can be attached. This type of replacement is strong, durable, and restores the function and appearance of your teeth.
- Dental bridges. A bridge fills the gap in your smile by attaching a false tooth, called a pontic, to two dental crowns on the healthy surrounding teeth.
Is Tooth Removal Painful?
We use local anesthesia during the tooth extraction process so you will not feel any pain. We also offer different types of sedation dentistry if necessary.
What are the Side-Effects of Removing a Tooth?
Major side-effects include:
- Loss of ability to chew
- Shifting of the teeth around the extraction site
- Change to your bite
- Considerable risk of losing more of the surrounding teeth in the future
- Loss of bone structure
- Loss of self-confidence
To avoid these side effects, we offer several tooth replacement options.
Tooth Extraction Recovery
Recovery time can vary depending on the situation. A simple extraction only needs a day or two of recovery. A more difficult extraction could need three to four days to recover. All extractions require several weeks to heal fully.
Tooth Extraction Cost
The cost of removing a tooth varies due to its size, where it is located in your mouth, whether it is impacted, and how much anesthesia or sedation is used. It could cost anywhere from $75 to $300 or more for impacted teeth. Dental insurance plans may cover some or all of your tooth extraction procedure.
Do You Need a Tooth Removed in Nashville, TN?
If you need a tooth removed, go to a dentist you can trust. Miller Family Dentistry is highly experienced, providing personalized dental treatments to patients in the Nashville area. Our staff is caring and compassionate, ensuring everyone who steps into our dental office feels as comfortable as possible. We also educate you on the entire extraction process beforehand, so you know exactly what to expect.
Schedule your appointment now. We will strive to get the best possible outcome for your mouth, even if you need to have a tooth removed.