CHILDREN’S TOOTH EXTRACTIONS MURPHY

When Are Children's Tooth Extractions Necessary?

We may recommend removing a tooth if:

• A stubborn baby tooth won’t fall out and is blocking an adult tooth
• The tooth is too decayed, damaged, or infected to be restored
• Trauma to a baby tooth from a fall, leading to nerve exposure or severe displacement of tooth
• More room is needed in the mouth for orthodontics
• Gum disease has made the tooth loose and unstable

The Process of Removing a Tooth

Before we perform any procedure, we’ll explain to you our reasoning, answer questions, and walk through the process step-by-step so you and your child know what to expect. Because extractions can often make little patients feel nervous, we like to take the mystery out of things.

During an extraction, we will:

• Start by numbing the area with a local anesthetic. We won’t start until your child is fully numb!
• Apply sedation if needed or requested.
• Once the patient is ready, we’ll use an instrument called a dental elevator to lift the tooth and gently wiggle it until it slips out. No pulling necessary!
• We’ll apply gauze and/or place a space maintainer if needed.

Tooth Extraction Aftercare

We recommend letting your child relax for the rest of the day after their extraction. This will give any sedation time to wear off, plus it will allow a blood clot to form over the treatment area. Too much movement or stress can interfere with this, which can delay healing as well as make your child uncomfortable.

A little bit of soreness is expected for a day or so, but the bleeding should stop within a few hours. Be sure to change out their gauze regularly. Your child should avoid brushing near the extraction site, spitting, or drinking with a straw for the first 24 hours. It’s also recommended they stick to a soft food diet for about two to three days, mostly consisting of easy-to-eat items like yogurt, scrambled eggs, soup, pudding, etc.

Understanding the Cost of Children’s Tooth Extractions

When it comes to children’s tooth extractions, many parents aren’t just concerned about their little one’s comfort throughout the process—they also have questions about how much the procedure is going to cost. Rest assured, if our team has suggested a tooth extraction for your child, we’ll review all of the numbers beforehand so you know exactly what to expect. With that in mind, here’s a closer look at a few of the factors that influence the cost of the procedure.

Factors That Can Affect Tooth Extraction Cost

Since every child’s dental needs are unique, each treatment plan will be completely personalized, meaning that the cost will vary. That said, some factors that often influence the cost of tooth extractions in Murphy include:

• The number of teeth needing extraction – Having one tooth extracted is generally much less expensive than having multiple teeth removed.
• The type and location of the tooth – Extracting a tooth far back in the mouth may cost more than extracting a front one. This is because the back teeth are bigger and have multiple roots, making things a little more complicated. Extracting baby teeth is also generally cheaper than extracting adult teeth.
• The kind of extraction needed – For simple extractions, the tooth is gently removed using special forceps; however, some extractions may require a small oral surgical procedure, which will cost more.
• The use of sedation dentistry – Sedation dentistry is often used, alongside local anesthesia, to ensure comfort and compliance in children during treatments like tooth extraction. This can also influence the overall price.

Does Dental Insurance Cover Children’s Tooth Extractions?

Most dental insurance plans do cover children’s tooth extractions, especially when the procedure is medically necessary. However, coverage can vary depending on your specific plan, so it’s always a good idea to review your policy or contact your provider for details. As a dental insurance-friendly practice that’s in-network with a majority of PPO plans, our team is happy to help you verify your benefits and explain out-of-pocket costs before treatment, so you can feel confident about your child’s care and your financial options.

How to Make Children’s Tooth Extractions Affordable

If you do not currently have dental insurance, don’t fret; there are still ways of making your child’s tooth extraction more affordable. Our practice is proud to offer alternative financing options, including our Bloom Kids Club membership plan, which offers discounts on recommended treatments such as tooth extractions, among other exciting benefits. To learn more or for assistance signing up, just contact our Murphy dental office.