Tooth Extractions – Papillion, NE

Reasons for Kids’ Tooth Extractions

We only suggest removing a child’s tooth if it poses a threat to their oral health. Some of the situations in which we may suggest this treatment include:

• A severly broken or decayed tooth
• A tooth has sustained severe damage that can’t be treated
• Overcrowded teeth

The Tooth Extraction Process

The tooth extraction process is relatively straight-forward, and to ensure your child remains comfortable, we’ll administer a local anesthetic or sedation. First, we’ll lift the tooth out of its socket using an elevator. Then, using dental forceps, Dr. Bryce will gently wiggle the tooth free of any connective tissues that may be attached to the roots and pack the extraction site with gauze to help the blood clot. Before you leave, we’ll provide you with instructions on how to take care of your child’s smile as they’re recovering.

Aftercare for Your Child’s Tooth Extraction

Here are some aftercare tips that we recommend to help your little one make a speedy recovery:

• Don’t let them drink from a straw as their gums heal.
• Change the gauze as needed.
• Use a cold compress to control any swelling that occurs.
• Feed them a soft diet that’s high in protein.
• Keep them hydrated with water.
• Don't allow them to bite or suck on their numb lip.
• Don't stress! Things will heal in a few days.

If you have any concerns or questions, give our dental office a call immediately.

Understanding the Cost of Tooth Extractions

The cost of your child’s tooth extraction is not something our team at Surf’s Up Pediatric Dentistry can determine until we have a chance to examine their smile. Several factors must be considered before we can create a cost estimate for you to review. Although it is rare that we would need to perform this type of procedure, you can entrust us to make your child’s safety and comfort our priorities while also keeping in mind your budget.

Factors That Can Affect Tooth Extraction Cost

Your child’s teeth are different than another child’s, which is why a thorough examination is required. During this visit, you can expect our team to evaluate the following when considering the cost of care:

• How good is your child’s oral health?
• Do they have additional issues that need to be treated in addition to tooth extraction (i.e., gum disease, additional decay, etc.)?
• The type of extraction we will need to perform.
• The type of tooth we must remove and its location.
• The kind of replacement we will use (if necessary).

The way we handle tooth extraction is largely based on whether it is a primary or adult tooth. Since permanent teeth require replacement (apart from wisdom teeth), we will need to add this component to the treatment plan and cost estimate should one of your child’s adult teeth need to be extracted.

Does Dental Insurance Cover Tooth Extractions?

Each dental insurance plan is different, but the good news is that most policies abide by the 100-80-50 breakdown. This means that there is a good chance your insurance company will agree to pay for a portion of your child’s tooth extraction. Since many view this type of procedure as a major service, it’s possible that up to 50% of the total cost will be paid for by your insurer. Of course, you’ll need to have met your deductible beforehand.

Other Options for Making Tooth Extractions Affordable

At Surf’s Up Pediatric Dentistry, we are pleased to also accept flexible financing through CareCredit. This third-party financier makes it easy to enroll so that you can remain within budget while helping your child work toward a healthier smile. With low-interest and no-interest plans available, you can avoid additional surprise fees and pay off your child’s procedure over time. This is a welcome reality if the idea of paying for everything upfront, all at once, is simply not feasible.