What seemed like a minor problem at first can easily lead to much bigger issues in a matter of time, and at times this could lead to the need for a full mouth extraction. A full mouth extraction is where your dentist removes all your teeth. This is often the first step prior to receiving a full set of dentures. Usually, this is done within a single appointment, but your dentist may ask you to schedule an appointment in the future as it does require surgery.
While it may not be the experience that many people look forward to, a full mouth extraction is rather straightforward, and dentists are able to help make the experience as painless as possible. Not to mention, one all your teeth are removed you will be able to embrace a more beautiful smile with the help of cosmetic appliances such as dentures.
This guide is going to cover everything that you need to know about these types of extractions, from what to expect before going in for the procedure to what can be expected after it’s completed.
Understanding the Full Mouth Extraction Procedure
During your initial visit, your dentist will take x-rays to ensure that they know what route needs to be taken to allow for a smooth extraction. They will also gather your medical history to ensure that there are no complications during the procedure.
With all the needed information in hand, your dentist will most likely start the extraction process, in which they will use a local sedative to numb the teeth that are being taken out. They can also use other forms of sedation, which is common, especially when one is undergoing full mouth extraction.
Depending on whether the teeth are impacted or damaged in any other way, they will try to remove teeth with a simple extraction method where possible. However, there are times when they may need to make an incision in your gums to free the teeth completely so that they can be removed successfully.
Keep in mind that a full mouth extraction may require you not to eat or drink anything for 8-12 hours prior to the procedure, as it’s a form of oral surgery. Your dentist will make you aware of what is expected of you before the time comes so that you can be prepared.
Full Mouth Extraction Recovery Process
While having all of your teeth pulled at once can seem like something nobody wants to go through, a lot of the time it’s for your best interest and to provide you with a better smile and enhanced functionality for the long run. In order to help ensure you know what’s in store for you, we’ve broken down the full mouth extraction recovery process for you below.
· Precautions that should always be taken after the procedure.
o After the procedure, you might notice slight bleeding happening from around the area where your teeth have been removed. Don’t be alarmed, as it’s completely normal for this to happen for several hours after the procedure.
Just make sure that you bite down on the gauze that has been placed where your dentures area to help suppress the bleeding. Laying in a position where you’re semi-reclined can also help. Certain activities such as bending over, rinsing your mouth out, and using a straw should be avoided completely for the first 24 hours after surgery.
· The day of your surgery, and up to 24 hours afterward.
During the first 24 hours following the extraction and placement of your dentures, make sure that you leave your denture in and don’t remove them even if it is tempting to do so. The first 24 hours is essential to stopping the bleeding and promoting successful healing. Hence why it’s recommended that you’re extremely careful with what you do the first day after oral surgery.
· The 2nd and 3rd day after the extraction takes place.
On the second and third days after the extraction, things start to get a little bit better when it comes to what you can and can’t do. You will want to remove your dentures three times daily to rinse them off. When they’re out, use a glass of warm saltwater to help rinse your mouth out as this will help minimize the risk of infection while your mouth is still healing.
· The fourth day up to the first month after full mouth extraction.
Now you will follow the same steps that you implemented during days 2 and 3, with the exception of being able to rinse your mouth out more vigorously than before. Many times, your dentist might recommend that you rinse using chlorhexidine for this first week, which needs to be done if it’s recommended for you to do so.
Also, you’re your fingertip to rub across your gums and help with rinsing as this will help you ensure that the best results are obtained. You can brush and floss if you have teeth remaining (or brush your gums if you don’t) up to 2 times per day during this period. Immediately after brushing and rinsing, replace your dentures so that your mouth can continue getting adjusted to the new addition.
What can be done to replace your missing teeth?
In most cases, dentures are used in order to help replace the teeth that were removed when undergoing a full mouth extraction. Usually, after the procedure, your dentist will place immediate dentures so that you can be put on the path to a beautiful smile.
Another option is going with dental implants, but this can be more costly than getting a set of dentures due to the materials that are used and the fact that the procedure is a little bit more intensive than it is when getting fitted for dentures. Both of these options are great ways to replace your missing teeth while enabling you to say goodbye to the inconvenience and discomfort of missing teeth.
How much does a full mouth extraction cost?
This depends upon how many teeth you need to have removed, but for the most part, a full mouth extraction can cost upwards of $3,000. Single tooth extraction in Houston averages at $250 per tooth, but the location and level of complexity both play a major part in how much it will cost.
You also have to consider the type of sedation that’s used during the full mouth extraction, as this plays a significant part when it comes to the expenses that are involved with the procedure itself. For a detailed estimate, give your dentist a call to discuss your options as well as the rates that are charged.
Will insurance help pay for full mouth extractions?
In most cases, especially where gum disease might be present, your insurance company will help cover some of the costs associated with a full mouth extraction. However, for a direct answer, consult with your dentist and/or your insurance company to ensure that coverage isn’t going to be a problem.
Don’t worry, there are times when patients have had their insurance companies deny them when it comes to helping to foot the dental bill associated with full mouth extractions. There are still other ways to help save you money on the overall cost as well as obtain any financial help that might be needed, which will be covered in the next section.
Other Financing Options for Full Mouth Extractions
One of the first things that we recommend to patients who either don’t have insurance or have limited coverage, is to take advantage of the savings offered via our dental savings plan. This helps you get a reduced rate on our dental services which can save quite a bit of money, especially with services as in-depth as a full mouth extraction.
Another option is to either embrace the help of Care Credit or Lending Club, which are both third-party lenders experienced with helping patients finance the cost of their dental needs. A lot of the time (depending on one’s credit as well as other qualification factors), the financing can be obtained without having to come up with a down payment. The cost of the dental services is financed with monthly payments that are at a point that you can afford, based on your income.
For further information on other financing options for dentures or extractions, feel free to reach out to our office directly. We will be more than happy to help you come up with something that suits your specific needs while embracing the high-quality dental care in Houston that you deserve.
Getting a Full Mouth Extraction in Houston, Texas
Here at Best Dental, we’re a full-service dental office that has experience with providing preventive care as well as oral surgery for the most complex needs. If you’re looking for the dentist that can help you embrace painless dentistry while giving you the dentures (or dental implants) that you need in order to enhance your smile, look no further as the many 5-star reviews by our patients prove that our focus on quality service isn’t going unnoticed.