When a Tooth Needs to Come Out
Your dentist will try to save a tooth whenever they can. Sometimes taking it out is the safer choice. The most common reasons are:
- Deep decay.When a cavity goes too deep to repair, the tooth may need to come out before the problem spreads.
- A broken tooth.A tooth that's cracked below the gum line or broken too badly to fix.
- Crowding.Sometimes a tooth has to come out to make room, like when there's no space for a tooth to come in.
- Gum disease.Advanced gum disease can loosen a tooth until it can't be saved.
Pain, swelling, or a bad taste in your mouth can be signs of an infection. Don't wait on it.Read Why an Untreated Dental Infection Is Serious
If your dentist has told you a tooth needs to come out, we can help.
Do You Qualify to Be Put to Sleep or Sedated?
If you're 13 or older, you usually qualify to be put to sleep or sedated for your extraction when you need:
- Your wisdom teeth removed, or
- Four or more teeth removed.
Severe fear of the dentist, or a past dental experience that was traumatic for you, may also qualify you. This depends on your plan's approval, and our team will help you ask for it.
Getting your wisdom teeth out?See Our Wisdom Teeth Page →
Need one to three simple teeth out? These are usually pulled while you're awake at your regular dentist, with numbing medicine. If you don't have a dentist who can do it, we can point you to one of our partner dental offices.
Not sure which applies to you? Text us what your dentist told you, and we'll let you know.
Covered by Missouri Medicaid
Looking for a tooth extraction covered by Missouri Medicaid? We accept MO HealthNet and its health plans. Your extraction is covered when your plan approves it, and once it's approved, you pay nothing.See Plans and Costs →
Your plan has to approve your surgery before it happens. This is called prior authorization, and we handle it for you.How Prior Authorization Works →
If your plan says no, you still have options.What to Do If Prior Authorization Is Denied
Common Questions
Do I qualify to be put to sleep or sedated? (Ages 13 and up)
If you're 13 or older, you usually qualify when you need your wisdom teeth removed or four or more teeth removed. Severe fear of the dentist, or a past dental experience that was traumatic for you, may also qualify you. This depends on your plan's approval. These are usually pulled while you're awake at your regular dentist, with numbing medicine. If you don't have a dentist who can do it, we can point you to one of our partner dental offices.
Does Missouri Medicaid pay for wisdom teeth removal?
Yes, when your wisdom teeth are impacted or causing pain and your plan approves the surgery.For more details, see:Wisdom Teeth →
How much does oral surgery cost with Missouri Medicaid?
Nothing, once your plan approves your treatment.For more details, see:Insurance and Cost →
What is a prior authorization?
It's your plan saying yes to your surgery before it happens. We request it for you.For more details, see:Prior Authorization →
What happens on surgery day?
You check in, meet your care team, and are put to sleep or sedated for treatment. Most patients go home the same day, once our team clears them.For more details, see:Surgery Day →
How long does swelling last?
It's usually worst on days 2 to 4, then fades by days 7 to 10.For more details, see:Recovery →
What happens if a tooth infection isn't treated?
The problem can spread. Pain, swelling, or a bad taste in your mouth can be signs of an infection, so don't wait on it.For more details, see:What Happens If a Dental Infection Goes Untreated?
What if my prior authorization is denied?
You still have options, and we'll help you understand them.For more details, see:Why Was My Dental Prior Authorization Denied?
