Tooth extractions are a common dental procedure done to address a variety of dental concerns. Your dentist will let you know if you need an extraction. It might be performed during the same appointment, or might be scheduled for a later day. Teeth are generally extracted by a dentist or oral surgeon in a single procedure. You might have pain and swelling for a few days following an extraction.
Tooth extractions are done to ensure your mouth stays healthy. They can prevent infection and damage to teeth. A tooth extraction is a safe and low risk because your gums can heal and repair themselves naturally. In fact, a tooth extraction is sometimes recommended as a preventive measure.
There are a variety of reasons you might need a tooth extraction. This includes:
● Your teeth are injured or damaged
● Your wisdom teeth don’t have enough room to grow in
● Your teeth are crowded and overlapping each other
● You’re receiving orthodontic care and need teeth removed before braces
● Your tooth is decayed
● Your tooth is infected and causing infection to spread to your gums
● Your gums have been weakened by gum disease and can no longer hold your teeth
● Your mouth is at risk of infection
● You are about to start chemotherapy and need damaged or potentially infected teeth removed
● You are about to receive an organ transplant and need damaged or potentially infected teeth removed
Your cost for a tooth extraction will depend on factors such as the type of extraction you need, the type of anesthesia used, where you live, and the dentist you use. A simple extraction will often cost between $75 and $200 for each tooth. A more complex extraction, such as one needed for impacted teeth can cost between $800 and $4,000. Your dental insurance might cover some or all of the cost.
There are two options for tooth extraction. A simple extraction is done to pull a damaged or decayed tooth that is visible. A surgical extraction is done when the tooth is under your gums. This is called an impacted tooth and it is a common problem for wisdom teeth. The steps of your procedure will depend on what type of procedure you have.
A simple extraction is generally performed at a dentist’s office. You’ll receive local anesthesia so the procedure isn’t painful. You might feel some pressure as the tooth is removed. Your mouth might be numb for a few hours following your procedure, and you might notice swelling for a day or two.
The steps of a simple extraction include:
1. A local anesthetic will be used to numb the area
2. A tool called an elevator will be used to loosen your tooth
3. A tool called forceps will be used to remove the tooth
4. The area might be packed with gauze
A surgical extraction can be performed by a dentist or an oral surgeon. You might receive local anesthesia to numb the area, sedation to help you relax, or general anesthesia to keep you unconscious during the procedure. Recovery from a surgical extraction can take a few days. You’ll likely need to eat soft foods and might be prescribed medicine to help you manage the pain.
The steps of a surgical extraction include:
1. A local anesthetic, general anesthetic, or sedation will be given to ensure you don’t feel pain
2. The dentist will make an incision into your gum
3. Your tooth will be removed
4. Any bone around your tooth that is blocking nerves will be removed
5. The incision will be stitched closed
6. The wound will be packed with gauze
By clicking on the button you consent to the processing of your data