Dental extraction: Everything you need to know.
What is dental extraction?
Dental extraction refers to removing an infected or impacted tooth performed by a dental professional which has become unrestorable through tooth decay. It is done to prevent the worsening of the condition of teeth like; infection, tooth decay, crowded growth. Whenever patient’s delay or avoid the oral problem, the risk spreads to the infection which may need to be extracted before they fall.
Tooth extraction prices
The tooth extraction prices vary widely depending on the tooth impacted. The price depends on factors like the patient’s teeth condition, the type of extraction and the type of anesthesia. The price for simple extraction without insurance costs between 75$ to 250$ and for surgical extraction, the price rises up to 300$.
Tooth extraction procedure, aftercare and recovery
Tooth extraction procedure
There are two process of dental extraction:
- Simple extraction: It is the removal of a tooth which is visible in a patient’s mouth. In this process patient’s will receive a local anesthetic which numbs the area around the tooth so that patient’s feel pressure, not pain during the procedure. The dentist will use an instrument called an elevator to loosen the tooth before removing it with dental forceps.
- Surgical extraction: It is a more complex procedure used for tooth extraction. In this process patient’s will receive both local and intravenous anesthesia which makes patients calm and relaxed. During this extraction, the dentist will make a small cut into the gums and remove the underlying tooth.
Dental extraction aftercare
The most important thing to do after dental extraction is keeping the area clean and preventing infection. After the procedure, the dentist might ask you to bite down gently on a piece of dry, sterile gauze, which you should keep in place for up to 30 to 45 mins to limit bleeding. Dentist will provide detailed aftercare instruction which include:
- Prescribe painkillers
- Resting and avoiding any strenuous exercise for up to a week
- Avoid smoking and alcohol
- Ensure to brush and floss but avoid treatment site
- No rinsing until a day after the process
- After a day, rinse mouth using salt solution
Tooth extraction recovery
After the procedure is completed, tooth extraction recovery depends on the complexity of the patient’s case. Many people feel back to normal in just a few days and they will be able to return to routine activities within 48-74 hours.
Why do you need a dental extraction?
Dental extraction is the removal of a tooth from its socket in the bone. Dental extraction may be performed for different reason but here are common reason why do you need dental extraction:
Tooth breakage: Whenever a tooth breaks near the gum lines, there may not be enough of visible tooth structure to which tooth restoration such as dental crowns can be attached. In this kind of case dental extraction is needed.
Tooth decay: It is caused by the build-up of tartar and plaque and it is the most common reason for tooth removal. Many patients need to have teeth extracted due to the tooth decay which they have avoided for years. Tooth decay affects the enamel of the tooth which will further damage the tooth.
Impacted teeth: A tooth is impacted when it is blocked from coming out or when gums don’t fully erupt preventing the tooth from coming out. It is usually in the case of wisdom teeth. Dental extraction helps an impacted tooth.
Overcrowded teeth: Tooth impaction causes overcrowding. It creates more space for the remaining teeth to be pulled into alignment so it all sits flush with one another. Dental extraction of overcrowded teeth is most performed on children and teenagers.
Gum disease: When gum disease is left untreated it is destructive to the teeth. Gum disease causes the degeneration of the gum tissue, ligaments and bone that support the teeth. It will cause the teeth to fall out on their own or teeth may require extraction.
