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extractions

Simple and surgical tooth extractions are relatively straightforward. Here's a step-by-step on what you can expect.

 
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What is a Tooth Extraction?

A tooth extraction is when a dentist removes a decayed tooth from its socket in the jawbone and gum tissue. First, you are administered a local anesthetic so you won’t feel pain. Then, the dentist uses specialized instruments to gently loosen and extract the tooth. In cases where the tooth is impacted or not easily accessible, a minor surgical procedure might be necessary to create better access. 

Dentist removing a tooth from gums
 

Why Would You Need a Tooth Extraction?

 

Dentist might recommend removing a tooth in cases of impacted teeth, tooth abscess, dental injuries, crowded teeth, advanced gum disease or severe tooth decay.

 

Crowded Teeth

three crowded teeth and yellow circle

Severe Tooth Decay

a single tooth that is decaying

Dental Injuries

a single cracked tooth

Impacted Teeth

Two impacted teeth and yellow circle SVG
 
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How to Prepare for a Tooth Extraction

Before the procedure, talk to your dentist about your medical history. This is important because some health conditions or medications may affect dental treatments. For example, suppose you have a condition that weakens your immune system. In that case, your dentist may ask you to take antibiotics before the extraction. 

 

Your dentist may give you specific instructions on how to prepare for your extraction. This may include arranging a ride home after the procedure or avoiding food and drink in the hours before your appointment. Talk to your dentist to learn about the necessary preparations for your type of extraction. 
 
The most important thing is to have a ride arranged for going back home after the extraction. 

Patient in chair with dentist
 
 

Tooth Extraction Procedure

Tooth extraction can be simple or surgical. Simple extraction is for easy-to-reach teeth, while surgical extraction is for a more complex situation when the tooth is broken or impacted. 
 
 
Simple tooth extraction is when a tooth is visible and be easily removed by a dentist. Surgical tooth extraction is needed when a tooth is broken or impacted.

Simple Extraction

Simple extraction involves a dentist using specialized tools to remove a visible and easily accessible tooth. The tooth is gently loosened and then pulled out. 

Surgical Extraction

Surgical extraction may involve an incision and potentially removing some bone to safely remove the tooth. If you’re feeling particularly anxious, the dentist may offer sedation options.  

 
 

Cost of a Tooth Extraction

The cost of tooth extractions can vary based on complexity of the exaction, location, and insurance coverage. On average, a simple tooth extraction without insurance ranges from $75 to $200. However, surgical extractions could cost anywhere from $225 to $600. It’s important to discuss the cost and payment options before the procedure. Good news: Smile Generation-trusted offices offer convenient payment options that can make managing the cost of tooth extraction much easier.

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Tooth Extraction Aftercare Guide

After a tooth extraction, take it easy for a day or two. Avoid tough foods, hot drinks, and vigorous brushing. Starting from the day after the extraction, gently rinse your mouth with warm salt water a few times a day. If you experience swelling or discomfort, a cold compress and over-the-counter pain relievers can help, but follow your dentist’s instructions.   
 
Here’s an aftercare guide: 

 

• Rest. Take it easy for the first few days and avoid strenuous activities.

• Soft diet. Stick to soft and cool foods to avoid disturbing the extraction site.

• Gentle rinsing. Gently rinse your mouth with warm salt water a few times a day.

• Swelling and discomfort. Use a cold compress to reduce swelling and follow your dentist’s advice for over-the-counter pain relief.

• Avoid smoking. To encourage healing, avoid smoking for at least 72 hours after the extraction.

 

 

Dry Socket and Other Risks

 

Dry sockets are a potential complication following tooth extraction where the blood clot that’s meant to protect the healing socket becomes dislodged or dissolves. This occurs in about 2-5% of tooth extractions.  
 
Other risks include infection at the extraction site, excessive bleeding, damage to adjacent teeth or nerves, and delayed healing due to factors like smoking, poor oral hygiene, or certain medical conditions. It’s important to follow post-operative instructions provided by your Smile Generation-trusted dentist and promptly report any unusual symptoms for proper management and prevention of these risks. 

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Got questions?

 

Preparing for a tooth extraction? Get ready for all your answers. 

 
SEE ALL FAQS
 

A tooth extraction is the process of extracting the tooth from the mouth. In some cases, tooth extractions are simple, such as a baby tooth that will not fall out. In other cases, tooth extractions are complex and require surgical removal. If the tooth is above the gum line, it is considered simple, but if it is below the gum line, meaning it has not grown in, you will need a surgical extraction.

 

If you require a surgical tooth extraction, such as with an impacted wisdom tooth, the dentist may need to remove gum tissue or even parts of the bone to extract the tooth. You may need a tooth extraction if the dentists believe you to have severe tooth decay, advanced gum disease, crowded teeth, an abscess, impact, or other dental injuries that are not treatable.

There are two types of tooth extractions, and the type of extraction will determine the length of healing. The first type of extraction is a simple extraction and usually requires little intervention in the healing process. Simple extractions do not involve significant healing lengths as there is no required incision.

 

The second type of extraction is a surgical extraction and will require weeks to heal. This type of tooth extraction requires cutting to get the entire tooth, including the roots out. While the healing process starts almost immediately, you are looking at several weeks before the site is completely healed.

 

Learn more in our blog article, "Tooth Extractions: Cost Without Insurance, Healing and Eating."

Without insurance, a tooth extraction can cost more than you might expect. The cost will also depend on a few things, such as where you live and the type of extraction you need. For instance, a simple extraction, where no incision was made, will cost less than a surgical extraction, where an incision and sutures were required.

 

Typically, but not in all locations or offices, a simple tooth extraction will cost less than $100, while more complicated extractions can cost over $1,000.

 

If you do not have insurance, consider a dental plan or financing through Smile Generation—dental plans typically cost less than insurance.

 

Learn more in our blog article, "Tooth Extractions: Cost Without Insurance, Healing and Eating."

Damaged tooth? You might need a tooth extraction. If your tooth is damaged below the gum line, chances are, your dentist will not be able to save it. When the tooth is either damaged wholly or severely broken, your dentist will likely recommend a tooth extraction.

 

Other cases, such as advanced gum disease, will also constitute a tooth extraction because it can permanently damage both your teeth and jaw if not treated. And in some cases, if there is an abscess, you will also need a tooth extraction.

 

There are also cases where there is no sign of disease, decay, or damage, yet a tooth extraction may be necessary. For instance, a tooth extraction might be recommended if you have overly crowded teeth.

 

Learn more in our blog article, "Emergency Tooth Extractions."

 
 

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Sources

WebMD. (n.d.). Tooth Extraction: Pulling a Tooth. https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/pulling-a-tooth-tooth-extraction 

Colgate. (n.d.). Tooth Extraction: What to Expect When You Need a Tooth Removed. https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/tooth-removal/tooth-extraction 

Healthline. (n.d.). Tooth Extraction: Procedure, Recovery, and More. https://www.healthline.com/health/tooth-extraction