There are times when looking for tooth extraction near me becomes necessary in your journey to optimal oral health. There are many reasons you may require tooth extraction procedures.
Whether it is severe decay, infection, or overcrowing, having a clear understanding of the tooth extraction process is crucial.
This article guides you on all you need to know to make your treatment much smoother by comprehensively looking into:
- The main instances that necessitate tooth extraction;
- The benefits of tooth extraction;
- Ways the procedure is done;
- The average cost of tooth extraction in the US;
- How to find the best tooth extraction dentists near me.
What Is Tooth Extraction?
A tooth extraction is a dental procedure that completely removes an infected or damaged tooth from the mouth. It is sometimes referred to as tooth pulling.
This procedure is generally performed by a dentist or an oral surgeon and is mostly done in situations where the natural tooth cannot be saved. Another key reason tooth extraction is necessary is when the affected tooth (or teeth) poses a risk to the patient’s oral health.
Tooth extraction procedures are typically performed under local anesthesia. This only numbs the area around the tooth being extracted. However, general anesthesia may also be used in more complex cases or when multiple teeth are pulled out. In this case, the patient is fully asleep throughout the whole process.
When Is Tooth Extraction Recommended?
Tooth extraction is always the last resort for dentists. This is because they always prefer to save natural teeth as much as possible.
However, there are instances where other tooth restorative methods, such as dental fillings, may not provide the ultimate solution. This makes extraction necessary.
But what are the instances that make tooth extraction the recommended treatment?
- Severe tooth decay: Extraction may be the best solution to prevent further damage when a tooth is extensively decayed beyond repair.
- Crowded mouth: Dentists sometimes pull out crowded teeth to give room for orthodontic treatment.
- Severe tooth infection: A severely infected tooth or one with an abscess necessitates extraction to prevent it from spreading to other parts of the mouth.
- Impacted wisdom teeth: Impacted wisdom teeth, or wisdom teeth that don’t have sufficient space to emerge properly, can cause pain, misalignment, and infection. The best course of action is to remove them to prevent further discomfort.
- Periodontal disease: Advanced gum disease might lead to the removal of loose teeth.
Nevertheless, it is important to note that tooth extraction is always the last resort by dentists as a form of treatment. The condition must be in the advanced stages, where other conventional means of treatment may not function properly.
Benefits of Tooth Extraction
Although tooth extraction is usually a last resort, it can offer many benefits in various situations. Here are some key benefits of tooth extraction:
- Alleviates pain: Extraction offers pain relief to people with severely decayed or damaged teeth. They are the source of the pain, and by removing them, the patients can experience a significant improvement.
- Preventing the spread of infections: Infected teeth can easily spread the disease or bacteria to surrounding teeth and gums. By extracting these already infected teeth, you avoid the further spread of the problem.
- Supports orthodontic treatment: Orthodontic treatment is one of the best solutions to having straighter and more aligned teeth. However, even some of the best teeth straightening options have limitations where there is severe overcrowding. In this case, tooth extraction offers ample space for orthodontics to function optimally.
- Preparing teeth for prosthetic treatment: Tooth extraction benefits people who require prosthetic treatment but do not have the ideal dental structure. This procedure becomes necessary when space is needed to ensure a proper fit.
- Improved general health: Your mouth is the gateway to your body. Having infected or decayed teeth makes it easier for the bacteria to get into your body or other parts of the mouth, causing more health concerns.
By removing the source of the problem, you can maintain the health and integrity of your oral health and keep your body healthy.
Tooth Extraction Procedure
Tooth extraction can be performed in different ways, mainly depending on the complexity of the case.
Nevertheless, when looking for tooth extraction near me, you will most likely encounter two major types of tooth removal techniques: routine extractions and surgical extractions.
Routine Extraction
A routine extraction is the most common type of extraction done on teeth that are easily accessible. This simple extraction is ideal only for teeth that are fully erupted and typically involves the following steps:
- Numbing
Dentists use local anesthesia to numb the area where the affected tooth is to be extracted. Doing so ensures the patient remains comfortable and doesn’t experience pain throughout the procedure.
- Loosening the tooth
Once the area has been numbed, the dentist uses special tools, such as elevators, and controlled pressure to loosen the tooth from its sockets. This makes it easier to remove the tooth without damaging surrounding tissues and teeth.
- Extraction
Once the tooth has been loosened adequately, the dentist uses special tools, such as dental forceps, to grip the tooth and gently remove it from the socket. Controlled pressure is also used here to prevent unnecessary trauma to surrounding tissues.
There isn’t closure required for simple extractions, as the extraction site is left to heal naturally. However, the dentist may place a dissolvable stitch to facilitate better healing, especially when the extracted tooth is severely decayed or infected.
Surgical Extraction
A surgical extraction is a more complex procedure. It is performed in severe cases or when the tooth has not fully erupted and requires a more extensive approach.
Generally, partially erupted teeth and impacted wisdom teeth are ideal candidates for a surgical extraction. Here’s a general process that may be followed during this procedure:
- Anesthesia
This procedure involves surgery, meaning anesthesia is highly recommended. Although local anesthesia is used to numb the area, general anesthesia can also be used where the patient is asleep the entire time.
- Incisions
The dentist makes small incisions to access the underlying tooth and bone. Doing so exposes the affected tooth, making it easier to extract it.
- Tooth sectioning
The oral surgeon or dentist can section the tooth into smaller pieces, especially when the tooth is too large or tightly positioned. Doing so significantly reduces trauma to the surrounding tissues.
- Extraction
After accessing the tooth, the dentist uses special tools to carefully remove the tooth or tooth fragments from the socket.
- Closure
Surgical extractions mostly involve sutures used to close the incision. In this case, follow-up appointments may be necessary.
Cost of Tooth Extraction in the US
The cost of tooth extraction in the US varies depending on several factors, including the complexity of the case, the location and credentials of the dentist, and where the affected tooth is located.
Here is the average range of pricing for tooth extraction in the US:
| Type of extraction | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Routine (simple) extraction | $75 - $300 |
| Surgical extraction | $225 - $600 |
| Wisdom tooth removal | $225 - $750 |
| Impacted wisdom tooth extraction | $350 - $1,200 |
| Extraction with general anesthesia | $500 - $1,500 |
| Additional costs (e.g., X-rays, Consultation) | $50 - $200 |
Finding Tooth Extraction Near Me
You can easily find tooth extraction near you through your local dentist. Most dental clinics have tooth extraction as a part of their main services.
However, if you want to find an oral surgeon near me for the first time, you can do so by:
- Searching online and filtering results
- Checking local forums and online directories
- Getting recommendations from your network
If looking for cheap tooth extraction near me, you may consider contacting dental schools, community health clinics, or dental outreach programs.
Some of these, including certain charity organizations, might even offer free tooth extraction. You can also look for tooth extraction and orthodontic insurance options to help you lower the overall cost of your treatment.
Tooth Extraction Recovery
The healing process after tooth extraction generally takes 2 – 4 weeks. It is important to note that while this is a typically safe procedure, complications may arise, such as dry sockets and infections. There can also be a potential risk of nerve damage.
However, when properly done by a qualified dental professional, you will be back to your normal activities in no time.
You will be given instructions on how to take care of the extraction area, including:
- Bleeding control
- Controlling bruising and swelling
- Pain management
Moreover, your dental healthcare provider will take you through the ideal diet to follow and things to avoid, such as smoking.
However, if you want more insights about what to do and what not to do after a tooth extraction, the following video by the dentist Tamisha Denis explains everything you need to know about tooth extraction recovery.
Tooth Extraction Alternatives
Tooth extraction is generally considered a last resort when it comes to oral health. Dental practitioners prefer preserving a natural tooth before they decide to remove it.
However, there are instances where tooth extraction may not be necessary, and natural teeth can be saved.
Some of the most common alternatives to tooth extraction include:
- Root canal treatment: If the pulp of the tooth is severely infected or damaged, a root canal helps to remove it. In turn, you only get rid of the infected part of the tooth instead of removing the entire tooth.
- Dental crown: A dental crown is a good option where a tooth is severely decayed or damaged but can still be saved. A dental crown is a custom-made tooth-like cap placed over the damaged tooth, therefore restoring its aesthetics and functionality.
- Dental filling: Instead of entirely removing a tooth with minor decay or damage, a dental filling is a better option. In this treatment, the damaged part of the tooth is removed, and the void is filled with composite resin or amalgam.
- Orthodontic treatment: Orthodontic treatment is usually the first line of defense against issues such as misalignments and overcrowding. Only when there isn’t enough space to move the teeth will there be extraction.
Final Thoughts
Tooth extraction is an important dental procedure that prevents oral issues from spreading, becoming worse, or easing the patient’s pain. While it is usually seen as a last resort, it does come with numerous benefits.
Having a clear understanding of the procedures, the cost implications, and the recovery process will help you know exactly what to expect. Ensure you seek proper dental medical counsel before settling for a tooth extraction.
FAQ
You can eat mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, yogurt, and other soft diets after a tooth extraction.
It takes about 7 - 14 days after tooth extraction to heal.
However, it might take a few more weeks to completely heal and regain normal functionality.
Immediately after your procedure, you will be required to bite on a gauze pad to control bleeding. You will also need to apply ice packs to reduce swelling and avoid strenuous activities, at least for the first 24 hours.
You should avoid smoking, consuming hot or spicy foods, and disturbing the treated area with your tongue or fingers, as these activities can interfere with the healing process.
Sources
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- Managing Pain After Tooth Extraction (2023). Retrieved 5 June 2023, from https://www.hometownfamilydentalnc.com/blog/managing-pain-after-tooth-extraction
- Wisdom Tooth Extraction (2022). Retrieved 5 June 2023, from https://www.uofmhealth.org/health-library/tm6328
- Do I Need a Dentist or Oral Surgeon for my Tooth Extraction? (2023). Retrieved 5 June 2023, from https://wmsmile.com/do-i-need-a-dentist-or-oral-surgeon-for-my-tooth-extraction/
- Types of Dental Extraction. (2022). Retrieved 5 June 2023, from https://www.news-medical.net/health/Types-of-Dental-Extraction.aspx
- Reasons for extraction of permanent teeth in general dental practices in Tehran, Iran (2013). Retrieved 5 June 2023, from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23295210/
- What Does Wisdom Tooth Extraction Cost? (2023). Retrieved 5 June 2023, from https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/wisdom-teeth/what-will-tooth-extraction-cost#
