All About Tooth Extractions

Overview
Tooth extractions are relatively common procedure performed in a dentist's office. For decayed teeth or those that have been broken or damaged by injuries that may not be repaired through other methods or procedures, a tooth extraction is often the only way to save the health and function of surrounding teeth. Wisdom teeth are often extracted before their descent causes damage or misalignment to other permanent teeth.

Tooth extractions also may be necessary for individuals requiring orthodontic treatment, because the number of the teeth in the mouth will block other teeth from coming in. Extractions are commonly performed to create room for other teeth being realigned into their proper position.

Tooth extractions are also common with individuals receiving chemotherapy treatments or who are under heavy use of some medications that cause a deficiency or weakened immune system, which in turn increases infection risks.

Tooth Extraction Procedure
The first step of the tooth extraction procedure will be for the dentist or oral surgeon to take x-rays of the teeth. In most cases, a panoramic x-ray will be taken, which takes pictures of all of the teeth in the mouth at the same time.

In some cases, patients may be required to take antibiotics if infection is present or if they have a weakened immune system, or if there are other specific medical issues being dealt with at the time of the extraction. In most cases, individuals receive an injection that will numb the area surrounding the tooth to be extracted.

Two common tooth extraction procedures include:

• Simple extraction
• Surgical extraction

A simple extraction procedure may be performed by a general dentist through the use of local anesthetics or anti-anxiety drugs. For a simple extraction, the dentist will grab onto the tooth with a special tool called a forceps and loosen it (if it's not already loose) by a manipulating it back and forth. In most cases, the dentist will be able to easily extract the tooth in a very short period of time.

A surgical extraction may be necessary for teeth that have been broken off at the gum line or have not yet descended through the gum line, as is common with the case of wisdom teeth.  During this type of extraction, an oral surgeon will cut into the gum line to expose the tooth.  From that point, the extraction will be performed much in the same way as a simple extraction is performed.

For most patients, discomfort from a tooth extraction is minimal. Patients are often advised to take over-the-counter pain medication, and depending on case, may also be prescribed an antibiotic. If stitches are necessary, stitches that dissolve on their own within a week or two are used.

Benefits of a Tooth Extraction
Tooth extraction offers a number of benefits to patients. In addition to making more room in the mouth for teeth in the case of orthodontic treatments, tooth extractions remove dead or damaged teeth from the mouth, preventing infection or damage to surrounding teeth. Extractions are often necessary for the implementation of bridge work or dentures. Individuals suffering from advanced stages of gum disease may also benefit from tooth extractions to help relieve pain, infection, and to make room for dentures.

How Much Does a Tooth Extraction Cost?
In the United States, simple extractions may cost between $75.00 and $150 each. Surgical extractions may cost between $150, and $600, depending on the difficulty of the extraction. Non-impacted wisdom tooth extraction may cost anywhere from $150 to $350, while partially or completely impacted wisdom teeth may cost between $350 and $650.

However, travelers visiting India may benefit from excellent and quality tooth extractions for as low as $15.00 each, while Mexico may offer the same services for approximately $60.00 per tooth, as do locations in Central and South America such as Costa Rica, Columbia, and Argentina.

Who Performs Tooth Extractions?
A simple tooth extraction may be performed by a dentist, while surgical extractions will be performed by an oral surgeon. Make sure that the dentist or oral surgeon of your choice is educated, trained and certified in the type of extraction needed. Check with local or national Dental Associations or Organizations to ensure the credentials of the dentist or dental surgeon of your choice.