Tooth Extraction: Cost, Procedure, Risks, and Recovery
Dentists in the world know the importance of oral health and teeth. Teeth play an important role in chewing and swallowing, and a healthy mouth is essential for oral health. Retention of a tooth is an important goal in Sunrise Dental Chatswood. Natural teeth are irreplaceable, which is why dentists try their level best to save them.
However, teeth can eventually become too big or misshapen to function correctly. This is when tooth extraction surgery comes into play – a procedure often needed as a last resort. Here at Sunrise Dental, the Sunrise Chatswood dentist will remove the tooth(s) from your mouth using various techniques and equipment. Tooth extraction costs vary depending on the type of tooth extraction procedure and the location of the teeth that need to be removed. Dental extraction surgery carries some risks, such as pain and bleeding, but most patients report satisfactory postoperative recoveries. So if you’re ever considering undergoing tooth extraction surgery, read up on all the details first!
How much does a tooth extraction cost?
The cost of tooth extraction varies widely depending on whether the tooth is impacted. Simple extraction usually costs between $150 and $250 per tooth, and maybe more depending on the type of anesthesia you need.
A surgical extraction has a longer healing time and higher cost than a simple extraction. Tooth extractions cost anywhere from $300-$600 per tooth, depending on the complexity of your case, your location, your dentist, and your specific needs.
Simple vs. Surgical tooth extraction
There are two main types of tooth extractions: simple tooth extraction and surgical tooth extraction.
Simple tooth extraction is a more routine procedure where the tooth has no complications and is fully erupted (grown in) above the gum line.
The healing time, pain management, and swelling are usually milder with a simple extraction.
Surgical tooth extraction requires a more invasive dental surgery procedure for partially erupted or impacted teeth (when a tooth is blocked from breaking through the gum). You can expect a little more pain and swelling and a longer recovery time.
Sunrise Dental recommends taking 2-3 days off after a surgical extraction procedure to allow adequate time to heal and recover.
In more complex cases, you may need to see a Chatswood dental.
Your Chatswood dentist in Sunrise Dental will determine whether you need a surgical or simple extraction based on:
- Visibility of the tooth
- Impaction of the tooth (related to wisdom teeth – when a tooth is blocked from breaking through the gum)
- Tooth root structure/shape
Procedure
Simple Extraction
Your Chatswood dentist will administer local anesthesia to numb the area around the tooth. The dentist will then use forceps and an instrument called an elevator to carefully loosen the tooth and remove it.
Surgical Tooth Extraction
Surgical tooth extraction patients usually receive both local anesthesia and intravenous anesthesia. If you have a medical condition, your dentist will also administer general anesthesia. The surgeon will create a small incision in the gum tissue and may have to remove the bone surrounding your tooth or cut your tooth before extracting it.
Risks
Though there can be a few risks of surgical tooth extraction, the benefits far outweigh them. It is natural for a blood clot to form in the socket where the tooth has been extracted.If, however, this clot does not form, your dentist will apply a dressing to protect the exposed bone. Some other risks of tooth extraction include:
- Infection (indicated by severe chills and fever)
- Swelling
- Bleeding
- Vomiting or nausea
- Shortness of breath
Recovery
If you want a tooth extraction, be aware of the risks and recovery time involved. There is usually a short period of discomfort and swelling following the procedure, though it can vary depending on the individual. As with any medical procedure, discussing the risks and benefits of a tooth extraction with your dentist before making an appointment is essential. It normally takes a few days to recover after a tooth extraction. The following steps help ensure that your recovery goes smoothly.
- Apply an ice pack to your cheek directly after the procedure to reduce swelling. Use the ice pack for 10 minutes each time.
- After the dentist places the gauze pad over the affected area, bite down to reduce bleeding and to aid in clot formation. Leave the gauze on for three to four hours, or until the pad is soaked with blood.
- Take any medications as prescribed, including over-the-counter painkillers.
- Don’t use a straw for the first 24 hours.
- Don’t smoke.
- Don’t rinse for 24 hours after the tooth extraction.
- Brush and floss your teeth like normal, but avoid the extraction site.
- The day after the procedure, eat soft foods, such as yogurt, pudding, and applesauce.
If you are experiencing pain that isn’t going away after several days or signs of an infection —including fever, pain, and pus or drainage from the incision — make an appointment to see your Chatswood dentist as soon as possible.
Conclusion
In conclusion, tooth extraction is a procedure where an unrestorable tooth is pulled out of its socket in cases of a deep cavity, wisdom teeth, broken teeth, spacing issues, etc.
There are 2 types of extractions: simple extractions and surgical extractions.
Tooth extractions can cost you anywhere from $150-$600 per tooth, depending on your specific case. A surgical extraction has a longer healing time and higher cost than a simple extraction.
It’s important to let your dentist know about any medical conditions and medications you’re taking.
Before having a tooth pulled, make sure you know all your options and plan to restore the extracted tooth.
If you need an extraction or have wisdom teeth that are bothering you, don’t wait.
Come on in so we can have it taken care of for you! Book an appointment with your best Chatswood dentist now!
