There are a few reasons why you would need a tooth pulled instead of repaired, although generally, an extraction is considered the last resort when fixing a dental problem since you only get one set of adult teeth.
When Do You Need your Tooth Pulled?
The biggest causes for concern with pulling teeth usually involve:
- Preventing spread of infection
- The tooth has died
- There is significant pain
- The tooth would cause overcrowding
How much does it cost to get your tooth pulled?
There may be other factors that will dictate the cost of your tooth extraction, these include:
- The position of the tooth
- Any overcrowding issues
- What type of tooth it is
- If it has fully erupted or not
At Smiles Dental Group, we ALWAYS charge below the recommended fee guide, this means for a simple tooth extraction, it currently costs $134.33 (March 2022).
Preparing to get your tooth pulled
When the appointment starts, the dentist will take an x-ray of the tooth in question. If you are currently taking any vitamins, medications, or supplements now would be the time to inform your dentist.
You should also tell your dentist if you have experienced any of the following:
- A congenital heart defect
- Diabetes
- Liver disease
- Thyroid disease
- Renal disease
- Hypertension
- An artificial joint
- Damaged heart valves
- Adrenal disease
- An impaired immune system
- A history of bacterial endocarditis
Will I be given antibiotics for a tooth pull?
Your doctor may or may not give you antibiotics for your extraction, it will be based on a number of factor:
- The duration of the surgery
- You have an infection
- Compromised immune system
- You have a medical condition
What Is The Procedure For An Extraction
If your tooth has erupted normally, it will be a simple extraction, if your tooth is impacted, it will need to be surgically extracted.
Simple Extraction
The dentist will administer a local anesthetic to the tooth and the area surrounding the tooth. The anesthetic will numb the area and the dentist will proceed with the extraction. If the area does not feel numb, you can request anesthetic to numb the pain, but the dentist can only give so much. The dentist will then use an elevator and forceps to loosen and remove the tooth.
Surgical Extraction
Since surgical extraction is more invasive, you will probably be given both local anesthesia, and intravenous anesthesia. Once the drugs take effect, the dentist will make a small incision near the tooth, and then they will extract it. In some cases, bone may be removed in order to complete the procedure.
What Is The Aftercare For getting your Tooth Pulled?
You should always listen to your dentist for the specific instructions as they will know your case better, but here are a few things you can do to help with the recovery:
- Apply a cold compress to the side of your face with the extraction site.
- Bite down gently on the gauze pad until it is soaked in blood, then remove it.
- Take any prescribed medications.
- Don’t engage in any physical activity for 24 hours.
- Don’t use a straw, or rinse for 24 hours.
- Use pillows under your head if you are laying down.
- Brush and floss as you would, but avoid the site.
- Eat soft foods for 24-48 hours after surgery.
- Don’t smoke for 24-48 hours
