Costs of Tooth Extraction

If you have a tooth that is loose, or you have a tooth that has suffered massive decay and/or infection, you may need a tooth extraction. You may be wondering just what a tooth extraction is, and the tooth extraction cost. The cost of tooth extraction, the reasons for tooth extraction and more are explored below.

What Is Tooth Extraction?

When a tooth has become damaged, decayed, infected or is otherwise no longer viable, a tooth extraction will be necessary. A tooth extraction is a procedure that involves a dentist pulling a tooth, or removing it with a surgical procedure.

Why Would I Need a Tooth Extraction?

While your dentist will do everything that they can to keep your healthy tooth in place, if the damage is too severe, they will need to remove the tooth for the protection of your overall oral health. Some reasons that you may need a tooth extraction include:

  • Breaks and Deep Cracks
  • Infection
  • Cysts
  • Gum Disease
  • Impacting of Other Teeth
  • Wisdom Teeth Eruption

While for most extractions your dentist will do what they can to save the tooth before deciding to pull it, wisdom teeth are an exception.

What Are Wisdom Teeth?

Wisdom teeth are an additional set of molars that generally appear between the ages of 17 and 25. These extra molars are redundant, and don’t offer any real value. While they may erupt successfully without causing any damage or oral health issues, most dentists will remove them regardless. Wisdom teeth are generally more trouble than they are worth. This procedure will involve surgery, and will more than likely require anesthetic. Because of this, wisdom teeth extraction is generally more expensive that other tooth extraction procedures.

Costs Involved in Extraction

The cost of tooth extraction will depend on a variety of factors—including how many teeth, which specific teeth, whether surgery is needed and more. Still, the average cost of tooth extraction is $75 to $200 per tooth. The more work that is necessary, though, the more the extraction may cost.

Replacement Options

Once a tooth or teeth are removed, it is extremely important to have them replaced as soon as possible. Because of this, you’ll want to speak with your dentist about what replacement options are available. If the jawbone is still strong and intact, your dentist may suggest dental implants. In order to make sure they are an available option, your dentist may perform a bone graft. This graft may be immediately after the tooth is pulled.

Another option for replacement is a dental bridge. Dental bridges offer support and help to ensure oral health, but they are not as durable as dental implants. Still, if a patient cannot afford implants or are not a good candidate for implants, a dental bridge may be the best option.

If you have a tooth or teeth that need to be pulled, speak with your dentist about the cost of tooth extraction, and the cost of replacements.

More information on tooth extractions : Wisdom Teeth Extraction info