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If you're experiencing severe tooth pain or have been told by your dentist that a tooth needs to be removed, you might be wondering about the tooth extraction cost. Researching any dental procedure costs can be scary at first, especially when dealing with unexpected dental issues.
Cavities, found in 90% of adults aged 20 or older, and other dental problems can cause significant pain and complications, making procedures like fillings, wisdom tooth extractions, and root canals necessary. However, when these treatments aren't enough, removing the tooth might be the only option. This can be concerning if you're worried about the cost, especially without insurance.
But don’t worry because we’re about to break down everything you need to know about tooth extraction costs, both with and without insurance, and how to make this dental procedure more affordable.
Tooth extraction is a procedure where a dental professional removes a tooth from the mouth. This is typically done when a tooth is severely infected, damaged due to decay or trauma, or affected by gum disease. Teeth may also be extracted if they are impacted below the gumline, a common issue with wisdom teeth. The procedure varies depending on the reason for the extraction.
The two main types of tooth extractions are simple extractions and surgical extractions.
Simple extractions remove teeth that are visible above the gums without requiring surgical techniques or breaking the tooth into pieces. They’re typically done when you're not a candidate for a root canal or if there’s overcrowding that can't be addressed by other orthodontic treatments.
Your dentist will numb the area with a local anesthetic, either through an injection into your gums or by applying a topical numbing agent to minimize discomfort. Then, the dentist uses a tool called an elevator to release the ligament fibers holding the tooth in place. This enlarges the bony socket around the tooth, allowing it to be removed. Finally, the socket may be filled with bone grafting material and gauze to minimize bleeding and close the socket. You'll receive post-operative instructions for wound care during healing.
Surgical extractions are necessary for teeth that are not easily accessible like impacted teeth below the gumline, which often includes wisdom teeth. These extractions involve more complex procedures.
Similar to simple extractions, local anesthesia is used, but intravenous anesthesia or sedation may also be administered for comfort. The dentist or oral surgeon then makes an incision in the gums to access the tooth. Bone around the tooth might be removed, and the tooth may be broken into pieces for easier removal.
The average cost of a tooth extraction depends on a number of different variables. For one, the type of extraction can play a major role. Simple extractions that do not require incisions along the gumline tend to be much cheaper than surgical extractions.
Without insurance, a simple tooth extraction will run anywhere from $70 to $250, though this can change depending on the type of anesthesia you need. For a surgical extraction, a single tooth can cost anywhere between $180 and $550. These prices also vary depending on the type of anesthesia used.
If you have dental insurance, your provider will likely cover around 50-80% of basic care. However, if you are uninsured, it can be financially difficult to receive this important procedure, even with a payment plan.
The main goal of a dentist is to preserve the original tooth whenever possible. However, there are situations where extraction becomes necessary, when dental fillings and crowns are just not enough.
In general, a dentist might recommend a tooth extraction for the following reasons:
- Fractured teeth
- Severe cavities
- Impacted teeth below the gumline
- Overcrowding of the teeth
- Severe gum disease
- Dental injuries or trauma
An untreated tooth infection can lead to major health issues. For instance, a tooth abscess, which affects the sensitive nerves of your tooth, can cause pain and discomfort. If left untreated, an abscess can rupture, leading to a bacterial infection that may spread to other parts of your body. This can result in sepsis, a life-threatening condition characterized by widespread inflammation, organ failure, and a dramatic drop in blood pressure.
Don’t be worried if you do need to get a tooth extracted. It’s a common procedure that can alleviate pain and preserve your overall health.
If your teeth are not above the gumline, which often occurs with impacted wisdom teeth, you’ll need to have the tooth surgically extracted. Surgical extractions involve surgical procedures below the gumline.
First, you’ll be given local and intravenous anesthesia, the latter of which makes you feel calm, cool, and comfortable for the duration of the procedure. Depending on your circumstances, a dentist might even give you general anesthesia to allow you to remain unconscious.
Next, the oral surgeon will make a small incision into the gums with a scalpel in order to access the tooth. Then, special tools are used to remove the tooth from the socket. In some circumstances, the tooth may need to be broken into pieces in order to be effectively removed. Finally, the socket is replaced with a dental bone graft in order to prevent bone loss in the jaw.
Affording the cost of a tooth extraction without insurance can feel tough. Dental procedures like extractions are often necessary to alleviate pain and prevent further complications, but the expense can be a significant barrier for many. The good news is that even without traditional insurance, there still are options out there to manage these costs and access the care you need.
Let’s look at some frequently asked questions on tooth extraction costs.
Insurance often covers many dental procedure costs like tooth extractions, cavity fillings, wisdom teeth removal, and other treatments that are deemed medically necessary. However, the extent of the coverage can vary based on your specific plan and the reason for the extraction.
Yes, a dentist can pull an infected tooth, but the infection might need to be minimized before extraction to prevent complications. When left unattended for too long, untreated tooth infections can lead to severe health issues, and in extreme cases, they can become fatal. It’s important to address a tooth infection promptly to avoid serious risks and ensure timely intervention.
Recovery from a tooth extraction involves following your dentist's aftercare instructions. This typically includes rest, avoiding strenuous activity, and sticking to specific soft foods to eat after dental work.
Sources:
Cavity Facts | CDC Oral Health
Types of Dental Extractions | News Medical Life Sciences
Dental Bone Graft: Process, Healing & What It Is | Cleveland Clinic
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