What You Need To Know Before Getting A Tooth Extraction

If you have ever experienced excruciating pain at the site of one of your teeth, you should immediately schedule an appointment with your dentist because this could be the sign of a serious infection. While a serious oral health care issue can put a damper on your holiday season, your experienced family dentists here at Heroes Dental can help you get your smile (and life) back on track.

Depending on the specifics of your condition, a tooth extraction may be in order. While this can be a scary experience, it may be necessary to help prevent further serious problems from happening. If your dentist has recommended a tooth extraction, please consider the following information.

Reasons Why You May Need a Tooth Extraction

When you experience severe tooth pain, it is most likely the result of dental trauma or untreated tooth decay. Sometimes, the damage is too severe to correct, and a tooth extraction is required.

There are several reasons why a tooth extracted may be needed:

Overcrowding

This occurs primarily with children; overcrowding refers to there being insufficient space for adult teeth to erupt. Overcrowding may stop teeth from emerging or may lead to a crooked smile as teeth are forced into small spaces.

When a dentist catches this early enough, a tooth extraction may be recommended in order to keep your teeth (or your child’s) properly aligned.

Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is another common reason you may need a tooth extraction. Gum disease will cause infections that affect the gum and bones that support your pearly whites. If the gum disease is allowed to run its course, affected teeth can become loose. Extracting certain teeth may be required if a crown or bridge will be replacing these affected teeth.

Infection/Potential Infection

The center of your tooth, known as the pulp, is to be protected at all times. This is the part of the tooth that contains important nerves and blood vessels. Any bacteria that has found its way into the pulp will undoubtedly cause an infection – and even tooth decay. A severe situation can lead to a tooth extraction in order to remove the infection.

However, if the tooth is still salvageable, you may only need to undergo a root canal.

What Can I Expect During My Tooth Extraction?

Tooth extractions can be performed by either a general dentist or an oral surgeon. The tooth extraction process will consist of:

You will be given a local anesthetic to numb the area. However, if the condition is severe, the dentist may use a general anesthesia to completely put you to sleep in order to comfortably remove any infection and the tooth.

If you are having an unexposed tooth extracted, your dentist will cut away at some of the gum and tissue covering the tooth. Then, using forceps, your dentist will grab the tooth and gently rock it back and forth to release it from the ligaments that attach it to the jaw bone.

In severe cases, if your dentist is having trouble getting the tooth out, it may have to be taken out in pieces.

Finally, a gauze is placed in your mouth on the extraction site, to stop the bleeding and help the site form a blood clot. In some cases, your dentist may need to close up the extraction site with dissolvable stitches.

How Much Will I Pay For a Tooth Extraction?

There is no definitive price for tooth extractions; a typical extraction may cost between $75 all the way up to $200, not including anesthesia. Cost also depends on the severity of the procedure. If the tooth is impacted, this type of procedure could cost anywhere from $800 to $4,000.

Our McAllen dentists at Heroes Dental are ready to help you stop the pain and win back your smile. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and get more details about tooth extractions, cost, and payment plans.