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:
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.