While many teens and some adults get their wisdom teeth removed, there are other reasons why tooth extraction may be necessary in adulthood.
Excessive tooth decay, tooth infection, and crowding can all require a tooth extraction. Those who get braces may need one or two teeth removed
to provide room for their other teeth as they shift into place. Additionally, those who are undergoing chemotherapy or are about to have an organ
transplant may need compromised teeth removed in order to keep their mouth healthy.
Tooth extraction is performed by a dentist or oral surgeon and is a relatively quick outpatient procedure with either local, general, intravenous
anesthesia, or a combination. Removing visible teeth is a simple extraction. Teeth that are broken, below the surface, or impacted require a more involved procedure.
How much does a tooth extraction cost?
The cost for tooth extraction varies widely depending on whether the tooth is impacted. Simple extraction usually costs between $75 and $200 per
tooth, and may be more depending on the type of anesthesia you need.
The cost to remove impacted teeth is significantly higher and can land anywhere between $800 and $4,000. Where you live can also impact how much
you pay for the procedure, as many services are tailored to an area’s cost of living.
How to prepare for a tooth extraction
Before scheduling the procedure, your dentist will take an X-ray of your tooth. Be sure to tell your dentist about any medications you take,
as well as vitamins, supplements, and over-the-counter drugs.
Tell your dentist if you will soon be treated for another medical condition with an intravenous drug called a bisphosphonate. If so, the
extraction should be done before the drug treatment, or your jaw could be at risk for osteonecrosis (bone death).
Also, tell your dentist about any of the following conditions:
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
Your dentist may want to make sure all conditions are stable or treated before you undergo the tooth extraction. You might be
prescribed antibiotics in the days leading up to the procedure if:
your surgery is expected to be long
you have an infection or a weakened immune system
you have a specific medical condition
It’s helpful to keep the following in mind for the day of the tooth extraction in order to ensure quality treatment:
If you will be receiving intravenous (IV) anesthesia, wear a short-sleeved shirt or loose-fitted clothing, and don’t eat or drink
for six to eight hours before your appointment.
Don’t smoke beforehand.
Tell your dentist if you have a cold, as you may need to reschedule.
Tell your dentist if you had nausea or vomiting the night before, which may require different anesthesia or rescheduling.
If you’re receiving general anesthesia, have someone with you to drive you home.
What is the procedure for a tooth extraction?
Your tooth extraction will either be simple or surgical, depending on whether your tooth is visible or impacted.
Simple extraction
You will receive a local anesthetic, which numbs the area around your tooth so you’ll feel only pressure, not pain, during the
procedure. The dentist then uses an instrument called an elevator to loosen the tooth and forceps to remove it.
Surgical extraction
You will likely receive both local anesthesia and intravenous anesthesia, the latter of which makes you calm and relaxed. You may
also receive general anesthesia, depending on any medical conditions. With general anesthesia, you will remain unconscious during the procedure.
The general dentist or oral surgeon will cut into your gum with a small incision. They may need to remove bone around your tooth or
cut your tooth before it can be extracted.
