Tooth Extraction Cost and Recovery

Tooth Extraction Cost

The tooth extraction cost of a simple process is £35 to £125 per tooth. Local anesthesia is used to numb the area and the dentist loosens the tooth with an elevator before removing it with forceps.

The price of surgical tooth extraction is between £45 - £200 per tooth. The surgical procedure is necessary for impacted or broken teeth. It involves local anesthesia, intravenous sedation or general anesthesia. The dentist or oral surgeon makes a small incision in the gum and may remove bone or cut the tooth before extraction.

The cost of a tooth extraction varies depending on the complexity of the procedure and the type of anesthesia used. Prices can also be influenced by factors such as the expertise of the dentist and the complexity of the case.

Wisdom Tooth Extraction Cost

The cost of wisdom tooth extraction is very wide based on the complexity of the procedure, location, and whether a general dentist or an oral surgeon performs it.

If the wisdom tooth is completely erupted, simple wisdom tooth extraction cost is between £75 to £200 per tooth.

Where teeth are impacted or partially erupted, surgical wisdom tooth extraction cost is between £215 and £600 per tooth.

When all four wisdom teeth are extracted, the cost varies from £700 to £1.700. Additional charges, including consultation fees, X-rays, sedation, or anesthesia, are added to the overall cost.

Dental insurance will cover some of the cost, especially if the extraction is medically necessary due to pain, infection, or misalignment.

For those without an insurance, there are usually payment plans or financing available at most dental clinics to make the procedure affordable.

Wisdom teeth extraction is a preventative treatment for crowding, infection, and cysts. Excellent investment in one's oral health in the long run.

Tooth Extraction Reasons

Before a tooth is extracted, your dentist should know your full medical history and what medications or supplements you are taking. Damaged or prosthetic heart valves, congenital cardiovascular diseases should be known.

Some diseases, such as immunosuppression, liver disease (e.g. cirrhosis), prosthetic joints (e.g. hip replacement) or previous bacterial endocarditis, also require special attention before tooth extraction.

Although permanent teeth last a lifetime, there are several conditions that require extraction. Some of the most common include situations where a tooth has been largely destroyed by an injury or damage and cannot be repaired.

Due to crowded mouths, dentists may recommend extracting teeth to accommodate orthodontic correction. If the teeth themselves are too large for the mouth, the teeth may not be straightened with orthodontics. Similarly, if it is not possible to remove a tooth from the gum cavity, it may be recommended to be extracted due to lack of space.

If tooth decay or damage is allowed to continue all the way to the pulp (the innermost part of the tooth full of blood and nerves), bacteria can seep in and cause infection. While normally treatable with root canal treatment or antibiotics, extraction may be necessary to prevent untreatable infections from becoming systemic.

Tooth extraction becomes a vital component of preventing further complications here while maintaining oral health.

When is Tooth Extraction Necessary?

Dentists try to preserve natural teeth as much as possible. When restorative treatments such as dental fillings, crowns or root canals are not enough, tooth extraction is necessary. Doctors recommend tooth extraction in cases of severe damage or certain dental conditions.

When severe tooth decay or cavity has progressed to the point where there is not enough healthy tooth structure left to withstand restoration, extraction is the only option. Tooth decay is the most common reason for tooth extraction.

In the case of teeth that are not erupting as they should due to obstruction, such as impacted wisdom teeth. They will need to be extracted, especially if they cause pain, become infected or cause other problems.

In cases where crowding is present, the tooth may be extracted to make room for orthodontic treatment or to facilitate the proper positioning of other teeth.

Severe gum disease, advanced periodontal disease can lead to loss of bone and support structures of the teeth, causing loosening or damage that may require extraction.

In the case of dental injuries, trauma or accidents that lead to luxation (dislocation) of a tooth or other irreparable damage may require extraction.

If there is a tooth infection that is too extensive to be treated with an abscess, antibiotics or root canal. Sometimes extraction may be necessary to prevent the spread of infection to other teeth and tissues.

Supernumerary teeth, excess teeth that are crowding, shifting or otherwise causing dental problems may need to be extracted.

In some cases during orthodontic preparation, tooth extraction is recommended to create enough space for braces or other orthodontic treatments. It can also be done before dentures or dental implants are fitted.

The ultimate goal of tooth extraction is to preserve oral health, avoid further complications and address what cannot be treated otherwise.

Tooth Extraction Day

After the tooth extraction is complete, your dentist will place a small piece of gauze on the extraction site and ask you to bite down on it for firm, lasting pressure. This reduces bleeding and helps form the blood clot the body needs to heal and prevent further complications such as dry socket.

You should keep the gauze in place until the bleeding slows down significantly. A small amount of bleeding or oozing may continue for up to 24 hours, which is perfectly normal.

Take pain killers as directed by your dentist to manage the discomfort. If the medicine does not work, call your dental clinic for further guidance. If you have been prescribed antibiotics, complete the full course, even if the symptoms of infection subside.

On the day of the extraction, focus on drinking water and taking soft, nutritious foods. You can return to your normal diet when you are fit. After the first 24 hours have passed, resume your regular dental hygiene practice of brushing and flossing every day. It will help healing and keep your mouth clean.

Most patients get much better within a few days and can resume normal activities. If you have heavy bleeding, severe pain, excessive swelling lasting 2-3 days or a reaction to medication, contact your dentist immediately for further evaluation and treatment.

Care After Tooth Extraction

Your dentist will give you appropriate post-operative instructions after tooth extraction so that you can recover as quickly as possible. Here are some general guidelines to help you recover comfortably and efficiently.

Control bleeding. Bite the gauze placed over the extraction site to help form a blood clot. Leave the gauze in place for 3-4 hours or until it is saturated with blood. Change the gauze as needed.

Reduce swelling. Hold an ice pack to the cheek adjacent to the extraction site for 10 minutes at a time for the first 24 hours to reduce swelling.

Control pain with pain medication. Take prescribed pain medication or over-the-counter pain medication such as ibuprofen as directed. Inform your dentist if there is persistent pain or pain accumulation.

Avoid strenuous activities for at least 48-72 hours. Rapid heartbeats can cause pain and bleeding. Rest by elevating the head of the bed with pillows to reduce swelling.

Pay attention to oral hygiene, avoid rinsing. Do not spit hard or rinse your mouth for the first 24 hours to protect the blood clot.

Apply gentle cleansing. To keep the area clean, add salt 2-3 times a day with a warm saline solution (half a teaspoon per 1 cup of water). Rinse your mouth gently.

Brush and floss your teeth as usual, except for the extraction site, until instructed by your dentist.

Drink enough fluids, but avoid taking fluids through a straw as suction can cause the blood clot to displace. Gradually add other foods back into your diet over the next few days of recovery.

Missing Tooth Solutions

The removal of a single tooth can lead to complications such as chewing difficulties, problems with the jaw joint and movement of neighboring teeth. It can have a profound impact on overall dental health.

To avoid the risks, dentists advise patients to explore alternatives to tooth extraction and recommend solutions to fill the gap created by the extracted tooth to maintain oral aesthetics and function.

All on 4 Implant

All on 6 Implant

Full Mouth Restoration

Lifestyle Changes and Monitoring Recovery

Avoid smoking for at least 72 hours, as it will interfere with healing and put you at risk of developing complications such as dry socket. Avoid alcohol, especially when taking painkillers or antibiotics.

Mild swelling, pain and a small amount of bleeding are normal for the first few days. If you experience severe pain, heavy bleeding, persistent swelling, fever or signs of infection, contact your dentist immediately.

By following these aftercare measures, you can promote healing, reduce the risk of complications and return to your daily activities as soon as possible. Always contact your dentist if you experience any problems during your recovery.

What can I eat after tooth extraction?

After tooth extraction, you should only eat foods that are soft, easy to chew and do not irritate the healing area.

Soft and chewy foods to eat include yogurt, applesauce, mashed potatoes, warm soup, avocado, bananas, scrambled or boiled eggs, well-cooked rice or pasta, oatmeal, smoothies (without a straw), pudding and gelatin.

Drink plenty of water, but avoid using a straw for 24 hours, as this can dislodge the blood clot through suction and lead to complications such as dry socket

Foods to Avoid

Avoid hard and crunchy foods. Chips, nuts, raw vegetables and similar foods can irritate the extraction site.

Avoid spicy or acidic foods. These can cause discomfort or irritation. Limit yourself to cold or lukewarm foods and drinks, as hot drinks and foods can be bad for the healing process.

Sticky or chewy foods such as caramel or chewing gum can stick to the extraction site. Chew on the opposite side of the mouth to avoid disturbing the wound. Gradually resume eating solid foods as healing takes place, normally after the first week.

Oral Hygiene After Extraction

You can continue brushing and flossing the day after surgery, but avoid the extraction site for at least 3 days.

Avoid rinsing or spitting vigorously for the first 24 hours. After 3 days, you can gently rinse with a saline solution to clean the area. Avoid touching the extraction site with your fingers or tongue to avoid irritation or infection.

If your dentist has placed stitches, they may loosen and dissolve on their own as time passes. This is normal and part of healing. Follow your dentist's special instructions, for example, after a few days, gently irrigate the socket (the cavity) with a syringe.

By sticking to soft foods, maintaining good oral hygiene and avoiding activities that can interfere with healing, you can make your recovery after tooth extraction as smooth and fast as possible. If you have any questions or notice anything unusual, call your dentist immediately.

Risks of Tooth Extraction

While tooth extraction is generally safe, there are some potential risks and complications.

Dry socket occurs when the blood clot that forms in the socket after extraction fails to develop or dislodges, exposing the underlying bone and nerves. Symptoms include severe pain, bad breath and an unpleasant taste in the mouth. For treatment, the dentist will place a medicated dressing over the cavity to promote healing and reduce discomfort.

Infection can develop when bacteria enter the extraction site. Follow your dentist's aftercare instructions, including taking prescribed antibiotics if necessary to prevent it.

Excessive bleeding can occur when the normal blood clot is disrupted. To prevent it, avoid strenuous activities, smoking and using straws for the first few days.

Although nerve damage is rare, nerves near the extraction site can be damaged. This can cause numbness or tingling in the lips, tongue or jaw. This is usually temporary, but in rare cases it can be permanent.

Swelling and bruising are common, especially after surgical procedures. Applying ice packs can help reduce these symptoms.

Jaw stiffness or pain may occur after the procedure if the extraction was complex or required prolonged mouth opening.

When to Contact Your Dentist?

If you feel severe pain, prolonged bleeding, signs of infection (e.g. fever, swelling or pus) or any other unusual symptoms, contact your dentist immediately. Although complications are rare, prompt intervention can help ensure a smooth recovery.

In most cases, the benefits of tooth extraction, such as relieving pain, preventing infection or preparing for orthodontic treatment, far outweigh the risks. Always follow your dentist's pre- and post-operative instructions to minimize complications and promote healing.