Your teeth are meant to last a lifetime. However, sometimes people find themselves in situations where tooth removal is the only option. While this procedure is common and relatively straightforward, it is important that patients are made aware of what this procedure entails.
As noted previously, this procedure is very common. As such, most dentists will offer tooth removals. However, the complexity of this operation can differ between patients; it has the potential to involve a number of different services. Our Dentists offer advice and expertise that allow it to coordinate and conduct a variety of extraction procedures as required by patients.
A survey conducted by the Australian Dental Association has found that the average cost of removing a tooth is $185. Prices range from $135 to $295.
For people with private health insurance, the survey indicates that insurers tend to cover 50 to 100% of the cost, with an average rebate of $150. Private health insurers should be contacted to determine the rebate for Tooth Extractions.
There are three different types of tooth removals. The procedure conducted is dependent upon the tooth in need of extraction. Before each of these procedures, a patient will be in constant contact with their dentist to provide:
This is the most common form of tooth removal. This is because it involves the extraction of visible teeth. Here, the dentist will use a local anaesthetic and remove the tooth in one piece with the aid of forceps.
Sectional procedures are conducted upon teeth that have multiple roots, which tend to be the molars. The dentist will need to separate the roots and remove them one by one in order to extract the tooth.
Surgical extraction involves the removal of ‘impacted’ teeth (teeth that are not visible). This sort of procedure is comparatively more difficult than the others and may require an oral surgeon rather than a dentist. The surgeon will need to make an incision in the gum in order to remove the invisible tooth. After gum and bone tissue is removed with a drill, the surgeon uses forceps to rock the tooth back and forth. This will loosen the tooth and make it easier to remove. However, the tooth may not come out in one piece; the surgeon may have to break it up and remove portions one by one. This sort of procedure often requires a general anaesthetic.
In each of these three situations, the removal of the tooth will cause profuse bleeding. As a result, the dentist/surgeon will place gauze over the removal site to absorb the blood until a clot forms. Dentists may also use dissolvable stitches to close the incision.
Every patient is different. However, there are some common issues that might make a tooth extraction necessary.
Trauma or decay can damage a tooth beyond repair. In situations where alternative procedures are not an option, your dentist may advise that your tooth needs to be removed.
Sometimes teeth can struggle to break through the gum line if other teeth are too big or there are too many in the mouth. If space needs to be freed up, teeth can be removed. This sort of procedure is particularly common in people who require orthodontics.
While a simple filling is normally used to remedy tooth decay, further action may be required if the deterioration has exposed the pulp of the tooth. Here, bacteria in the mouth may have infected the pulp. Alternatively, dentists may choose to remove the decayed tooth in order to limit the risk of infection.
A dentist may recommend that a tooth be extracted if it is not properly aligned with other teeth. Even if this tooth is not causing any damage, this proactive surgery is designed to prevent oral health risks from ever arising.
A tooth extraction may be required before some other procedure. For people receiving orthodontic work, such as invisalign this is common. Radiation therapy and chemotherapy can weaken the immune system and make people prone to infections; as such, tooth extractions may be necessary in preparation for these procedures. This is similarly the case for people undergoing organ transplants involving medication that has a negative affect upon immunity.
Tooth removals, as noted previously, are common and safe. However, certain factors must be considered:
In these situations, your dentist may vary the typical procedure to compensate for your particular condition.
This is a simple surgery with few potential complications. However, there are some risks patients must be wary of post-surgery. Your dentist should be contacted if:
Other complications are more likely to stem from a poorly conducted surgery. These include:
It is important to note that an extracted tooth will leave a gap in a patient’s mouth. Other teeth may shift in order to cover this gap, which can lead to alignment problems. Patients are also known to have aesthetic concerns and trouble chewing as a result of this procedure. As a result, patients should seek their dentist’s advice to determine whether an implant or dentures are necessary.
There are a variety of measures patients must take post-surgery to ensure a full recovery. While each patient will be different, one can expect to be completely healed after a fortnight.
In the aftermath of the surgery, patients should:
It is incredibly important that the blood clot covering the wound does not dislodge. This can lead to a condition known as ‘dry socket’. The clot protects the jawbone and nerves which are exposed as a result of the surgery. Without this protection, patients can be vulnerable to illness and intense pain.
As such, patients should:
Extraction is a ‘last resort’ procedure. Your dentist should only recommend it to you if there is no other alternative that can offer the same remedy or benefits. Patients should consider alternatives if:
In saying this, dentists often have no other option but to remove a tooth. So, it might be necessary regardless of these considerations above.
One possible alternative is root canal surgery. Root canal surgery involves the removal of the nerve and pulp from a badly decayed or infected tooth. The inside of the tooth is cleansed and placed back into the mouth without the nerve inside it. The tooth is dead, or non-vital, but remains in the mouth for alignment and aesthetic purposes. This surgery is a viable alternative where tooth removal is necessary due to decay.
This depends. If the dentist uses a local anaesthetic (an injection into the site where the tooth will be removed from), then yes. If a general anaesthetic is used, then no. Patients undergoing surgery involving sedation will require someone to drive them home.
Generally, a few hours. As such, patients should be wary of accidently chewing on their tongue or cheek in the immediate aftermath of the surgery as they may not be able to feel this pain.
Rest is most ideal. However, a healthy diet and vitamin C supplements can help significantly.
Contact your dentist. It is likely that you have dry socket. Stick to the painkillers your dentist has prescribed until he/she varies their advice.
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