A tooth extraction is a procedure in which a tooth is removed from its socket. It’s also known as having a tooth pulled, Cleveland Clinic says.

Dentists try to save teeth whenever they can with fillings or crowns. But sometimes these aren’t enough. You might need an extraction if a tooth is too damaged to fix.

If you don’t have dental insurance, you can pay for tooth extraction or any dental care out of pocket. But it can be pricey. You might be interested in learning more about a dental savings plan, like Altogether Dental. Dental savings plans are membership-based programs that offer discounts on dental services at participating dentists.

If you’re wondering about tooth extraction cost without insurance, the average cost is $296, according to Altogther Dental. However, Altogether Dental members enjoy affordable extractions. With a membership, you pay an average of $191.

Frequency of tooth extractions in the USA

Third molar extractions are the most common dental surgery performed on teenagers and young adults, according to a study by Frontiers in Dental Medicine. In fact, up to 10 million teeth are extracted each year from 5 million individuals, says the National Library of Medicine.

Tooth decay from cavities can be a reason for a tooth extraction, Healthline reports. If you’re in the “I don’t want my tooth removed” camp, here are six things you can do to help keep your teeth healthy.

How to avoid cavities and gum disease (6 ways to prevent tooth extraction)

Tooth decay from cavities can be a reason for a tooth extraction, Healthline reports. If you’re in the “ I don’t want my tooth removed” camp, here are six things you can do to help keep your teeth healthy:

• Regular cleaning and flossing 

• Healthy diet

• Brushing techniques

• Toothbrush replacement

• Early treatment

• Use a mouthguard

Regular cleaning and flossing

Your at-home oral hygiene routine is the easiest thing you can do to help fight cavities, according to Aspen Dental. This means brushing two times daily with fluoride-containing toothpaste and a soft-bristled brush. Don’t forget to floss.

A cavity is a damaged spot on the hard surface of your teeth that turns into a small hole. If left untreated, cavities can grow bigger and reach deeper layers of your teeth and into your gum line, which can cause gum disease.

How often should you floss? Once a day, the ADA says. Bacteria can hide where your toothbrush can't reach and flossing helps remove plaque and food particles from between your teeth and along the gum line.

Healthy diet

There are foods to avoid to prevent cavities​. Cavities are often caused by bacteria in your mouth.

Mayo Clinic suggests you don’t eat foods that cling to your teeth and gums. These sticky things are not washed away easily by saliva, so they are more likely to cause decay. It’s best to brush after drinking or eating milk, ice cream, honey, sugar, soda, dried fruit, cake, cookies, hard candy, mints, dry cereal and chips.

The “I don’t want my tooth removed” worry can be alleviated with regular dental visits. Wondering how to prevent cavities from getting worse? Keep brushing, but use care around the affected tooth, the Mayo Clinic says.

Brushing techniques

You should brush for two minutes, twice a day, the ADA says. A few tips:

• Hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle toward your gums. 

• Use gentle, short strokes and move the brush back and forth. 

• Brush all sides of your teeth: the outer surfaces, inner surfaces and the chewing surfaces. 

• For the inside of your front teeth, tilt the brush upright and use up-and-down strokes. 

How often should you replace you toothbrush?

The ADA advises changing your toothbrush every three to four months, or sooner if the bristles are worn out. A damaged toothbrush can’t clean your teeth effectively, it cautions.

Remember, regular dental cleanings are essential for maintaining oral health and preventing more costly dental issues in the future. Having a dental savings plan, like Altogether Dental, is one of the best ways to improve your oral health.

Early treatment

Catching dental problems early is one of the best ways to avoid tooth extractions. If you notice pain, sensitivity, or swelling, don’t wait—find a dentist and get yourself a check-up. Small cavities can often be fixed with simple fillings, and early-stage gum disease can usually be reversed with professional cleanings and good home care.

Regular check-ups are key because they help dentists catch issues like cracks or decay that you might not even notice yet. Ignoring symptoms can lead to infections or serious damage that may require an extraction. Taking action early helps keep your natural teeth healthy and saves you from bigger problems down the road.

Using a mouthguard when playing sport

If you’re into sports, wearing a mouthguard is a no-brainer to protect your teeth. The American Dental Association says mouthguards can drastically lower your chances of getting dental injuries during contact sports or activities where accidents happen.

A custom-fitted mouthguard is your best bet—it fits snugly, covers the areas most at risk (like your upper teeth), and cushions against impacts that could break or knock out a tooth. Chat with your dentist about getting the right mouthguard for your sport. It’s a simple way to protect your smile and avoid painful, costly dental emergencies later.

As an Altogether Dental member, here are a few benefits you’ll enjoy to help with tooth extraction prevention:

• Lower costs: With Altogether Dental, you’ll enjoy discounts of 15-50% on all dental procedures — everything from cleanings, fillings, orthodontia, dentures and more.

• No waiting periods: Discounts are made available immediately upon enrollment.

• No annual maximums: There are no annual limits on the amount of discounts you can receive.

• Flexibility: Our partnership with Aetna gives you access to 260,000+ choices of in-network general and specialty care dentists.

And we also help make sure our members have affordable options when it comes to wisdom teeth removal.

Katherine, an Altogether Dental member, says, “Thanks to Altogether Dental I was able to gain access to a high-quality dentist at an affordable price. I paid $324 for a complicated wisdom tooth extraction.”

Sources

Frontiers in Dental Medicine | Extraction report

National Library of Medicine | Third molar

Healthline | Tooth extraction

American Dental Association | Mouth guards

American Dental Association | Brushing teeth