When do you need an extraction?

A tooth extraction is a dental procedure in which a tooth is completely removed from its socket. Some people call this "pulling" a tooth, Cleveland Clinic says.

Dentists try to save natural teeth whenever they can, but sometimes other treatments, like fillings or crowns, aren’t enough. You might need a surgical dental extraction procedure if a tooth is too damaged to fix. Cleveland Clinic says that your dentist might suggest a tooth extraction if you have:

• Serious tooth decay (cavities). 

• A broken tooth. 

• A tooth that hasn’t fully come in (impacted tooth). 

• Teeth that are too crowded. 

• Severe gum disease. 

• A loose tooth or other dental injuries.

Is it considered a serious dental problem?

If you wonder, “Is removing teet a serious dental problem?” You’ll be relieved to learn that having a tooth pulled is fairly common, Cleveland Clinic reports.

Dentists, oral surgeons and periodontists can remove teeth. General dentists handle most tooth extractions, but for more complicated cases, they might send you to an oral surgeon or periodontist, Cleveland Clinic says.

If you find that you need an extraction, you’re not alone. The most common extractions are wisdom teeth extractions, at about 5 million per year, according to the National Center for Biotechnology Information.

Decayed tooth extraction

Excessive tooth decay can be a reason for an extraction, Healthline reports.

Cavities are damaged spots on the hard surface of your teeth that turn into small holes. They can cause serious problems like toothaches, infections and even tooth loss. Cavities are often caused by bacteria in your mouth, eating sugary snacks, drinking sugary drinks and not brushing or flossing properly, according to Mayo Clinic.

If cavities aren’t treated, they can grow bigger and reach deeper layers of your teeth. Visiting the dentist regularly and keeping good brushing and flossing habits are the best ways to prevent cavities, Mayo Clinic says.

Regular dental cleanings are essential for maintaining oral health and preventing more costly dental issues, including a surgical dental extraction procedure, in the future.

We know that going to a dentist without insurance can be expensive. That’s why you might like to learn more about a dental savings plan. Dental savings plans are membership-based programs that offer discounts on dental services at participating dentists. As an Altogether Dental member, here are a few benefits you’ll enjoy:

• 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.

How long does it take to pull a tooth? (typically)

You might be asking, “How long does it take to pull a tooth?” Simple extractions take between 20 to 40 minutes and more complex extractions take an hour or longer, according to Aspen Dental, which accepts Altogether Dental members.

Does it hurt to get a tooth extracted?

You’re not alone if you’re wondering this. Many dentists offer sedation to help you stay relaxed during extractions. Sedation is an option for people with dental anxiety or those who just want to feel more comfortable, Cleveland Clinic reports.

Your procedure will fall into one of these categories, Healthline says:

• Simple: You will be given a local anesthetic to numb the area around your tooth, so you’ll feel pressure, but no pain during the procedure.

• Surgical: You will be given a combination of local anesthesia and intravenous anesthesia to help you feel calm and relaxed. In some cases, general anesthesia may be used, especially if you have certain medical conditions. With general anesthesia, you will be unconscious during the procedure.

Tooth extraction healing time & process

Tooth extraction healing time depends on how complicated your case is, but most people feel back to normal within a few days, Cleveland Clinic says.

You can usually return to your regular activities in a few days. However, it often takes several weeks for the jawbone to heal completely, Cleveland Clinic cautions. If you're planning to replace the tooth with a dental implant, you'll likely need to wait a few months for full recovery.

Broken tooth extraction - what does it mean?

A broken tooth extraction is needed if a tooth is severely damaged. If a tooth is too broken or decayed to be fixed with a root canal, it can cause intense pain and potentially lead to an infection in the jawbone, Aspen Dental says.

You might be asking, “How long does a molar extraction take?” Aspen Dental reports those can take as little as 20 minutes, but warns that it might take longer depending on the position of the molar.

Where to go to get a tooth pulled?

If you’re in need of an extraction, don’t worry. Search where can I get a tooth pulled today to locate dental options in your area. Altogether Dental members can easily find a dentist here.

Tooth extraction cost without insurance

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. If you’re wondering about tooth extraction cost without insurance, the average cost is $236, according to Altogther Dental. However, Altogether Dental members enjoy affordable extractions. With a membership, you pay an average of $191.

Remember, regular dental cleanings are essential for maintaining oral health and preventing more costly dental issues in the future.

Taylor, an Altogether Dental member, says:

“I was pleasantly surprised when I went to use this membership. My daughter needed to be seen for her wisdom teeth. It was so easy to use and I received a huge discount off my bill.”

Sources

Cleveland Clinic | Tooth extraction

National Library of Medicine

Healthline | Tooth extraction

Mayo Clinic | Cavities and tooth decay