Whether it's due to an injury, decay, or other reasons, sometimes a tooth just has to go. Tooth extractions are common, and many have at least one tooth extracted during their lifetime. While a tooth extraction may seem straightforward, there are a few different factors that can come into play. Things like your age, where the tooth being extracted is located, and your overall dental health can have major impacts on your dental health after an extraction. Here are three things that you should know about dental extractions.
1. Cost
One of the first things that you should consider when it comes to tooth extractions is the cost. Costs can vary depending on the location of the tooth being extracted and whether or not it's a non-surgical or a surgical extraction. The average cost of a non-surgical extraction ranges between $75 and $300 while a surgical extraction can cost anywhere from $150 to $650 per tooth. If your tooth extraction is a necessity and not for cosmetic reasons, your dental insurance will likely cover at least some of the cost. On average, dental insurance typically covers between 70 and 80 percent of the total cost.
2. Recovery Time
Another thing to consider when it comes to tooth extractions is the recovery time. Recovery times can vary from person to person. Things like your age, your health, and your habits can play a role in how quickly you recover. The most important thing after an extraction is to eat soft foods and to continue practicing good oral hygiene in order to prevent infection. It's also recommended that you avoid smoking since it can slow down the healing process. For most people, it takes somewhere between one and two weeks to heal from a tooth extraction.
3. Changes After The Extraction
After a tooth extraction, you may also notice a few changes in your mouth. The surrounding teeth may begin to shift and move around. This movement may have a detrimental impact on your bite. If this is the case, or if you have multiple teeth removed, steps may need to be taken in order to preserve your other teeth. After tooth extraction, you may want to consider dental implants, bridges, or even dentures. Taking these steps may prevent future problems with your remaining teeth.
Whether it's a troublesome wisdom tooth or a tooth that is damaged or decayed, a tooth extraction may be necessary. When it comes to tooth extractions, it's important to know a few different things. Costs can vary, but most tooth extractions typically cost a few hundred dollars. Recovery times can also vary, but most people are back to normal after one to two weeks. You may also notice changes in your other teeth after the extraction and require additional dental procedures.
