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Dental Extraction
The dental extraction is probably the typical stereotype as to why we fear dentists.
In the past this was the only way for patients to live without an agonising pain.
Although the dental extraction seem to be crude and unsophisticated, the procedure is not straight forward.
Despite popular believe, patients who in the past had their teeth removed were indeed in danger of infection and even death.
Dental extractions are performed for many reasons.
However, with the current technology this dental procedure is by far less frequent.
The most common extractions are done to wisdom teeth.
In most other cases dentist will use dental extractions as the last resort.
Dental Extraction History
Dental extractions were the most common form to help with dental emergencies in the past. The first decent surgical instrument (which did not look like a torture machine) used for dental extraction was invented in 14th century. The most common dental forceps are product of 20th century. However, today there are variety of other instruments which deal with specific situations for tooth extractions.
Dental Extraction Procedure
There are two types of dental extractions:
- Simple dental extraction
- Surgical dental extraction
The simple dental extraction requires only local anesthetic and basic dental instruments. In this case, teeth are visible and no surgical incision is necessary. The surgical dental extraction deal with teeth which cannot be easily accessed. This can happen because the tooth is broken inside the gums or the broken tooth is not fully protruding. The surgical dental extraction prices are higher then those for the simple extraction. In the case of former, there are also auxiliary costs of dental/surgical consultations.
Why There Is a Need For Dental Extraction?
Teeth are removed for variety of reasons. However, dentists always try to save the tooth if this is plausible. Dental extraction is warranted if:
- There is a severe decay or infection
- Other teeth blocking new teeth from coming in (a common problem among small children)
- There is a severe gum disease
- Teeth became fractured and cannot be repaired with other methods (crowns or veneers)
- There is insufficient space for wisdom teeth
- To prepare teeth for orthodontic treatment (rare but does happen)
Cost of Dental Extractions
A simple dental extraction starts at around $75 but $100-$150 is not uncommon.
The surgical dental extractions run at about $150-$300.
However, a little more demanding surgical extractions can easily go over $500.
In general the dental fee covers follow-up visits and consultations.
Many medical insurances cover 70%-80% of the dental extraction procedure.
This, however applies to extractions which are not considered to be cosmetic.