If you have a tooth that is giving you difficulty, it may be in your best interests to have it extracted. One of the most common questions that we get is whether to perform a surgical, or non surgical removal. In this blog, we will look at the pros and cons of surgical and non surgical methods, the cost of each, recovery time and more. Let’s get right in!
When Is It Time For An Extraction?
Just because you feel discomfort in one or more of your teeth does not need that they need to be removed. There are plenty of dental procedures that may be performed in place of an extraction. These include fillings, root canals, bonding and a few more.
The best way to find out whether your tooth needs to be extracted is to schedule a dentist appointment. We will be able to examine your teeth and recommend a plan of action that is best for you.
Non Surgical Tooth Extraction
Non surgical tooth extraction is used for many tooth removals. Some of the instances where non surgical removal would be advised include: to remove baby teeth, extracting teeth visible within the mouth, and certain other situations.
Here are some of the pros and cons of non surgical tooth removal.
Pro 1: Patients typically recover from this type of tooth removal quickly, allowing them to continue with everyday activities.
Pro 2: Patients experience little to no pain during or after the procedure.
Pro 3: Non surgical procedures are cost effective.
Con 1: With any tooth extraction, there is the risk of complications arising.
Con 2: The area where the tooth was removed may be more susceptible to infection.
As we just mentioned, non surgical extractions are a cost-effective option. Although the price ranges depending on several factors, here is a general estimate for the cost of tooth extraction. Some tooth extractions can cost as little as $100, while more complicated non surgical removals may cost $300 or more in certain cases.
Post procedure recovery is an important part of the extraction. It’s important you take extra care of your mouth to prevent any infections or complications. Here are some of the basic procedures that you should follow immediately after an extraction.
- Apply ice to the area of the removal.
- Take painkillers as advised by your dentist.
- Don’t press down forcefully on the removal area for at least one to two days.
- Follow any post operation directions that your dentist has laid out.
Additionally, patients often wonder which foods they can safely eat. A few foods that you should consume after an extraction include: bananas, yogurt, soup, applesauce, and other soft foods.
Surgical Tooth Extraction
Another removal method is surgical tooth extraction. As its name suggests, this type of surgical removal requires dentists to make a minor incision to remove the tooth. This procedure is usually done on teeth that are more difficult to remove. Examples of this type of extraction include: wisdom teeth, teeth that have been severely damaged, and teeth broken at the gum line.
Surgical tooth removals come with a different set of pros and cons. Here are a few:
Pro 1: Wisdom tooth removal is important to reduce the risk of other teeth being displaced or damaged.
Pro 2: Severely damaged teeth can cause extreme pain, meaning surgical tooth removal can help your mouth feel a whole lot better.
Pro 3: You can feel confident wearing a new and improved smile.
Con 1: Some patients complain about experiencing discomfort following surgical removal.
Con 2: As compared to non surgical extraction, surgical methods tend to take longer to fully heal.
Surgical tooth extractions are typically a little bit more expensive than non surgical ones. This is because they are often more difficult to perform. Depending on the tooth that is being removed along with other factors, surgical removal typically costs between $200 and $500 dollars. To have wisdom teeth removed typically costs between $200 to $400 dollars.
Recovery from surgical tooth extraction is similar to non surgical, but there are a few things to keep in mind.
- Give yourself around two days before returning to normal activities.
- Only consume soft foods and smoothies for several days.
- Take pain relievers as prescribed.
- If you feel up to the task, consider rinsing out your mouth with a saline solution. This will keep your mouth clean, reducing the risk of infection.
- Follow directions laid out by your dentist.
Hopefully, you have learned a great deal about the difference between non surgical and surgical tooth extractions. If you live in the Gilbert or Phoenix areas and you have a tooth that is giving you issues, book an appointment with us at Dental Specialty Associates.
