Tooth Extraction: Procedure, Pain, Healing & Cost

Tooth extractions are a common dental procedure, yet quite anxiety-inducing for patients. Understanding the purpose of extractions and what to expect afterwards is essential to facilitate the relationship with your dentist.

Why extract a tooth?

A tooth extraction is sometimes necessary. The main indications include:

• Cavities with pulp necrosis
• Certain dental cysts
• Longitudinal tooth fractures
• Supernumerary teeth
• Subgingival or root cavities
• Wisdom teeth extractions
• Significant bone loss with tooth mobility
• Orthodontic treatments, particularly severe crowding

Can a tooth extraction be performed as an emergency?

Indications for emergency tooth extractions are extremely limited, even in infectious contexts. It is much more common to treat the ongoing infection, relieve pain, and then perform the extraction a few weeks later.

In traumatic contexts and when the tooth cannot be saved, extraction can then be performed.

Can general anesthesia be used for an extraction?

Tooth extractions are generally performed under local anesthesia, but general anesthesia remains possible. This is particularly the case for multiple tooth extractions or wisdom teeth surgery. This procedure can only be performed under general anesthesia by a maxillofacial surgeon or in a hospital setting.

What care should be taken after a tooth extraction?

Strictly follow the instructions given by your dentist. Generally, you will find:

• Apply an ice pack for 24 to 48 hours to limit swelling
• Prescription of painkillers such as Paracetamol
• Possible prescription of an antibiotic
• Prescription of a mouthwash
• No spitting for 24 hours
• Use of a surgical toothbrush if there are stitches
• Consumption of cold foods for 48 hours
• No smoking for 14 days — a good time to quit!
• Special instructions if you are on antiplatelet or anticoagulant treatment

Why shouldn't you spit after an extraction?

Spitting or using a straw after an extraction promotes bleeding. It is therefore strongly recommended not to spit. Instead, take a glass of cold water to rinse your mouth and limit bleeding.

When can you eat after a tooth extraction?

After a surgical tooth extraction, wait until the local anesthesia has completely worn off before resuming cold and liquid food. Generally, the first meal is eaten on the evening of the procedure. Also limit chewing efforts on the extraction site.

How to relieve pain after a tooth extraction?

It is recommended to take a simple painkiller even before the local anesthesia wears off, according to your dentist's instructions. Applying an ice pack is also a very good way to reduce pain during the first 48 hours. If pain is too severe, contact your practitioner.

How to reduce bleeding after a tooth extraction?

To facilitate blood clot formation in the socket:

• Avoid suction efforts (straw and spitting)
• Eat cold and liquid food for at least 24 hours
• Apply cold to reduce pain and bleeding
• Avoiding tobacco is imperative

How to replace a tooth after extraction?

There are many prosthetic and implant methods to fill a space after a tooth extraction. The most common are:

• Placement of a dental implant
• Use of a dental bridge
• Fixed and removable prostheses (including Valplast)

What are the risks of extractions?

The risks following a tooth extraction are:

• Local bleeding
• Dry or suppurative alveolitis
• Loss of sensation in the lower lip for mandibular wisdom teeth
• Exceptionally, intraoperative bone fractures

Can you get an infection after a tooth extraction?

Infection is a possible complication after a tooth extraction. This is alveolitis, or even facial cellulitis. In case of significant pain, increasing swelling or pus present in the mouth 48 hours after an extraction, contact your dentist. Proper adherence to post-operative instructions helps avoid this complication.

How long does an extraction take?

There is no rule regarding the duration of an extraction. A simple extraction can take a few minutes while operative difficulties can make the procedure last more than an hour. Situations are numerous: epithelial attachments, root position and bone tissue can make this procedure very technical.

Healing time after extraction

How long does post-extraction pain last?

Pain after a tooth extraction is considered normal for 48 hours. If this pain increases, contact your dentist. Taking painkillers and using an ice pack can greatly reduce post-operative pain.

How long does the blood clot remain after a tooth extraction?

The blood clot in the alveolar bone persists until complete gum closure, approximately 7 to 14 days. Cases of abnormal clotting do exist, however, with formation of a large clot requiring re-intervention by your dentist.

How long does socket healing take?

Bone healing takes several months, 2 to 4 months depending on the patient's age, presence of gum disease and position of the extracted tooth. Once the gum has healed, no discomfort is felt by patients. Good bone healing will subsequently allow placement of a dental implant, for example.

How long does gum healing take after an extraction?

This essential step for your good recovery lasts 7 to 14 days depending on periodontal status. Smoking greatly increases this healing period and promotes the risk of dry socket (alveolar bone infection).

What is the cost of a tooth extraction?

The price of a tooth extraction depends on the procedure performed (root separation, flap creation, etc.) as well as the number and extraction site of the teeth. A wide range from €30 to €300 can be identified.

Wisdom teeth extraction

This tooth extraction is the most common in young adults, generally performed between 18 and 25 years old. The ideal time for the dentist is around 20 years old, before the roots are completely formed. Feasible at any age, wisdom teeth extraction will be more or less technical and can be performed under general anesthesia.

The special case of dental root extraction

A tooth reduced to a root must be extracted to limit infection risk, but also to allow, for example, subsequent implant placement. Dental root extraction is generally performed during a one-hour appointment at the dental office.

Conclusion

Tooth extraction is a common procedure well mastered by dentists. By scrupulously following post-operative instructions, complications remain rare and healing proceeds normally.

Key points to remember:

• Normal pain for maximum 48 hours
• Gum healing in 7-14 days
• Do not spit or smoke after the procedure
• Apply cold and take prescribed painkillers