Tooth Extraction & Dental Tourism

Dentists know that in adulthood loosing a tooth is a real trauma, so they typically do their best to avoid tooth extraction. There are, however, cases when only tooth extraction can prevent further complications or persistent pain.

When Tooth Extraction Becomes Inevitable

First your dentist will make an attempt to save the tooth with filling, anti-biotic therapy or root canal treatment, but in the following conditions, pulling out the teeth is considered the best solution:

• Extended damage by decay (the damage has reached the central part of the tooth called pulp, where blood vessels and nerves run)
• Severe traumatic injury
• Infection
• Badly aligned tooth which impedes the success of orthodontic treatment
• Certain gum diseases which damage the underlying tissues and bones

In tooth extraction cost is relatively lower than undergoing a series of root canal treatments or lengthy medical therapy.

What Happens at Tooth Extraction?

Depending on the number of teeth to be pulled out, the dentist or the oral surgeon will apply local or general anesthesia, to make the procedure less traumatic for you.

When the area is numbed properly or you are already sedated, the dentist uses forceps to hold the tooth and starts to pull it out, moving the tooth back and forth to detach it from the jaw bone. Some teeth are so strongly attached that they have to be removed in pieces.

At the sight of the tooth extraction you can expect strong bleeding, which will be reduced with either a gauze compression or a few stitches closing the opening in the gums.

Post Tooth Extraction Care

The procedure is generally considered safe, but the proper post tooth extraction care is essential for wound healing and to avoid infections.

• After the effects of anesthesia weaken, you may experience considerable pain, discomfort and occasionally bleeding.
• Over-the-counter pain medication and ice packs may relieve the pain.
• Apply gentle compression with gauze on the site of extraction to prevent bleeding and promote blood clotting.
• When brushing your teeth, avoid the socket of the extracted tooth to prevent infection.
• The next day it is recommended to rinse with saline lukewarm water.
• Avoid solid food for a few days to make sure that clotting and healing is undisturbed.

How Much Does a Tooth Extraction Cost?

Medically justifiable tooth extraction cost is usually covered by dental insurers up to 70-80%. Standard, non-complicated tooth extractions cost between $75-$300, depending on the location and the anesthetics used.