If you’ve ever wondered about rotten tooth extraction costs, you’re not alone. While cost is always important to be aware of, there are a lot of things to consider before getting a tooth pulled. In this article, we’ll go over cost, all the different treatment options, why you might need a tooth extracted, and the actual process and recovery. It might not be as costly or scary as you think. Our offices are conveniently located near Taylorsville, North Salt Lake, Bountiful, Sandy, Draper, and West Jordan.
How Much Is a Tooth Extraction?
There’s more than one way to pull a tooth. Some are much more invasive than others, which means they will definitely cost more. Here’s a helpful breakdown of tooth removal cost:
- Simple Extraction: Typically ranges from $75 to $250.
- Surgical Extraction: Usually costs between $150 and $650.
- Wisdom Tooth Extraction: Can range from $120 to $800 per tooth, depending on complexity and whether the tooth is impacted.
Additional Costs to Consider
- Anesthesia: Local anesthesia is often included, but sedation or general anesthesia can add $250 to $1,200.
- X-rays: Pre-procedure imaging may cost between $20 and $150.
- Follow-up Visits: Some practices include these in the initial fee, but they can add to the overall cost.
Factors Influencing Cost
- Location: Fees vary by region based on cost of living and local rates.
- Dentist’s Expertise: Oral surgeons typically charge more than general dentists.
- Insurance: Dental insurance may cover 50% to 80% of the extraction cost, depending on your plan.
How To Know If a Tooth Is Rotten
A tooth that’s going bad usually gives off some pretty clear signals. You might notice dark spots, holes, or pits on the surface of the tooth. Sometimes it feels softer than the teeth around it or reacts painfully when you eat something hot, cold, or sweet. You might also feel a little something off when you bite down, like the tooth isn’t quite right.
If the decay has been going on for a while, it can also start to cause a really unpleasant smell. Even after brushing or rinsing, that rotten tooth smell can linger, letting you know the problem isn’t going away without some assistance. It’s a good clue that you should get the tooth checked before things get worse.
What Does a Rotten Tooth Look Like?
A rotten tooth can certainly show signs that make it stand out when compared to healthy teeth. The surface might look chalky or crumbly instead of smooth and shiny. You could see brown, black, or even gray discoloration that doesn’t go away with brushing. Sometimes the enamel starts to chip or flake, leaving rough edges or tiny pits. In more advanced cases, the tooth can appear misshapen or uneven compared to the surrounding teeth. You might also notice buildup along the gum line, like hardened plaque or tartar, which often collects around a decayed tooth.
Can A Rotten Tooth Kill You?
It may sound dramatic, but yes, a rotten tooth could be life-threatening if the infection in the tooth spreads. If left untreated for too long, the bacteria can enter the bloodstream or spread to surrounding tissues. This can lead to serious complications like sepsis, abscesses in the jaw, or infections in the sinuses, brain, or heart.
Can a Rotten Tooth Make You Sick?
A rotten tooth can make you feel sick in ways you might not immediately connect to your mouth. Even before an infection becomes severe, the bacteria and inflammation from decay can trigger systemic symptoms like low-grade fever, fatigue, or general malaise. Some people experience swollen lymph nodes or a persistent bad taste in the mouth. These are all signs that your body is responding to the bacterial activity.
Beyond the obvious discomfort, chronic oral infections can sometimes contribute to digestive issues, headaches, or even trouble sleeping, since the body is constantly fighting off the infection.
What To Do When a Rotten Tooth Falls Out
The first thing to do is stay calm and take care of the area right away. Gently rinse your mouth with warm water to remove any debris, being careful not to scrub the socket or surrounding gums. If there’s bleeding, press a clean piece of gauze or cloth against the area to help it stop. You can also use a cold compress on your cheek to reduce any swelling.
Even though the tooth is gone, it’s important to contact your dentist as soon as possible. The empty socket can become infected if it’s not cleaned or monitored, and your dentist can check for any remaining decay or damage to the surrounding teeth and gums. They can also discuss options for replacing the tooth if you want to go that direction. In the meantime, stick to soft foods, avoid using straws, and keep up with gentle rinsing to help the area heal safely.
What Type Of Dentist Does Rotten Tooth Removal?
The type of dentist you see usually depends on how complicated the extraction is. A general dentist can handle most simple extractions, like teeth that are fully erupted and easy to access. They’re trained to safely remove teeth and manage routine cases right in their office.
For more difficult situations, like impacted wisdom teeth, teeth broken below the gum line, or cases requiring sedation, an oral surgeon is often the best choice. Oral surgeons have specialized surgical training and the tools to manage complex extractions and any unexpected issues that might come up.
A periodontist may also perform extractions, especially if advanced gum disease is involved or if the removal is part of preparing for dental implants. In some cases, pediatric dentists or prosthodontists might handle extractions for children or as part of a larger restorative plan.
Should You Have a Rotten Tooth Pulled?
A good dentist will do all they can to save a tooth. They’ll likely do an evaluation to see if the tooth can be restored by having a root canal done or if a crown might be an option. However, if the tooth is badly damaged or the infection is too great, extraction might be the safest way to go.
Types of Tooth Extractions
Tooth extractions can vary depending on how complicated the removal is and why it’s needed. Different types of extractions are designed to handle specific situations, from routine removals to more complex surgical cases. Here’s a quick rundown:
- Simple Extraction – For fully erupted teeth that are easy to remove, usually done by a general dentist.
- Surgical Extraction – Needed for impacted or broken teeth, often involves gum or bone removal.
- Wisdom Tooth Extraction – Can be simple or surgical, depending on tooth position and impaction.
- Pediatric Extraction – For children’s teeth, often due to decay or crowding.
- Multiple Extractions – Removing more than one tooth at a time, often to prepare for dentures.
- Periodontal Extraction – Focuses on teeth affected by advanced gum disease, preserving the surrounding tissue and bone.
- Emergency Extraction – Performed urgently due to trauma, severe infection, or intense pain.
Other Reasons You Might Need a Tooth Extraction
Sometimes, getting a tooth pulled is just part of keeping your mouth healthy and avoiding bigger problems down the line. Dentists recommend extractions for all sorts of reasons, from infections to making room for braces.
- Bad Decay or Infection – When a tooth is too far gone for a filling or crown.
- Wisdom Teeth Trouble – Teeth stuck in the gums or jaw that can’t come in properly.
- Braces or Orthodontics – Pulling a tooth can help create space and get teeth lined up right.
- Serious Gum Disease – When gums or bone can’t support the tooth anymore.
- Injury or Trauma – Teeth broken or damaged beyond repair.
- Root Canal Gone Wrong – Sometimes a tooth still causes pain or infection even after treatment.
- Dentures or Partials – Removing teeth can make fitting dentures easier and more comfortable.
What The Procedure Is Like
Going in for a tooth extraction usually starts with a simple visit to your dentist or specialist to go over what’s happening. They’ll check your mouth, take any necessary X-rays, and talk through your options. You’ll discuss anesthesia, usually local, but sometimes sedation or general anesthesia if the extraction is more complicated. This visit is also the best time to ask questions about what to expect during and after the procedure.
On the day of the extraction, you’ll get numb in the area so you don’t feel pain. For simple extractions, the dentist just loosens the tooth and removes it. Surgical cases might involve small cuts in the gum or removing a bit of bone to free the tooth. Most procedures are fairly quick, though it can take longer if multiple teeth are being removed or if the tooth is tricky to reach.
Afterward, the recovery period is mostly about managing discomfort and keeping the area clean. Soft foods, avoiding straws, and gentle rinsing with warm salt water help the socket heal. Most people feel back to normal in a few days, though full healing can take a couple of weeks.
How Much Is a Tooth Extraction: Conclusion
Dealing with a rotten or fractured tooth is never fun, but understanding what’s going on and knowing your options can remove a lot of stress. Whether it’s recognizing the signs early, knowing when to get it pulled, or understanding what the procedure will look like, being informed helps it feel much more manageable.
If you’re worried about a tooth you’ve had extracted, a tooth that might be on its way out, or even just your overall gum health, don’t wait to reach out. Our friendly team at Utah Periodontal Specialists is here to answer your questions and guide you through the different treatment options. Our goal is to make you feel comfortable and supported every step of the way. We focus on helping patients protect their smiles and keep their mouths healthy, and we’re just a phone call away.
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