How Much Does A Tooth Extraction Cost?

Oral health is a subject that needs to be taken quite seriously. Taking care of our teeth and gums is essential and unfortunately, there can be times when things do not go as planned. Perhaps a tooth has broken off at the gum due to a sporting accident. Or, there may be extra teeth in one's mouth that prevent new ones from breaking through the skin.

There are also instances when a tooth has decayed to the point that it can no longer be addressed by means such as a crown or a filling. So, a tooth extraction could be the only option. How is this process performed, what are some of the main benefits and finally, how much does a tooth extraction cost?

What is a Tooth Extraction?

As the name hints, an extraction involves the complete removal of a tooth from its socket within the jaw. There are two main types that are performed. The first is known as a simple extraction. This is used when the tooth can be seen (such as a broken or decayed molar). The dentist will utilise a tool known as an elevator to loosen the tooth before it is dislodged with a pair of forceps.

The second process is a surgical extraction. This is slightly more complex and more invasive techniques are employed when the tooth is not yet visible or when it has broken off at the gum. A small incision is made just below the gum line to access the tooth and the bone. Then, it is loosened and removed. There are times when some of the bone could likewise be affected. Surgical extractions are nonetheless quite common and with the help of a local anaesthetic, the patient will normally not feel any pain during the procedure.

The Benefits of Tooth Extractions

The most prominent benefit of an extraction is that any previous pain will likely be abated within a short period of time. Extractions are also the cheapest option to deal with dental issues for those who may be on limited budgets. This is in direct comparison to other methods such as root canals.

The procedure will take only a matter of minutes once all preparations are made. An extraction will help to stop the potential spread of an infection within a damaged tooth. In the event that an existing tooth (such as a wisdom molar) is impeding the entrance of other teeth, an extraction is a viable option to consider.

How Much Does a Tooth Extraction Cost?

The cost of a tooth extraction will depend upon a number of factors. The most important is whether the patient decides to use the services of a private practice, the NHS, or instead chooses to utilise a hospital group. By far, the cheapest option is to use the NHS for this procedure. According to the latest figures (1), the total cost of an emergency consultation and extraction is £51.30 pounds.

Those who visit a group hospital can expect to pay between £450 and £2,450 pounds. Private providers have been known to charge similar fees. However, it has been shown that the average cost of a tooth extraction in the United Kingdom is £2,085 pounds (2). The price will also vary between different regions such as South East England, North East England, and Wales.

Tooth extractions are frequently necessary to prevent further damage within one's mouth. Appreciating how these procedures are performed as well as their costs will enable anyone to make the most informed decisions possible when the time comes.

Sources:

1. http://www.nhs.uk/NHSEngland/AboutNHSservices/dentists/Pages/nhs-dental-charges.aspx
2. http://www.privatehealth.co.uk/conditions-and-treatments/tooth-extraction/costs/