Tooth extractions are usually a quick and painless procedure
There is no need to worry about tooth extraction, as the procedure and recovery are usually straightforward.
Tooth extraction in a nutshell
- A tooth should be removed if it has become so bad that it cannot be repaired.
- Tooth extraction is performed under a powerful anaesthetic.
- Before tooth extraction, we will make a treatment plan with you to replace the missing tooth. Often, for bite or appearance reasons, for example, you might need a dental implant.
There is no need to worry about tooth extraction, as the procedure and recovery are usually straightforward.
Book an appointment for tooth extractionWhen should a tooth be removed?
Sometimes, a tooth is in such bad condition that it cannot be saved. Your dentist may decide to remove a tooth if:
- the tooth is badly decayed
- there is severe gingivitis or inflammation of the root tip next to the tooth
- the root of the tooth is cracked
- the root canal treatment of the tooth has failed
- the tooth is chipped through or broken into several pieces and cannot be replaced.
If you suffer because of the tooth and it needs to be extracted, book an appointment at Hammas Mehiläinen.
Book an appointment for tooth extractionHow to prepare for a tooth extractions – also get help with anxiety
Tooth extraction is usually done under local anaesthesia. If you are very nervous about tooth extraction, we can help you with a sedative pre-medication.
You should take a painkiller at home an hour before the procedure. This will allow the painkiller to take effect before the anaesthetic wears off.
In the case of an extraction of an infected tooth, you may be prescribed an antibiotic an hour before the procedure in certain circumstances.
If you are having several bad teeth removed at once – i.e. dental reconstruction – and you are nervous, anaesthesia may also be considered. If you are going to be anaesthetised, you will be instructed by your anaesthesiologist well in advance.
How is tooth extraction performed?
Tooth extraction is carried out in dental surgery. Here's how it works:
- Tooth extraction with a lever and pliers At its simplest, tooth extraction is a quick procedure: the dentist numbs your jawbone and gums, pulls a lever and pulls out your tooth - that's it.
- Tooth extraction in surgery If your tooth is chipped or has curved roots, your tooth extraction may require surgery.
- After the tooth extraction, you'll take a moment to relax in the waiting room. An ice pack will be placed on your cheek to prevent swelling. We will look after you throughout your visit.
- A date for a possible follow-up appointment and stitch removal will be arranged after the procedure.
- You will receive home care instructions and any necessary prescriptions from your dentist before you go home. You will usually need painkillers. Removal of an infected tooth may require a course of antibiotics.
- You will need an escort if you have been given a sedative pre-medication.
How long will the tooth extraction take?
The easiest way to remove a tooth is to take just a few minutes, and with all the steps involved, you'll be ready to go home in half an hour.
More demanding tooth extractions can take up to an hour to complete.
After tooth extraction - home care with clear instructions
In general, recovery from tooth extraction is quick. You can always get clear instructions for home care from your dentist. We will also give you a telephone number to call if you need help with any problems.
- Pain. The extraction spot may ache for two to three days after tooth extraction. After tooth extraction, the pain sometimes radiates to a wider area. You can relieve the pain with painkillers prescribed by your dentist.
- Swelling associated with a surgical extraction. Cheek swelling is not dangerous. It will go down over a few days.
- Food and drinks. Eat soft food in the days following tooth extraction. Avoid eating and drinking hot food for a day after the tooth extraction to prevent bleeding from the extraction cavity.
- Sports and other physical activities should be avoided for the day of the procedure.
- Smoking will slow down the healing of the extraction cavity.
- The extraction cavity heals best when you avoid touching it. Initially, it is a good idea to keep a roll of gauze over the extraction site for about 30 minutes. The healing of the gum after a tooth extraction depends on the person
- Complications are rare, but sometimes they can occur. Contact your dentist if the pain becomes so severe that painkillers do not help, or if the extraction cavity starts to bleed a lot, or if you develop a fever after the procedure and your cheek becomes very swollen.
What is an extracted tooth replaced with?
An extracted tooth always leaves an empty cavity – if it is visible, it is aesthetically unpleasing. Fortunately, a cavity that disturbs the appearance can be replaced immediately with a temporary denture.
Before removing a tooth, your dentist will discuss with you what to do with the empty space in your mouth. Often, a tooth that has been removed is replaced with a dental implant because of a bite or a problem with its appearance:
- For aesthetic reasons, you will probably want to replace the cavity left by the removal of a front tooth. A dental implant is often a good option for this
- Over time, the extraction of a molar can cause the neighbouring teeth to tilt towards the gap and the opposing tooth, the opposing molar, may become overcrowded. The bite will then change. To prevent this, the tooth should be replaced with either an implant or a dental bridge, depending on the situation.
Tooth extraction prices – flexible payment options to help you
The cost of a tooth extraction depends on the complexity of the procedure. You will always receive an estimate of the price of tooth extraction from your dentist at your planning visit. Browse the price list of Hammas Mehiläinen.
The flexible payment options of Hammas Mehiläinen will protect you if you need a major operation.
The specialist interviewed for the article was our dental specialist and oral and maxillofacial surgeon Kimmo Vähätalo.
Read more about Hammas Mehiläinen's payment methodsService | Mobile Benefit price | Hinta-arvio |
---|---|---|
Dental check-up | 51.00 € Without Kela reimbursement 81.00 € | |
Dental check-up for patients with dental fear | 88.00 € Without Kela reimbursement 118.00 € | |
Lasten ja nuorten hammastarkastus Hinnat sisältävät poliklinikkamaksun (33,90 €). Varaa lasten ja nuorten hammastarkastus Prices 165.75–232.75 €, without Kela reimbursement 185.90–252.90 € | from 165.75 € Without Kela reimbursement from 185.90 € | |
Dental X-ray of the teeth and jaws | Mobile Benefit 95.00 € The price with a doctor's referral after Kela compensation is €80. | 106.00 € Without Kela reimbursement 115.00 € |
Tartar removal 30–45 minute appointment with a dental hygienist. Prices 126.00–171.00 €, without Kela reimbursement 134.00–189.00 € | from 126.00 € Without Kela reimbursement from 134.00 € | |
Dental fillings 1–3 surfaces. Prices 91.00–253.00 €, without Kela reimbursement 101.00–276.00 € | from 91.00 € Without Kela reimbursement from 101.00 € | |
Ceramic filling of the tooth 1–3 surfaces. Prices 271.00–693.00 €, without Kela reimbursement 271.00–750.00 € | from 271.00 € Without Kela reimbursement from 271.00 € | |
Dental ceramic crown Laboratory costs are not included in the price estimate. Prices 598.00–755.00 €, without Kela reimbursement 598.00–755.00 € | from 598.00 € Without Kela reimbursement from 598.00 € | |
Chipped tooth Prices 91.00–253.00 €, without Kela reimbursement 101.00–276.00 € | from 91.00 € Without Kela reimbursement from 101.00 € | |
Tooth extraction Prices 105.00–709.00 €, without Kela reimbursement 115.00–771.00 € | from 105.00 € Without Kela reimbursement from 115.00 € | |
Tooth whitening Price estimate given at the free consultation appointment. Prices 95.00–436.00 €, without Kela reimbursement 95.00–436.00 € | from 95.00 € Without Kela reimbursement from 95.00 € | |
Whitening consultation appointment Includes an individual price estimate for teeth whitening. | Free Kela reimbursement deducted from the price | |
Anaesthesia Prices 36.00–37.00 €, without Kela reimbursement 39.00–40.00 € | from 36.00 € Without Kela reimbursement from 39.00 € |
Frequently asked questions about tooth extractions
Root canal treatment can often save a tooth that is infected to the core. Tooth extraction may be a better option if:
- the tooth is cracked to the root
- the tooth is so badly decayed or chipped that it can no longer be repaired by filling
- previous root canal treatment has failed - extraction of a root canal-treated tooth is a better option
Dental implants can sometimes be placed at the time of tooth extraction. Usually, however, it is possible after about four months of tooth extraction, when the extraction cavity has been filled with bone.
Pain after tooth extraction can last for a few days. Painkillers are effective in relieving the pain.
Your dentist will give you easy-to-follow home care instructions after the tooth extraction. Follow them and, if you have any questions, contact your dentist.
After a tooth extraction, you can only eat normally once the extraction location has healed. Usually, it will heal within a few days.
After a tooth extraction, it is a good idea to avoid hot food and drinks for a day. Food should be soft, but you can certainly eat something other than liquid food. Be careful when biting with the extraction spot at first when you eat.