Extractions - Pulling a Tooth or Molar

When is it necessary to extract a tooth or molar?

While visiting the dentist for a regular consultation the dentist can discover a molar or tooth which has been affected by tooth decay or by gingivitis (an inflammation in the gums). In some cases, it is no longer possible to fill or repair the tooth. The dentist will then advise to pull the respective tooth or molar. This is called an extraction. An extraction can also be done to make space for your other teeth. For example in case of a very crooked molar or teeth. In most cases, it is the wisdom tooth which will be extracted.

Pulling the wisdom tooth

Almost everyone comes to a point in his/her life when one or several of their wisdom teeth need to be extracted. But why does the wisdom teeth needs to be extracted more often than molars and other teeth? And in which age period is it recommended to have them pulled out?

Breaking through of the wisdom teeth

Generally, wisdom teeth break through between the age period of eighteen and twenty-four. Although, it also happens a lot that they partially break through or not at all. The reasons for this can be lack of space, a wrong breakout direction or an obstruction by the molar next to the wisdom teeth. These issues can cause serious problems.

Consequences of a pushing wisdom tooth

When the molar is crooked in the jaw, it can press against the molar in front of it and eventually damaging the teeth. If the wisdom tooth has broken through partially, then keeping it clean will become much more difficult. This can cause inflammations. In case of a partial break through, there is also a small piece of gum on top of the tooth. Due to this, it easily gets inflamed and in the worst case it can lead to an abscess.

Discuss your pain with your dentist

There is no need to explain that the aforementioned problems are very troublesome, painful and dangerous. When one of these problems occur, the respective wisdom tooth will have to be pulled out i.e. extracted. A dentist or dental surgeon can also choose to remove one or more wisdom teeth out of precaution. They can often assess in a very early stage which molars will cause problems in the future.

The advantages and disadvantages of removing the molars are weighed up together with the patient. This will always happen in consultation with you. It is often decided at a fairly young age to have the wisdom teeth pulled out, since the jawbone recovers better for people younger than twenty-five years.

Possible effects after an extraction

After a tooth or molar is pulled out, the following complaints can occur:

Pain

The anesthetic wears off after one to three hours. It is normal that you will experience afterpain. As soon as you notice that the anesthetic is wearing off, you can take a pain reliever. A pain reliever available at drugstores and pharmacies is usually preferred. You may also receive a prescription for a pain reliever from your dentist or dental surgeon;

Bleeding afterwards

In some cases the wound bleeds. A trace of blood mixed with saliva is normal and may appear worse than it is. Doesn’t the bleeding stop on its own after about two hours? Then put a folded bandage gauze or a rolled up cotton handkerchief over your wound. Bite on this for about 15 minutes or press the area where it is bleeding tightly with your thumb. Is it then still bleeding? Then contact your dentist or dental surgeon;

Fever

Is your body temperature 38 °C or more? Then contact your dentist or dental surgeon;

Swelling

Sometimes the jaw will swell. To reduce the swelling, you can cool down your face immediately after the tooth has been pulled out. Put a few ice cubes in a plastic bag and put them in a washcloth. Hold the washcloth against your face where your tooth was pulled. The swelling may increase for up to three days after treatment, later turn blue (bruising) and then turn yellow. Contact your dentist or dental surgeon if the swelling continues to increase or if you have difficulty swallowing;

Inflammations

Does the pain not decrease after a few days? Or is it clearly increasing? Do you also get a bad taste in your mouth? Then there may be inflammation of the wound. In this case, it is recommended that you contact one of the dentists in our dental practice in Amsterdam-Noord or in Zaandam.

Costs of an extraction

Below you will find an overview of the standard costs of an extraction.

  • At least € 47, – for one tooth or molar
  • Additional costs: suture material (h21) € 6,29,- and costs for room preparation (h90) € 62,- for one or more molars, for example.
  • A complicated extraction amount at least € 74,-.

When you have an additional health insurance, there is a possibility that the extraction and additional costs will be reimbursed by your health care provider. In case you only have a basic health insurance we ask you to pay the total costs after the dental treatment. You can ask for a budget estimate in advance. Please keep in mind that a budget estimate is always an indication. During the treatment, procedures may deviate. This can make costs both higher and lower.

Have your molar checked by the dentist

Do have any complaints regarding your molars? Of do you feel that a wisdom tooth is breaking through? Then don’t wait too long and have it checked by one of our dentists. This way you know for sure where you stand and swelling and infections can be prevented. Our experienced dentists are happy to help you.

How can you reach us?

DentalZorg has three practices, two in Amsterdam Noord and one in Zaandam. All our practices are easy to reach by public transport. You can contact us by email or phone. You can find our contact details below. You can also simply contact us via chat, by using the small window on the right bottom side of the page or you can sent us a message via Whatsapp 06-26260100. In all cases, we will help you as soon as possible.

You can also fill in the contact form below. We will then call you back as soon as possible.

Visit one of our practices

Location Zaandam, de Rustenburg

Our dental practice is easy to reach by public transport. Central station Zaandam is located on 5 minutes walking-distance and there are two bus-lines that drive along Rustenburg. Furthermore, there a several payed an free (10 minute walk) parking spots available in the area.

Read more about our practice in Zaandam.

Locations in Amsterdam Noord

Our practices on the Kamperfoelieweg and Distelplein are easy accessible with public transport. Bus stop (bus 34 and bus 35) Mosplein can be found within walking distance. There are also several paid parking spots available in the area.

Read more about our practice in Amsterdam Noord.

    Contact form

    Do you want to schedule an appointment or are you in need of more information about (the costs of) one of our treatments? Then please fill in the contact form. Our aim is to call you back or sent an email the same day.

    Click here to register yourself as a new patient