Tooth Extraction (Having A Tooth Pulled) - WebMD

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Written by Mary Anne DunkinMedically Reviewed by Robert Brennan, DDS on January 22, 2026

• Reasons for Pulling Teeth
• Tooth Extraction Cost
• What to Expect With Tooth Extraction
• What to Tell Your Dentist Before a Tooth Extraction
• Tooth Extraction Recovery
• When to Call the Dentist
• Takeaways 
• Tooth Extraction FAQs 

8 min read

Although permanent teeth are meant to last a lifetime, there are a number of reasons why you may need to have a tooth pulled as an adult. Broken, infected, or overcrowded teeth can not only affect the health of your other teeth but also lead to problems with your general health.

 

Reasons for Pulling Teeth

A very common reason for tooth extraction is a tooth that is so badly damaged (from trauma or decay) that it can't be repaired. 

Other reasons include:

A crowded mouth. Sometimes, dentists pull teeth to prepare the mouth for orthodontia. The goal of orthodontia is to properly align the teeth, which may not be possible if your teeth are too big for your mouth. Likewise, if a tooth cannot break through the gum (erupt) because there is not enough space in the mouth for it, your dentist may suggest pulling it.

Infection. If tooth decay or damage extends to the pulp (the center of the tooth containing nerves and blood vessels), bacteria in the mouth can enter the pulp, leading to infection. Often, this can be corrected with root canal therapy (RCT). But if the infection is so severe that antibiotics or RCT do not cure it, extraction may be needed to prevent the spread of infection.

Risk of infection. If your immune system is compromised (for example, if you are receiving chemotherapy or having an organ transplant), the risk of infection, even in a particular tooth, may be reason enough to pull the tooth.

Periodontal (gum) disease. If periodontal disease — an infection of the tissues and bones that surround and support the teeth — has caused loosening of the teeth, it may be necessary to pull the tooth or teeth.

Tooth Extraction Cost

The cost of a tooth extraction varies widely. It depends on many things, such as whether the tooth is impacted, any roots or portion of the jawbone is involved, or the tooth needs to be sectioned for removal. A 2020 survey of dentists in general practice showed that the average base price of various extraction procedures ranged from just over $100 to more than $500.

Whether insurance will cover an extraction depends on what type of plan you have. Many private insurance plans cover extractions, but they often do so at a lower percentage rate than they would for preventive care such as cleanings and fillings. This rate depends on whether a dentist is in or out of your plan's network. A set copay may also be in effect.

In general, Medicare does not cover extractions unless they're related to another covered service, such as to prevent infection before an operation or starting chemotherapy.

What to Expect With Tooth Extraction

Dentists and oral surgeons (dentists with special training to perform surgery) perform tooth extractions. Before pulling the tooth, your dentist will give you a local anesthetic shot to numb the area from where the tooth will be removed. In some instances, your dentist may use a strong general anesthetic. This will prevent pain throughout your body and make you sleep through the procedure.

If the tooth is impacted, the dentist will cut away gum and bone tissue covering the tooth. Then, using forceps, they would grasp the tooth and gently rock it back and forth to loosen it from the jawbone and ligaments that hold it in place. A hard-to-pull tooth must be removed in pieces.

Once the tooth has been pulled, a blood clot usually forms in the socket. The dentist will pack a gauze pad into the socket and have you bite down on it to help stop the bleeding. Sometimes, the dentist will place a few stitches — usually self-dissolving — to close the gum edges over the extraction site.

In some cases, the blood clot in the socket breaks loose, exposing the bone in the socket. This is a painful condition called dry socket. If this happens, your dentist will likely place a sedative dressing over the socket for a few days to protect it as a new clot forms.

What to Tell Your Dentist Before a Tooth Extraction

Although having a tooth pulled is usually very safe, the procedure can allow harmful bacteria into the bloodstream. Gum tissue is also at risk for infection. If you have a condition that puts you at high risk of developing a severe infection, you may need to take antibiotics before and after the extraction. Before having a tooth pulled, let your dentist know your complete medical history, the medications and supplements you take, and if you have any of the following (note that this list is not complete):

• Damaged or man-made heart valves
• Congenital heart defect
• Impaired immune system
• Liver disease (cirrhosis)
• Artificial joint (such as a hip replacement )
• History of bacterial endocarditis

Tooth Extraction Recovery

Following an extraction, your dentist will send you home to recover. Recovery typically takes a few days. The following can help minimize discomfort, lower the risk for infection, and speed recovery.

• Take painkillers as prescribed.
• Bite firmly but gently on the gauze pad placed by your dentist to reduce bleeding and allow a clot to form in the tooth socket. Change gauze pads before they become soaked with blood. Otherwise, leave the pad in place for three to four hours after the extraction.
• Apply an ice bag to the affected area immediately after the procedure to keep the swelling down. Apply ice for 10 minutes at a time.
• Relax for at least 24 hours after the extraction. Limit activity for the next one or two days.
• Do not rinse or spit forcefully for 24 hours after the extraction, as this can dislodge the clot that forms in the socket.
• After 24 hours, rinse your mouth with a solution made of 1/2 teaspoon salt and 8 ounces of warm water.
• Do not drink from a straw for the first 24 hours.
• Do not smoke, as smoking can slow down healing.
• When lying down, prop your head with pillows. Lying flat may prolong bleeding.
• Continue to brush and floss your teeth and clean your tongue, avoiding the extraction site. Doing so will help prevent infection.

What to eat after tooth extraction

After your procedure, look for soft foods that you can eat with little or no chewing. This may include foods such as: 

• Yogurt 
• Smoothies, protein shakes, or milkshakes 
• Pudding or ice cream 
• Gelatin 
• Applesauce 
• Mashed potatoes 
• Broth or soup 
• Oatmeal
• Rice 

You can have some more solid foods easily if you cut them into small bites or puree them in a blender or food processor. You can do this for foods such as well-cooked pasta, fruits such as watermelon or bananas, and vegetables such as beans or carrots. 

Until your mouth heals, steer clear of:

• Spicy foods 
• Foods high in acids (such as tomato, orange, or grapefruit juice)
• Hard or crunchy foods (such as cookies, hard rolls, or nuts)
• Anything with seeds 

To avoid touching the area that's healing, don't use a straw to drink. 

Allow hot foods and drinks to cool to a warm or lukewarm temperature before you eat them to avoid burning your mouth.

Also, remember that even though you're not eating as you usually do, a balanced diet is still important. Aim for a variety of foods and include fruits and vegetables at every meal.

When to Call the Dentist

It is normal to feel some pain after the anesthesia wears off. For 24 hours after having a tooth pulled, you should also expect some swelling and residual bleeding. But if either bleeding or pain stays severe for more than four hours after your tooth is pulled, you should call your dentist. You should also call your dentist if you have any of the following:

• Signs of infection, including fever and chills
• Nausea or vomiting
• Redness, swelling, or excessive discharge from the affected area
• Cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, or severe nausea or vomiting

The initial healing period is usually about one to two weeks. New bone and gum tissue will grow into the gap. Over time, having a tooth (or teeth) missing can cause the remaining teeth to shift, affecting your bite and making it difficult to chew. For that reason, your dentist may suggest replacing the missing tooth (or teeth) with an implant, fixed bridge, or denture.

Takeaways 

Tooth extraction for adults may be necessary in some situations. This is usually done when the tooth is damaged or decayed beyond repair. It may also be done to control or prevent infection, treat gum disease, or fix tooth alignment. A dentist or oral surgeon does this procedure under local or general anesthesia. Before the extraction, review your medical history with your provider to lower your risk of complications, including infection. Recovery usually takes some days. During this time, you should rest, eat liquid or soft foods, and take pain medications as needed. The cost of an extraction procedure varies widely and can be steep. But you may get help with paying for treatment through insurance or one of the many assistance programs.

Tooth Extraction FAQs 

Which teeth are the most difficult to remove?

Cases vary between people, but impacted wisdom teeth can be among the hardest teeth to remove. This is because there's often not enough room for them to erupt, or grow, into your mouth naturally. They can become impacted, or pushed up against another tooth or your jawbone, or covered by the skin of your gums. Your doctor or oral surgeon may have to cut them out of your mouth or break them into pieces to extract them. 

What are the long-term effects of extraction?

After an extraction, your remaining teeth can "drift," or move toward the space where the tooth used to be. This movement can also involve twisting and tipping of the teeth outward into the inside of your cheeks. Some of your remaining teeth can be affected, causing discomfort and problems with chewing and speaking. You'll need to have dental restoration done in the form of a crown, bridge, or implant as soon as possible after the procedure. Your dentist can explain to you which type of restoration will be best for you.

Is it OK to leave a dead tooth in your mouth?

No. If your tooth dies, also known as pulp necrosis, an infection can set in over time. If the infection moves into your jaw, neck, or chest, it could become serious and even life-threatening. If your dentist thinks that you have a dead tooth, they'll do tests and X-rays to confirm it. Either a general dentist or an endodontist can perform root canal therapy to try and get rid of the infection and save the tooth, or the dentist may recommend an extraction. You should address these options as soon as possible.

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