Having all of your teeth pulled, also known as full mouth extraction, is certainly an option some people consider for various reasons. There are pros and cons to having all teeth removed that should be carefully weighed before making any permanent decisions about your oral health.
When would someone elect to have all their teeth pulled?
There are a few situations when a person might elect to have all their natural teeth extracted:
- The person has advanced gum disease that has loosened most or all of their teeth to the point where they cannot be saved through deep cleanings and gum surgery. Pulling the teeth prevents further infection and discomfort.
- Someone is planning to get dentures and wants to expedite the process by having all teeth removed at once before getting fitted for dentures. This avoids multiple visits for individual extractions.
- The patient has a significant number of teeth that require root canals and crowns due to decay or trauma and wants to extract all teeth instead of investing time and money on saving their damaged teeth.
- A patient has dental phobia or anxiety and does not want to undergo prolonged dental treatments. Electing to pull all teeth provides a quick solution and allows the patient to get dentures fitted and avoid triggering dental anxiety.
- Certain conditions like Sjogren’s syndrome or dry mouth can increase tooth decay risk. A patient may decide to have all compromised teeth removed if they are unlikely to remain healthy.
In some cases, a dentist may recommend full mouth extraction if a person’s oral health is poor and most or all teeth are non-restorable. Elderly patients sometimes choose to have remaining teeth pulled if upkeep becomes difficult. However, full clearance is usually an elective choice made by the patient, often for convenience or to avoid extensive dental work.
What is the process for full mouth tooth extraction?
The full mouth extraction process involves:
- Examination and consultation – The dentist will examine the mouth and take x-rays to assess the condition of each tooth and the jaws. They will discuss options and advise if any teeth can be saved.
- Anesthesia – Local anesthesia is administered to numb the areas around the teeth. IV sedation may also be used for anxious patients.
- Extractions – Using dental forceps, elevators, and surgical instruments, the dentist will loosen and remove each tooth individually.
- Post-op care – Gauze pads will be placed after extractions to control bleeding. Bite pressure is needed initially. Pain medication and antibiotics may be prescribed.
- Follow-up – Trim any sharp bone and suture removal will occur after several days. The sockets heal over the next several weeks.
Most patients require bone grafting after full extractions to prepare the jaws for dentures and prevent significant bone loss. It may take 3-6 months to fully heal before getting fitted for removable dentures or implants.
What are the pros and cons of having all teeth removed?
Potential advantages
- Avoids extensive dental treatments needed to fix damaged teeth
- Prevents pain or infection from severely compromised teeth
- No need for lifelong dental visits and tooth maintenance once healed
- Denture wearers can remove teeth easily for cleaning
- May be cheaper than root canals, crowns, and other treatments
- Eliminates dental phobia and anxiety about procedures
Potential disadvantages
- Permanent loss of natural teeth
- Bone loss from missing teeth
- Difficulty eating and speaking with dentures, especially lower dentures
- Higher long-term costs for denture replacements
- Need to remove and clean dentures daily
- Limitations in food choices due to denture use
- Negative effects on facial appearance
- Risk of extraction complications like dry socket
What are the alternatives to full mouth extractions?
Instead of extracting all teeth, patients can consider these alternatives:
- Root canals and crowns – Damaged but restorable teeth can be saved through root canal therapy and crowns.
- Dental implants – Implants provide a permanent tooth replacement option without removing remaining healthy teeth.
- Partial dentures – If some natural teeth remain, partial dentures only replace missing teeth.
- Dental bridges – Bridges span the gap created by one or more missing teeth.
- Dental bondings and fillings – Small repairs can fix minor tooth flaws and decay.
- Gum surgery and deep cleanings – This treats advanced gum disease to save loosened teeth.
Considering these alternatives to extractions can help prevent permanent tooth loss in cases where teeth may be salvageable through restorative treatments.
What is the cost for full mouth extractions?
The cost for extracting all teeth can range significantly based on these factors:
- Number of teeth being removed – Typically $75-$200 per tooth
- Need for bone grafting – $500-$1500+ per graft
- Type of anesthesia used – Local vs IV sedation
- Geographic location and dentist fees
- Additional procedures like sutures and medications
On average, costs fall within this range:
| Number of Teeth Pulled | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| 15-16 teeth | $1500-$3000 |
| 24-26 teeth | $3000-$5000 |
| 30+ teeth | $5000-$8000 |
Dentures, implants, follow-up care, and other treatments may cost $3000-$20000+ beyond the extractions themselves. Getting an itemized cost estimate is recommended.
What happens after getting all teeth pulled?
The full mouth extraction healing process involves:
- The first 24 hours – Careful biting on gauze pads to control bleeding
- 1 week – Taking prescribed medications for pain and swelling
- 2 weeks – Soft diet while avoiding hard, sharp, and hot foods
- 6-8 weeks – Healing of extraction sites as bone and soft tissue reform
- 3-6 months – Bone grafting and site preparation for dentures or implants
- 4-6 months – Getting fitted for new dentures or dental implants
Proper post-extraction care is vital. Antibiotics, medicated mouth rinses, and pain relievers help control discomfort. Regular checkups monitor healing. Once healed, pursuing tooth replacement options is essential for chewing, speech, and facial structure.
Denture wear and care
For full or partial dentures, patients should:
- Allow gum tissue to fully heal before impressions
- Have dentures properly fitted to avoid sore spots
- Remove and clean dentures daily
- Use denture adhesives for a better fit
- Avoid wearing dentures at night
- See a denturist periodically for adjustment or reline needs
With proper care, dentures typically need replacement every 5-10 years due to changes in oral tissues and bone over time.
Dental implant options
Dental implants involve:
- Surgically placing titanium posts into the jawbone that fuse to the bone over 3-6 months
- Attaching replacement teeth or a dental bridge to the implant posts
- An extensive process requiring adequate healthy bone mass
- Higher upfront costs but provide a permanent, non-removable tooth replacement option
Implants may be a preferable choice for many patients but require healthy bone which can deteriorate after extractions without grafting. The dentist will assess bone density and volume with x-rays during consultations.
What are the risks or complications from full mouth extractions?
Possible issues include:
- Dry socket – This painful condition occurs when a blood clot dislodges from the empty tooth socket.
- Bleeding – Oozing and bleeding may persist for several hours after extraction.
- Swelling and bruising – Facial swelling, jaw stiffness, and cheek bruising are common.
- Numbness – Numb lips, chin, or tongue caused by inflamed nerves usually fades over weeks.
- Infection – Bacteria can infect an extraction site leading to more pain.
- Sinus exposure – Removing upper molars risks exposing the maxillary sinuses.
- Bone loss – Missing teeth can cause jawbone deterioration without grafting.
For reduced risks, patients should follow all post-op care instructions carefully, take prescribed antibiotics fully, and attend follow-ups to monitor for complications.
Conclusion
Full mouth tooth extraction as an elective procedure allows patients to remove all compromised teeth quickly before getting fitted for dentures or implants. However, disadvantages like high long-term costs, oral health effects, and issues adapting to dentures should be considered carefully beforehand. Consulting with a dentist about all alternative treatment options for damaged teeth can determine if extractions are the best choice or if other tooth-saving and replacement solutions are preferable for your unique situation.