A tooth extraction is the process of removing a tooth. If a significant amount of infection ("swelling") is present you may need to take an antibiotic for several days before the tooth extraction procedure is performed. Clearing up an infection will make complications, both during the extraction procedure and during the subsequent healing process, less likely.

While having a tooth extracted may be less expensive than the other options proposed it may not be the least expensive in the long run. When a tooth is missing its neighboring teeth will tend to shift, sometimes significantly, which in turn can have a major impact on your dental health such as problems with your chewing ability, problems with your jaw joint, and predispose the teeth that have shifted to problems also.

To avoid these complications it will probably be recommend that you replace the tooth that has been extracted. The best option is to save a tooth if possible. However, if this is not an opption the extraction is the last option.