Removal of a tooth is only performed after careful consideration with your dentist.
When might I need a tooth extraction?
- Impacted teeth
- Your tooth is broken and it cannot be repaired
- Extensive tooth decay
- Advanced gum disease
- Overcrowding
HOW DOES A DENTIST REMOVE A TOOTH?
Before commencing treatment, we will X-ray the tooth or teeth to review the extent of the issue and determine how to best proceed.
Your dentist will numb the area with a local anaesthetic to keep you comfortable during the extraction. For a simple extraction, your dentist will wiggle the tooth back and forth to loosen it and pull it out. Some teeth will be harder to extract than others and may require a more intricate surgical procedure.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT AFTER THE EXTRACTION?
A gauze pad is placed over the site to control bleeding, and ice packs can be used to reduce swelling. The area around the extraction site may be tender. This will subside after a few days. You can treat any discomfort using over-the-counter medication.
DO I HAVE TO TAKE ANY SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS AFTER LEAVING THE SURGERY?
It may take a few hours for the numbness to wear off. Avoid smoking or spitting for a few days after the extraction, so you don’t dislodge the blood clot. If you dislodge the clot, you will experience a condition called dry socket, and the site will take longer to heal. Take medication if prescribed to speed your recovery.
EXTRACTING WISDOM TEETH
Wisdom teeth can sometimes become impacted due to lack of space. If wisdom teeth are causing you to have repeated pain or infection or are causing damage to the teeth in front, it is usually recommended to have them removed. A surgical extraction may be required which involves making an incision in the gum to expose and remove the tooth. The area is carefully cleaned before being sutured back into place. Our specialist consultant oral surgeon, Dr Jashme Patel is highly skilled at complex oral surgery procedures and will ensure you are in safe hands.
