Although we are committed to providing excellent preventive care and advice, it may sometimes be necessary to extract a tooth for the following reasons:
- Extensive decay or advanced gum disease
- A wisdom tooth has been impacted
- A baby tooth has failed to fall out and is preventing the emergence of a permanent tooth
- More room is needed for successful orthodontic treatment or to ensure new dentures fit correctly.
- Cracked Tooth
- Can eliminate pain
- Prevents the spread of infection
- Creates extra space
- We take an x-ray and assess your teeth to ascertain the best removal method, either simple or surgical.
- A simple extraction is performed on a tooth visible in the mouth. It involves loosening and removing the tooth with dental forceps under local anaesthetic.
- A surgical extraction involves making a small incision in the gum to remove a tooth that may have broken off or is concealed under the gum.
Immediately after removing your tooth, we will ensure the bleeding has subsided. You will still be numb from the local anaesthetic, so please be careful eating afterwards.
To encourage healing of the affected area:
- Eating softer foods and chewing on the opposite side of your mouth
- Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol for 7 days after the extraction
- Avoid using a straw, as these can dislodge the clot that forms in the hole after extraction
- Bathe the area with warm salt water rinses from the evening of your extraction – avoid forceful gargling as you do not want to disrupt
- Use pain relief if needed but follow the recommended dosages
If you experience intense pain a few days after an extraction, you may have a condition known as dry socket, which occurs when a blood clot fails to form or is dislodged prematurely, exposing the bone. In this case, you will need to see the dentist, who will help to rectify the problem and alleviate any pain.
