Why do I need an extraction?
Reasons for extracting teeth include:
- Extensive decay or advanced gum disease
- Impacted wisdom teeth
- 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
- To ensure new dentures fit properly
What does an extraction involve?
Simple extractions
Removing teeth can be a very straightforward procedure. For simple extractions, we loosen the tooth with dental forceps under local anaesthetic. The tooth comes out easily without touching the surrounding gums.
Surgical extractions
In some cases, we may need to give the tooth a helping hand to remove it successfully. 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. For large teeth, we may need to remove it in parts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Immediately after your tooth has been taken out, try to keep the site clean by rinsing with warm, salty water. Encourage healing of the affected area by eating softer foods and chewing on the opposite side of your mouth. Also, try to avoid smoking or using a straw, as these can dislodge the clot that forms in the hole after extraction.
Your tooth extraction shouldn’t hurt, but you will feel pressure in your mouth and hear loud noises during the treatment. We use local anaesthetic to numb the affected area before we begin, so you won’t feel any pain.
It is common to feel some discomfort after you have had a tooth taken out, especially if it was more complex. Use painkillers as advised by your dentist to manage the pain. 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.
Yes, if you would like to fill the gap left by your missing tooth, we have many treatment options. We are happy to discuss the benefits of dental bridges, partial dentures and dental implants with you, helping you to decide which would be most suitable for you.