Teeth Extraction
An extraction is the removal of a tooth from its socket in the bone. If a tooth has been broken or damaged by decay, we’ll try to fix it with a filling, crown or other treatment. Sometimes there is too much damage for the tooth to be repaired, and it will need to be extracted.
Decay, trauma or gum disease can result in a tooth needing to be removed from the mouth. An accident or fall can cause a tooth to chip or crack. Depending on the damage to the tooth it may not be possible to save it and will require extraction.
Similarly, if the tooth has a lot of decay and there is not much tooth structure remaining, the tooth will require extraction as well. If a tooth is causing pain, moving and has lost a lot of bone support due to gum disease, the tooth will need to be extracted as well. Also, sometimes teeth need to be extracted during orthodontic treatment to create more space for teeth to move and straighten.
If a tooth extraction is needed, we’ll provide a local anaesthetic to ensure the area is numb and any discomfort is kept to a minimum.
Yes. When performed by expert dentists like ourselves, an extraction is absolutely safe. If necessary, we’ll provide a special dressing to protect the exposed socket after treatment, too.
Avoid hot food or drinks until the anaesthetic wears off. This is important as your ability to feel pain may be impaired, which can result in you burning or scalding your mouth. You should also take care not to chew your cheek. For the rest of the day you should rest.
Try to keep your head higher for the first night using an extra pillow if possible. It is also a good idea to use an old pillowcase, or put a towel on the pillow, in case you bleed a little.
