Extractions

Taking away troublesome teeth

Although we are chiefly concerned with offering high-quality preventive care, sometimes it may be necessary to remove a tooth if it is damaged beyond repair. You may also choose to have a tooth extracted as an alternative to root canal treatment.

A tooth may need to go if it has been affected by gum disease or decay, or if you need more space before you have orthodontic treatment or dentures fitted. An impacted wisdom tooth can also cause problems if it does not have enough room to erupt properly.

What is the treatment process?

If the tooth that needs removing is above the gum line, a ‘simple extraction’ will be performed. If the tooth has broken off at the gum line, or has not fully erupted, a ‘surgical extraction’ will be required.

Step One
We may take an x-ray to work out the best way to remove the problem tooth.

Step Two
Under a local anaesthetic, we carefully loosen the tooth and extract it with forceps.

Step Three
If you need a surgical extraction, we make an incision in the gum before removing the tooth. It may also be necessary to remove bone around the tooth and suture the site.

What are the plus points?

• helps to eliminate pain
• stops infection spreading
• it may be a cost-effective solution
• makes room for teeth straightening and dentures

What else do I need to know?

Before you have an extraction, you need to tell us if you are taking any medication, such as blood thinners. You will be provided with an advice sheet when undergoing extractions that give pre and post-extraction advice.

After an extraction, you should encourage healing by only eating soft foods and chewing on the opposite side of your mouth. It is also wise not to drink through a straw and refrain from smoking to ensure the resulting blood clot stays in place.

Make sure the site of extraction stays clean by rinsing gently with warm, salty water. If you experience severe pain, around 3-5 days later, see us straight away as you may have developed ‘dry socket’. This occurs when the blood clot fails and results in infection.

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