Extraction

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About tooth extraction.
There are a number of reasons why your teeth may need to be extracted. Some of the most common reasons include:

Severe gum disease.
(periodontal disease). This is caused by bacteria building up on your teeth and damaging the bone that holds them in place. The teeth become loose and will need to be removed professionally.

Tooth decay.
If a tooth is very decayed, its nerves and blood vessels can die, leading to a painful abscess.

A broken tooth.
If it can’t be repaired it will need to be removed.

Crowded teeth.
If you have a small jaw or lost your milk (baby) teeth early, your teeth may be crowded and you may need to have one or more removed so the rest can be straightened.

Wisdom tooth problems.
If there isn’t enough space in your mouth for your wisdom teeth they may become impacted (stuck behind the tooth in front) and need to be removed.

What happens during a tooth extraction?
So that you don’t feel any pain during or immediately after the procedure, your dentist will give an injection of local anaesthetic into your mouth. This completely blocks feeling from the area so you don’t feel any pain during the procedure, though you may feel some pressure in your mouth and hear some noise.

In more difficult and rarer cases, your dentist may not be able to reach the root of your tooth so small cuts will be made in your gum. If necessary your dentist may remove the tooth via surgical means and you may have some stiches at the end of the procedure, but due to Local anaesthesia you don’t feel any pain.

What to expect afterwards
There will be some bleeding and your dentist may put in stitches. After the extraction, you will be given a piece of soft padding to bite on to stop the bleeding.

A dressing is placed in the socket help stop the bleeding.

If you’ve had your tooth removed under local anaesthesia, you’ll need to stay at the dental surgery until the bleeding is controlled. This will probably take about 10 to 15 minutes. You may need pain relief to help with any discomfort as the anaesthetic wears off.

Wait until the local anaesthetic has worn off before having hot food or drinks – you might burn your mouth or chew the inside of your cheek while it’s still numb. Once you regain some feeling, stick to lukewarm, soft food and try not to chew in the part of your mouth where the tooth has been removed. Try not to drink alcohol or smoke for the first 48 hours after the extraction – this may cause further bleeding.

It’s best not to rinse out your mouth or do any exercise for the first few hours after the extraction. This is because any blood clot that may have formed could be disturbed and the bleeding could start again. After the first 24 hours, it can be helpful to rinse out your mouth with salt water (half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water) a few times a day.

Wisdom tooth extraction

Contrary to popular opinion, not all wisdom teeth need removal. We recommend coming in to have a consultation so we can discuss the pros and cons of removing each wisdom tooth, so you can decide what is best for you. We are always conservative, and prefer to leave wisdom teeth in place if there are no obvious signs or symptoms that removal is required.

Wisdom teeth are also known as 3rd molars, and generally come through between the ages of 17 and 25. Most people have 4 wisdom teeth, although some have fewer. Interestingly, if you are missing other teeth genetically, then the chance of having missing wisdom teeth is higher. Wisdom teeth are extracted for reasons: either the wisdom teeth have already become impacted, or the wisdom teeth could potentially become problematic if not extracted. This may be requirement for orthodontic treatment when teeth movement is desired and more space is required.

Potential issues caused by the presence of properly grown-in wisdom teeth include infections caused by bits of food trapped in the jaw area behind the wisdom teeth where regular brushing and flossing is difficult and ineffective. Such infections may be frequent, and cause considerable pain and medical danger. Other reasons wisdom teeth are removed include misalignment which rubs up against the tongue or cheek causing pain, potential crowding of the remaining teeth (a result of there being not enough room on the jaw or in the mouth), as well as orthodontics.

Dental Extraction FAQs

What is a dental extraction?

A dental extraction is the removal of a tooth from its socket in the bone. This procedure is performed when a tooth is damaged, decayed, or causing other dental issues that cannot be resolved with other treatments.

Why would I need a tooth extraction?

You might need a tooth extraction for several reasons, including:

Severe tooth decay or infection
Advanced gum disease
A broken tooth that cannot be repaired
Crowded teeth
Impacted wisdom teeth
Preparation for orthodontic treatment

What are the types of tooth extractions?

There are two main types of tooth extractions:

Simple extraction: Performed on visible teeth, usually under local anaesthesia. The dentist loosens the tooth with an instrument called an elevator and then removes it with forceps.
Surgical extraction: Needed for teeth that are not easily accessible, such as impacted teeth or teeth that have broken off at the gum line. This procedure may require local anaesthesia, sedation, or general anaesthesia and involves making an incision in the gum.

How should I prepare for a tooth extraction?

Before a tooth extraction, your dentist will review your medical history and take any necessary X-rays. Follow these tips to prepare:

Discuss any medications you are taking with your dentist.
Arrange for someone to drive you home if you will be receiving sedation or general anaesthesia.
Avoid eating or drinking for a specified period before the procedure if sedation or general anaesthesia will be used.

Is a tooth extraction painful?

Local anaesthesia is used to numb the area around the tooth, so you should not feel pain during the extraction. You may feel pressure or slight discomfort. After the procedure, some pain and swelling are normal, which can be managed with prescribed or over-the-counter pain medications.

What can I expect during a tooth extraction?

During a simple extraction, the dentist will:

Administer local anesthesia to numb the area.
Loosen the tooth with an elevator.
Remove the tooth using forceps.

For a surgical extraction, the dentist or oral surgeon will:

Administer local anesthesia, and sedation or general anesthesia if necessary.
Make an incision in the gum to access the tooth.
Remove the tooth, sometimes in pieces if it is impacted.
Clean the extraction site and stitch it closed if necessary.

How long does it take to recover from a tooth extraction?

Recovery time varies depending on the complexity of the extraction, but most patients can expect to recover within 7 to 10 days. Following your dentist’s post-operative care instructions can help speed up the healing process.

What are the aftercare instructions following a tooth extraction?

After a tooth extraction, follow these aftercare tips:

Bite on a gauze pad for 30-45 minutes to control bleeding.
Avoid rinsing, spitting, or using a straw for the first 24 hours to prevent dislodging the blood clot.
Apply an ice pack to your face in 15-minute intervals to reduce swelling.
Eat soft foods and avoid hard, crunchy, or hot foods for a few days.
Keep your head elevated while resting.
Maintain good oral hygiene, but avoid brushing directly over the extraction site for the first day.
Take any prescribed medications as directed by your dentist.

What are the potential risks and complications of a tooth extraction?

While tooth extractions are generally safe, potential risks and complications include:

Dry socket: A painful condition that occurs when the blood clot at the extraction site is dislodged or dissolves prematurely.
Infection: Signs include fever, increased pain, swelling, or discharge from the extraction site.
Nerve injury: Rarely, nerve damage can occur, leading to numbness or tingling in the lip, tongue, or chin.
Excessive bleeding: If bleeding persists beyond 24 hours, contact your dentist.

How much does a tooth extraction cost?

The cost of a tooth extraction varies depending on the type of extraction, the location of the tooth, and your geographical area. On average, a simple extraction costs between $75 and $300 per tooth, while a surgical extraction can range from $150 to $650 per tooth. Dental insurance may cover part of the cost, so check with your insurance provider.

Can I replace a tooth after an extraction?

Yes, you can replace a missing tooth after an extraction. Options for tooth replacement include:

Dental implants: A permanent solution that involves surgically placing a titanium post in the jawbone and attaching a crown.
Bridges: A dental restoration that fills the gap left by the extracted tooth using adjacent teeth for support.
Partial dentures: Removable appliances that replace one or more missing teeth.