Tooth Extraction
Tooth Extraction is usually a last option advised by dentists, especially in this modern age of dentistry. In some cases, when the tooth can no longer be saved (by a filling or a crown for example), then we may have no other option but to advise the tooth to be removed.
Prior to removing a tooth, it is always important to consider your options of tooth replacement which are Dentures, Implants, Bridges, Orthodontic Gap Closure.
We are nowadays able to offer an Immediate (Immediately at the time of removing the tooth), Delayed (2-3 weeks after extraction is carried out) or Late placement (3-4 months after the tooth is removed) dental implant placement, subject to assessment by our dentist. It is important to plan the placement of a dental implant before removing any teeth, as the bone used to place a dental implant often decreases in especially the first three months after extraction.
It is also equally important to consider Socket Preservation to attempt to maintain the volume of the bone during the socket healing after an extraction, thereby allowing a dental implant to be placed with more surrounding bone to stabilize the implant in place.
Socket Preservation
Despite the advances in modern dental technology it is always better to keep as many of your natural teeth as possible. Extractions will always be used as a last resort.
It is most usually done when a tooth has become very badly decayed or damaged, but may also be removed due to the effects of gum disease and other infections. A tooth may also be removed when teeth are overcrowded and removal of teeth is the best method to allow space for the other teeth to grow into.
Some reasons for Tooth Extraction:
- Severe tooth infection, decay or trauma where the tooth is past the point of being saved.
- With some traditional braces a tooth may need to be removed to avoid overcrowding issues with your new straight teeth.
- Complicated fracture leaving tooth unrestorable.
- Teeth that cannot be saved through root canal (endodontic) treatments.
- Dental abscesses; a collection of pus around the gums or teeth
- Advanced gum disease.
- Supernumerary teeth; are additional teeth which block other teeth from developing by growing in the wrong place.
We understand that an extraction can be a nervous and emotional time for any patient. We are fortunate to be one of the remaining few practices that are able to offer patients with Conscious Sedation (hyperlink) options to make the whole experience a whole lot more comfortable. We also use a local anaesthetic, which numbs the sight of the extraction and eliminates any pain during and for several hours after the procedure. Due to the nature of the treatment you may feel some movement and pressure around the tooth, which can be uncomfortable. Our dentists always provide the best possible environment for our patients making sure they are as relaxed as possible.
Your dentist will offer advice about the best way to care for your mouth following the procedure which may include advice about antibiotics and mouthwashes. Despite the temptation, you should not eat, drink or rinse the mouth for several hours afterwards in order for the body to start its own healing processes. After this period of time, the local anaesthetic will have fully worn off and you may wish to consider taking an over the counter painkiller if you are still feeling some discomfort. Should this continue however, you should contact our dentist for further advice by booking an appointment.
Get In Touch -
New Patients Only
If you are already registered with us please ring the practice