Tooth Extractions
Sometimes a tooth cannot be saved, and extraction is the best option for protecting your overall dental health. At our practice, we approach extractions with the greatest care and attention, making your comfort and long-term wellbeing our top priorities.
At Gentle, this is how we make a tooth extraction as manageable as possible:
- We use double strength anaesthetic to ensure deep anaesthesia of the area and check that the area is numb before starting.
- We offer IV and oral sedation for people who require extra support during extractions.
- When appropriate we remove the tooth in sections which is easier for patients and better for jawbone health long term.
- After the tooth is removed, we thoroughly clean any infection out of your jawbone. This is great for your oral and overall health.
- Additionally, we encourage a good blood clot to fill up the socket. This reduces your chances of a painful dry socket afterwards.
Socket Bone Grafting
A socket bone graft is when the tooth is taken out and a bone graft is placed into the socket the same day. Although this sounds odd it is actually less painful afterwards. The procedure is done to help preserve the maximum amount of jawbone in the long term. Holding onto your jawbone helps you maintain lip and cheek support which avoids the sunken aged facial appearance. Furthermore, it makes having a potential future implant easier, quicker and less expensive and improves the naturalness of a future bridge or denture.
Wisdom Teeth Removal
We surgically remove impacted teeth whether they are eye teeth that have gone off course or wisdom teeth that have failed to grow into the mouth properly. When indicated we take a 3D scan to correctly diagnose if a tooth need removed and to ensure the safe removal of the tooth.
Why Might You Need an Extraction?
- Severe tooth decay or infection: When a tooth is badly decayed or infected and cannot be saved with a filling, crown, or root canal, extraction may be the best option.
- Overcrowding: Sometimes teeth need to be removed to make space for orthodontic treatment.
- Gum Disease: Advanced gum disease can loosen teeth, making extraction necessary.
- Broken or Damaged Teeth: Teeth that are fractured beyond repair may need to be removed.
What to Expect After an Extraction
- Mild discomfort and swelling are normal for a few days.
- Follow your dentist’s advice on pain relief, eating soft foods, and keeping the area clean.
- Avoid smoking and drinking through a straw for a few days, as this can slow healing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why might I need a tooth extraction?
Sometimes a tooth can’t be saved safely. Common reasons include severe decay or infection, a tooth that’s broken beyond repair, advanced gum disease that has loosened a tooth, or removing a tooth to create space for orthodontic treatment.
Will a tooth extraction hurt?
We take comfort seriously. We use double strength local anaesthetic to ensure deep numbness, and we always check the area is fully numb before starting. You may feel pressure, but you should not feel pain.
Do you offer sedation for nervous patients?
Yes. We can discuss oral sedation or IV sedation for patients who need extra support. We’ll advise what’s appropriate for you and explain what to expect before, during, and after treatment.
What is a “surgical” extraction and when is it needed?
A surgical extraction is used when a tooth is difficult to remove in one piece (for example, when it is broken, positioned awkwardly, or impacted). Where appropriate, we may remove the tooth in sections, which can be gentler for patients and better for long-term jawbone health.
What is a socket bone graft and why would I consider it?
A socket bone graft is placed into the socket on the same day as the extraction to help preserve as much jawbone as possible. This can help maintain lip and cheek support, reduce the “sunken” look that can happen over time, and make future options like implants, bridges, or dentures easier and more natural-looking.
Do you remove wisdom teeth?
Yes. We surgically remove impacted teeth, including wisdom teeth that haven’t grown into the mouth properly. When indicated, we may take a 3D scan to diagnose accurately and plan safe removal.
What is “dry socket” and how do you reduce the risk?
Dry socket happens when the protective blood clot in the socket is lost too early, exposing the underlying bone and causing pain. After an extraction, we encourage a good blood clot to form and we’ll give you clear aftercare instructions to help healing and reduce the chance of dry socket.
What should I expect after a tooth extraction?
Mild discomfort and swelling are normal for a few days. We’ll advise you on pain relief, soft foods, and keeping the area clean while it heals.
What should I avoid after an extraction?
Avoid smoking and drinking through a straw for a few days, as suction and chemicals can slow healing and increase the risk of dry socket. Follow your dentist’s guidance carefully for the smoothest recovery.
Will you clean out infection during the extraction?
Where infection is present, we thoroughly clean the area after the tooth is removed. This supports healthier healing and is beneficial for your oral and overall health.
