Tooth Extraction

While our aim is always to save your tooth, you may require an extraction if: 

• Your tooth is badly broken down from decay or trauma
• You have periodontal disease and the supporting tissues have lost their strength
• Your teeth are overcrowded
• You have irreparable vertical cracks in your teeth
• Your teeth or wisdom teeth are impacted and are unable to break through your gums 

Generally requiring only one visit, our caring team will provide you with a thorough overview of our tooth extraction procedure, so you know exactly what to expect.  

The steps for a routine extraction include: 

• We’ll take an x-ray of your damaged tooth, which allows us to assess the root structure and plan the safest way to extract the tooth with minimal damage to its surrounds (eg. nerves and sinuses).
• We’ll apply a local anaesthetic to numb the tooth and gum, ensuring that the procedure is pain-free. If you require a more involved tooth extraction, we may recommend the use of conscious sedation (gas) or a general anaesthetic before proceeding.
• Our experienced dentist will then loosen the tooth. You may feel some pressure during this step, which is a result of rocking the tooth to loosen it.
• We’ll remove the tooth, remove any infected tissue and compress the tooth socket to close it. If your tooth has been surgically removed, you may require stitches – we’ll advise you on this before the procedure.
• Our dental assistant will provide you with a folded gauze to place over the tooth socket and ask you to bite down on it to help control any bleeding. 

After your tooth extraction, we’ll provide you with detailed information on how to care for it at home. This the following includes tips: 

• Apply firm pressure on the gauze placed over the extraction site for at least 30 minutes.
• Avoid eating or drinking anything that’s too hot or cold for the rest of day. Also, avoid drinking from a straw for the first 24 hours.
• Eat soft foods for 48 hours after the procedure, chewing on the opposite side to the extraction site.
• Do not rinse the area for 48 hours. After 48 hours, rinse gently with warm, salty water for the next two weeks.
  If there is persistent bleeding from the site, place a clean gauze pack on it and bite firmly for another 20 minutes.
• Avoid drinking alcohol, smoking or strenuous activity for three days following the procedure.
• The site may be uncomfortable for 7 – 10 days after the procedure and taking the recommended dosage of paracetamol or Nurofen will ease any discomfort. 

If you experience excessive bleeding or there is continued pain, fever or swelling, we urge you to get in touch with our team. We’re here to help and will be able to provide the best advice to ensure your quick recovery and ongoing wellbeing.