Tooth Extraction

Having a tooth removed can feel daunting and cause anxiety.

It is often used as a last resort when a tooth cannot be saved due to trauma, decay, infection or other dental deterioration. Teeth may also require extraction prior to starting orthodontic treatment. This gives the other teeth more space to move to achieve a newly straightened set of teeth.

Never attempt to pull out your own tooth out at home, as this could cause more serious problems. Dentists have the right equipment and sterile environment in which to perform this type of procedure with the utmost care, and your recovery can be fairly quick.

A tooth extraction is a routine dental procedure where the tooth and root are completely removed from the mouth under local anaesthetic.

Dental extraction aftercare instructions

• DO NOT eat or drink until after the effects of the local anaesthetic wear off (this will take 3-4 hours).
• Following this, eat and drink with care, avoiding sites where teeth have been removed.
• Slight bleeding for a while is quite normal. Do NOT spit or rinse for 24 hours; just swallow gently.
• If bleeding persists, roll up a clean handkerchief or the gauze provided, place it over the extraction site and bite down hard on it for at least 20 minutes.
• Avoid sport or strenuous exercise for 24 hours. Sit down comfortably for the first few hours.
• Avoid smoking, alcohol and very hot drinks for at least 24 hours. Smoking will delay healing and may result in a painful condition called a dry socket.
• The day after the extraction, rinse the area with warm, salty water.
• You can take painkillers before the anaesthetic wears off. Paracetamol or Ibuprofen are normally suitable for this. Ibuprofen may not be appropriate if you are allergic or have asthma/stomach problems.

PLEASE CONTACT US OR THE EMERGENCY OUT OF HOUSE NUMBER
IF YOU HAVE ANY OF THE FOLLOWING SYMPTOMS:

• Persistent Bleeding.
• Severe Swelling.
• Severe Pain.

Wisdom tooth extraction

One area of speciality within dentistry, known as oral surgery, applies to procedures of a surgical nature, such as the extraction of teeth or wisdom teeth. Oral surgery requires additional training in techniques to perform procedures with care. If you have advanced tooth decay or an impacted wisdom tooth, you may require oral surgery to have it safely extracted. Depending on your particular case and the severity of your problem, you will be given anaesthetic and offered sedation if you are anxious.

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