Surgical Extractions

Why does my tooth need to be extracted?

There are many reasons why a tooth might need to be extracted, such as:

Cavities – A cavity is a hole in a tooth that can be caused by bacteria. If a cavity is not treated, it can eventually cause the tooth to decay and break.

Impacted wisdom teeth – Wisdom teeth are the third molars that grow at the back of the mouth. Sometimes they do not have enough room to erupt properly and can become impacted. Impacted wisdom teeth can cause pain, infection, and damage to other teeth.

Trauma – A tooth can be knocked out or broken if it is hit by a hard object. If this happens, the tooth will need to be extracted.

What to expect when you have a tooth extracted?

If you need to have a tooth extracted, there are a few things you can expect. We will first numb the area around the tooth. Then we will use a tool to loosen the tooth and another tool to remove it. The extraction site may bleed for a few minutes after the tooth is removed. We will pack the socket with gauze to help stop the bleeding.

Extractions can be a real form of relief, especially if the problem tooth is causing dental pain. In cases of a dental emergency, extractions are a common solution to addressing a serious dental problem and providing immediate relief. There are many options for replacing missing teeth as well, such as dental implants and dentures.

You will need to take it easy for a few days after the extraction. Avoid hot food and drinks and chewing on the side of your mouth where the tooth was extracted. You may also experience some pain and swelling. These symptoms should go away within a few days. If you have any questions or concerns about tooth extraction, please contact us and we can advise and assist you.

After your tooth extraction

Immediately after your tooth has been taken out, try to keep the site clean by rinsing it with warm, salty water. Encourage healing of the affected area by eating softer foods and chewing on the opposite side of your mouth. Also, try to avoid smoking or using a straw, as these can dislodge the clot that forms in the hole after extraction.

If you experience intense pain a few days after an extraction, you may have a condition known as dry socket, which occurs when a blood clot fails to form or is dislodged prematurely, exposing the bone. In this case, you will need to book an appointment with us and we will help to rectify the problem and alleviate any pain.

Don’t let a problematic tooth affect your quality of life. Schedule a consultation with our dental team today to discuss your options.