At our practice, we try to save a patient’s natural tooth, but there are times when a restorative treatment has a poor prognosis, and a tooth extraction is the best option.

Our dentists typically perform a tooth extraction under a local anaesthetic, and it is a relatively quick procedure. There are however times when a tooth is extensively decayed it may be necessary to do a minor surgical procedure as the extraction process may be more “complex.” This can also be carried out under local anaesthetic alone. The option of having treatment under IV sedation is available.

Why might I need to have a tooth extracted?

There are many reasons why teeth may require removal, including excessive tooth decay, infection, and overcrowding. Those who undergo orthodontic treatment may need one or more teeth removed to provide space for the alignment of the remaining teeth.

Patients who are undergoing chemotherapy or an organ transplant often need to have teeth removed to improve their oral health and strengthen their immune system.

The wisdom teeth — the third molars at the back of your mouth — may emerge horizontally or fail to break through the gum line. In cases where the dentist can grasp the tooth to pull, they will perform a simple extraction.

If the wisdom teeth have not emerged, they will require a “complex” extraction. Again, more complex extractions can be carried out under IV sedation.

What do you class as a “complex extraction?”

Aside from tricky wisdom teeth extractions, there are other procedures which fall under the heading of “difficult” or “complex” extractions.

Sometimes, a tooth may break off below the gum line, either by accident or during a simple extraction procedure. Other times, a problem tooth may not have erupted into the mouth in the first instance.

In these cases, the patient will require a complex, surgical extraction, which involves making an incision in the gum to access the tooth. It may also require the removal of a small amount of bone tissue to free the tooth from the socket in some cases.

A surgical extraction may require a combination of local anaesthesia and sedation, depending on the complexity of the case.

Why would a child need a baby tooth pulled?

Sometimes baby teeth will not fall out, even when the adult tooth is trying to emerge, so we extract the baby tooth to make room for the adult tooth.

If your child is experiencing discomfort due to a large cavity, we may recommend extraction.

How long does it take to recover from a tooth extraction?

It usually takes a few days to recover from a simple tooth extraction. Some people may feel ready to go back to work the next day. Here are a few steps you can take that will promote the healing process:

• Apply an ice pack to your cheek after the procedure to reduce swelling
• Take prescribed or over-the-counter painkillers if necessary
• Relax as much as possible for the first day
• Avoid using a straw, spitting, or smoking so you do not dislodge the blood clot
• Brush and floss your teeth as usual but avoid the extraction site
•Stick to soft foods and slowly reintroduce others into your diet as you recover

It may take longer to recover from a complex, surgical extraction, depending on the level of difficulty involved. Your dentist will prescribe stronger painkillers and antibiotics for you if you have undergone a complex extraction.

Our dentists are highly experienced in in extracting all types of teeth – simple, complex, difficult and impacted wisdom teeth. This treatment can be carried out under local anaesthesia alone or in combination with IV sedation so you will ‘snooze’ through the procedure.

If you would like further information click here.

Back to General Dentistry

Treatments

reviews

"I found them very friendly all round - the Dentist explains everything he is doing which makes the patient very confident about what he advises…

Joan Emptage

View Testimonials