Necessary treatment to prevent pain
We do all we can to protect your natural teeth, but sometimes extractions are necessary. They can be a real form of relief, especially if your problem tooth is causing you dental pain and discomfort. In cases of a dental emergency, extractions are a common solution to addressing a serious dental problem and providing immediate relief. We now have many options for replacing the missing tooth, if this is something you are interested in.
Start your treatment todayWhy do I need a tooth extraction?
Some of the reasons for needing to remove a tooth include:
- Extensive decay or advanced gum disease
- Impacted or broken wisdom teeth
- A baby tooth has failed to fall out and is preventing the emergence of a permanent tooth
- More room is needed for successful orthodontic treatment or to ensure new dentures fit properly
What does the treatment involve?
Extractions can be either simple or surgical, with the treatment process varying for each.
Simple extractions
Removing teeth can be a very straightforward procedure. For simple extractions, we loosen the tooth with dental forceps under local anaesthetic. The tooth comes out easily without touching the surrounding gums.
Surgical extractions
In some cases, we may need to give the tooth a helping hand to remove it successfully. A surgical extraction involves making a small incision in the gum to remove a tooth that may have broken off or is concealed under the gum. For large teeth, we may need to remove it in parts.
Get in touch with usFrequently asked questions
If you are in pain, or can feel your tooth has broken, you may already realise you need an extraction. In other cases, we are here to help advise and inform you of the need for treatment. If a tooth is beyond repair or you need a little more space for orthodontic treatment, we aim to provide the most comfortable extractions possible. Also, if your wisdom teeth (those four molars at the very back of your mouth) are causing any problems, such as growing through at an angle or not fully emerging, we can take those out too.
Immediately after your tooth has been taken out, try to keep the site clean by rinsing 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.
It is common to feel some pain or discomfort after you have had an extraction, particularly if it was surgical. This can be managed with over-the-counter painkillers as advised by your dentist. 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 see your dentist who will help to rectify the problem and alleviate any pain.
Yes, we have many treatments to replace your missing tooth and restore your full smile. You may wish to have a natural looking bridge, partial denture or choose the most aesthetic and stable option – a dental implant.
Do you need to see a emergency dentist?
Finding our practice and getting in touch
For more information on our treatments or any further enquiries, please contact us today.
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