Tooth extraction
Whether its a simple extraction a surgical extraction or an impacted widsom tooth extration, our team of highly experienced dentists and surgeons are here to help.
Having a tooth out is never fun! But most people at some point in their lives may need to have a tooth extracted, and the more experienced the surgeon, the better for the patient! Especially when having implants to replace the missing tooth, it's especially important that the bone around the tooth being extracted is preserved so that an implant can be placed later. Special attention is paid to ensuring that all root fragments are completely removed and the tooth socket is cleaned.
We recommend that any patient who is planning on having implants should also see our team of surgeons for the extractions, this way we will know that the best possible treatment was provided without any unexpected surprises later!
A root canal treated tooth can become brittle and can fracture into pieces when being extracted so special care has to be taken when removing or if only the roots are now present, or the tooth fractures, then a surgical extraction will be needed.
Wisdom teeth can be especially complicated and difficult and the expertise and experience of an alveolar surgeon is good to have. Impacted wisdom teeth can be especially painful but if left in, can cause all sorts of problems for the other teeth. Wisdom teeth are the most difficult to keep clean and decay can often develop around them, they can also force the movement and crowding of other teeth. It is often recommended that people in their teens and twenties have wisdom teeth preventatively removed before they cause problems.
Tooth extraction complications
There will be some discomfort and pain after extraction once the anaesthetic has worn off. If infection has been present around the root, this will take some time to disipate and this can cause pain. Ocassionaly bone fragments will appear after an extraction and this can feel like a little pin prick, but these fragments will naturally be expelled by the body.
Occassionally a socket can become infected and this is called dry socket. This can be more painful than the actual tooth extraction and usually appears 3-4 days after the extraction has taken place. The cause of this is because the bone has been exposed due to little or no blood clotting in the tooth socket. A dentist will need to clean out the socket, place a dressing and will likely prescribe antibiotics.
Very occassionally lock jaw can develop after a wisdom tooth extraction, this is why its never recommended to remove all four wisdom teeth at the same time. (Usually one side at the same time) Lockjaw is caused by the muscles supporting the jaw going into spasm. This condition will pass within a few days and placing a warm compress onto the area may help.
If stitches were placed after an extraction, they will need to be removed by a dentist.
For any pain following tooth extraction, usual over the counter pain killers may be taken, but feel free to call the practice for advice. Antibiotics are not usually prescribed.
Three members of our team are surgeons therefore you are assured the best possible treatment with us.
