We do all we can to protect your natural teeth, but occasionally extractions are necessary. They are a common solution in emergency cases as if a problem tooth is causing you pain, having it removed can be a real form of immediate relief.
Book appointmentThere are many reasons why we may suggest an extraction is necessary. These include:
Simple Extractions – Removing teeth can be a very straight forward 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.
Advice following your tooth extractionA tooth extraction procedure shouldn’t hurt. We use local anaesthetic to numb the affected area so you shouldn’t experience any pain, but may feel some temporary pressure and discomfort as your tooth is taken out. The immediate relief you feel when your problem tooth is removed is often worth this!
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.
Don’t worry – your dentist will be able to tell you if you need a tooth extraction, and explain why. If you are in severe dental pain, you will likely be aware that you have a problem tooth that will need to be removed. We are happy to discuss your options in detail with you, including ways to fill the gap left by your extracted tooth.