Reasons
- Infection destroyed large portion of the tooth including the supporting structures.
- Severe tooth decay
- Teeth crowding, usually for orthodontic treatment
- Re-occurring wisdom teeth problems
- Tooth has fractured at bone level and is unrestorable
Before extracting the tooth, an x-ray is taken of the area to decide what appropriate technique shall be used to extract the tooth. A local anaesthetic is then administered to numb the tooth and its surrounding area. You will be closely monitored throughout the procedure in order to minimize discomfort.
Simple Extraction: These are commonly performed; After numbing the tooth, the dentist will loosen and then grasp the tooth with special dental instruments and take it out. Usually takes approximately 30-45 mins from start to finish.
Surgical Extractions: Theses generally are more complicated. A small incision (cut) into your gum is made. The gum and/or bone tissue may cover or surround a tooth in a way that makes it difficult for the dentist to access therefore, sometimes it’s necessary to remove part of the bone around the tooth or to cut the tooth in half in order to extract it.Your dentist may need to place stitches around the gum once the extraction has been completed.
Post-operative instructions are given at the end of your treatment which you must closely follow to ensure a swift and healthy recovery.
In order for the healing process to work the area must be cleaned regularly.
- Avoid eating until the local anaesthetic wears off.
- Avoid strenuous exercise for at least 24 hours
- Do not rinse your mouth for at least four hours.
- Avoid hot drinks, alcohol and hard food.
- Choose to eat soft food until the area is healed.
- Avoid contacting/ disturbing the tooth socket (open wound).
- Avoid smoking for 24-48 hours
- After 24 hours rinse your mouth with warm salt water.
Expect some bleeding after extraction which is normal. When this happens you must sit in a right up position, with your head and shoulder raised. Gently bite onto the bite packs (gauze) given to you at the surgery for about 10-20 mins. If your experience soreness or discomfort, take whatever pain relief you would usually take for a headaches but avoid aspirin which only encourages the bleeding.
