We all hope that our permanent teeth will last a lifetime, but occasionally a tooth becomes damaged or decayed to the point that extraction is the only suitable option.
Prior to an extraction, your dentist will visually assess the affected tooth and take x-rays to determine the extent of the damage and to ascertain the health of your surrounding teeth and gums.
What can I expect during the extraction procedure?
The majority of extractions are straightforward and can be completed quickly and comfortably. For nervous patient, who may feel anxious at the prospect of having a tooth removed, we offer conscious sedation for a more relaxed experience.
Before removing the affected tooth, your dentist will numb the area using a local anaesthetic. If the tooth is impacted or you require more than one extraction, a general anaesthetic may be used instead.
Post-extraction care includes rest, temporary restrictions on what you eat and drink and taking special care of the extraction site. Your dentist will provide you with appropriate instructions.
Wisdom Tooth Extraction
Wisdom teeth are located at the very back of your mouth. You may not even be aware of yours, as they rarely break through the gum tissue. Unfortunately, when wisdom teeth do start to come through, they can be prone to infection and require extraction. If this is the case, your dentist will take dental x-rays to pinpoint the location and condition of your wisdom teeth and to determine whether extraction is necessary.
Should your wisdom teeth require removal, your dentist will fully explain the procedure, offer sedation options and advise upon aftercare. Severely impacted wisdom teeth, or teeth with a problematic structure or root position, may have to be extracted by an oral surgeon. In such cases, we can refer you to the necessary professional.