Tooth Extraction

When a tooth cannot be saved due to damage, decay, wear and tear or injury, then tooth extraction will be necessary to ensure the overall health of the mouth.

A tooth extraction is a last resort, and we’ll only ever recommend this treatment when it’s absolutely necessary and to ensure the overall oral health of the patient.

Some reasons behind needing a tooth extraction could include:

• Extensive tooth decay that is beyond treatment
• Extensive gum/periodontal disease
• Overcrowding of the mouth
• Impacted or infected wisdom teeth
• Infection

What happens during the treatment?

There are two types of tooth extraction, ‘surgical’ and ‘simple’. A simple extraction can be performed when the tooth is easily visible and is not broken or impacted in any way. During this type of extraction, we’ll administer anaesthetic before gently removing the tooth in question with a pair of forceps. Surgical extractions are often performed at a hospital under general anaesthetic and are necessary when the tooth is impacted – buried beneath the gum line – or broken.

How long is the recovery time?

For simple extractions, you should be feeling yourself after 2-3 days, while surgical extractions often require 1-2 weeks before the patient feels completely better.

Will the treatment hurt?

You’ll be under anaesthetic throughout the extraction, so you won’t feel a thing while being treated. You should expect some pain and discomfort once you’re home and the anaesthetic has worn off, however, it can usually be treated with painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen.