Tooth Extractions
Tooth extraction - A last resort
Extracting a tooth is usually the last option recommended and is only offered once all other avenues for treating your condition have been explored. Our primary aim is for you to keep your natural teeth as long as possible, with tooth extraction being the last resort.
When you consult with the team at Ashfield Dental Centre, you can rest assured that we’ll only recommend extraction if it offers you the best chance at achieving a healthy smile. We are committed to providing the Sydney region with quality dental care and will never recommend that you undergo unnecessary procedures.
How the extraction works
Teeth can usually be extracted in the dentist’s chair under a local anaesthetic. Some cases may require a more complex operation under a general anaesthetic (often wisdom teeth removals) which will need to happen in an external hospital. This will incur additional costs, and your dentist will let you know if it’s needed.
Once the anaesthetic has taken effect, your dentist will get to work on removing your tooth. They will use the prior-taken X-rays to guide them as they loosen the tooth and lift it out.
If your gum was cut during the procedure, your dentist may stitch the wound closed. They’ll apply gauze to help form a blood clot, and let you know how to care for your gap before you leave the clinic.
What comes next?
After your tooth is extracted, you’ll usually start exploring options for tooth replacement. Depending on the reason your tooth was extracted and the state of the other teeth in your mouth, your dentist may recommend a dental bridge, dental implant or denture to fill your gap.
Aside from affecting the way your smile looks, not replacing your extracted tooth can affect your ability to chew and talk normally. Additionally, the gap in your smile could cause your other teeth to shift, disturbing your alignment and undoing any orthodontic work you’ve had done. The gap can also become a food trap, which can increase the bacteria in your mouth and lead to decay.
If your tooth was removed so you could undergo orthodontic treatment (more common in children), your dentist will let you know how the gap will be filled when your treatment is complete. It will generally be filled by moving another tooth into the empty spot, however this may need replacement by other means.
Frequently asked questions
A tooth extraction may be necessary in several situations, including:
- Severe tooth decay or infection that cannot be treated with a root canal or other procedures
- Advanced periodontal (gum) disease
- Impacted or overcrowded teeth, often in preparation for orthodontic treatment
- Broken or fractured teeth that cannot be repaired
- Wisdom teeth that are causing pain, infection, or alignment issues
- Teeth damaged by trauma
- To make space for prosthetics, such as dentures
The dentists at Ashfield Dental Centre will evaluate your tooth and discuss the procedure with you beforehand to help you feel comfortable. Local anaesthesia is administered to numb the area around the tooth, and in some cases sedation or general anaesthesia may be used. An Ashfield dentist will use special tools to loosen and remove the tooth. The tools used depend on the type of extraction (simple or surgical). Once the tooth is removed, one of our dentists will clean the extraction site and may pace stitches to close the wound.
A tooth extraction is generally not painful due to the use of local anaesthesia, which numbs the area around the tooth. You may feel pressure during the procedure, but not pain. After the anaesthesia wears off, some discomfort or pain is normal, but it can be managed with pain relief medications.
Recovery from a tooth extraction typically takes a few days to a week. Most patients can return to normal activities within 24-48 hours, but complete healing of the extraction site may take a few weeks. Following aftercare instructions provided by an Ashfield dentist is crucial to ensure a smooth recovery.
Aftercare instructions following a tooth extraction include:
- Bite on gauze for 30-45 minutes to control bleeding
- Avoid rinsing, spitting, or using a straw for the first 24 hours
- Apply an ice pack to reduce swelling
- Take prescribed or over-the-counter pain medications as directed
- Eat soft foods and avoid chewing on the extraction site
- Keep the extraction site clean by gently rinsing with salt water after 24 hours
- Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption, as they can interfere with healing
- Follow up with your dentist as recommended
For managing pain and discomfort after a tooth extraction, a family dentist in Ashfield may recommend:
- Taking over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen
- Using an ice pack on the outside of your cheek to reduce swelling and numb the area
- Eating soft, cool foods and avoiding hot or spicy foods
- Following instructions for any prescribed medications
- Resting and avoiding strenuous activities for the first few days
Options for replacing a missing tooth after extraction include:
- Dental Implants: A permanent solution that involves placing a titanium post in the jawbone, topped with a crown.
- Dental Bridges: A prosthetic tooth anchored by crowns on adjacent teeth.
- Partial Dentures: Removeable appliances that replace one or more missing teeth.
- Full Dentures: For patients missing all their teeth, full dentures can replace them.
If you experience excessive bleeding or swelling after a tooth extraction:
- Apply pressure with a clean gauze pad and bite down for 30 minutes
- Use an ice pack to reduce swelling
- Avoid physical activity and keep your head elevated
- Contact Ashfield Dental Centre for an emergency dentist appointment immediately if bleeding or swelling persists or worsens, as this could indicate a complication such as infection or dry socket
Ashfield Dental Centre ensures a safe and comfortable tooth extraction experience by:
- Offering a thorough pre-extraction consultation to explain the procedure and answer any questions
- Using advanced techniques and modern anaesthesia to minimise discomfort
- Providing detailed aftercare instructions and follow-up appointments to monitor healing
- Ensuring a clean and sterile environment to prevent infection
- Offering sedation options for anxious patients to make the procedure as stress-free as possible