Tooth extractions are sometimes necessary to maintain your optimal oral health.
Although it is ideal for your oral and general health to retain your natural teeth, there may be times when a tooth needs to be removed due to extensive decay, periodontitis that has caused a bone infection, an irreparable fracture causing pulp damage or impacted wisdom teeth.
There also may be rare occasions when removal of children’s teeth is required to prevent crowding or teeth coming through crooked, however if possible it is preferred to address these problems with orthodontics.
Removing a tooth is done only after every alternative option has been explored and a thorough examination conducted, including detailed radiographs, confirms it is the best option for your long-term oral health.
Depending on the tooth, its location in your mouth, your current oral and general health there are several different procedures and anaesthetic options available:
- Local anaesthetic – Mainly used for teeth easy to access and remove
- IV sedation – Sedation for anxious or nervous patients where you are in a deep dream-like state unaware of your treatment but still aware of your surroundings and can respond to instructions
- General anaesthetic – Where you are completely unconscious for the duration of your procedure and is an option offered when several teeth are being removed at the same time, as in all four wisdom teeth
Following removal of your tooth or teeth, we will give you post-operative care instructions. You may experience swelling and soreness, which may last a few hours or a few days depending on your procedure. No matter what procedure you have, due to the effects of the anaesthetic you will need a friend or family member to drive you home and you should rest for the remainder of the day.
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You should avoid smoking and alcohol for at least 12 hours or as long as advised by our dentist or oral surgeon and eat a soft foods diet for several days. Pain relief medication may also be prescribed, be sure you follow the dosage instructions exactly.
If you would like to know more about tooth extractions, or to book an appointment, please contact us today.