TOOTH EXTRACTION

As your local family dentist in Ashfield our goal to offer a relationship with our patients.

TOOTH EXTRACTION

In some cases where a tooth has fallen into extreme decay, it may require a full extraction. Extraction is usually the last resort for any dental professional but there are some cases where it is completely necessary. Any type of permanent tooth extraction should be completed by a dentist. This can prevent damage to neighboring teeth as well as ensure your smile can properly move into place after an extraction takes place.

WHEN SHOULD YOU GET A TOOTH EXTRACTION?

Tooth extraction can occur as a result of a number of oral health conditions and accidents:

Crowding: In some cases, a patient may have too many teeth and this is preventing the chance that their teeth may form into a more natural smile. Sometimes removing one or two extra teeth can correct a smile. Other elements of crowding could be a tooth that is impacted such as in the case of wisdom teeth.
Severe decay: When a tooth has been severely weakened by decay and is no longer eligible for a root canal, it may be wise to perform a full tooth extraction rather than attempting to save the tooth.
Damage: If a tooth has been severely damaged in an accident it may be easier to completely remove the tooth and create a partial denture or permanent dental implant in its place.

WHAT IS THE PROCEDURE FOR TOOTH EXTRACTION?

In some cases, minor surgery may be required for tooth extraction depending on any complications. When a tooth is impacted by another and does not have the chance to erupt, a dentist may have to perform the extraction by cutting into the gum and removing the tooth completely. This usually involves full anesthetic in which the patient is put to sleep.

Simpler types of tooth extraction with a dentist can be done under local anesthetic with simple freezing. This can often involve removing tooth fragments or the severely decayed tooth with the help of a scalpel tool and medical pliers. If a tooth has become severely damaged or decayed it can often be removed easily without damaging neighbouring teeth.

HOW TO PREPARE FOR TOOTH EXTRACTION?

If you are coming in for a more complicated tooth extraction it is important to treat this procedure like a minor surgery. You will need to have someone available to drive you home as you may have to go under full anesthetic during the procedure. For tooth extraction like wisdom teeth extraction, it is always best to plan at least a day off work to recover as well as someone present to drive you back from the appointment.

SHOULD I GET A REPLACEMENT TOOTH?

If there is a gap where a damaged tooth was removed you could consider the option of installing a partial bridge with your other teeth, dentures or a dental implant. A dentist can make recommendations after the tooth extraction depending on how you are healing. It’s often wise to get a dental implant shortly after tooth extraction so that teeth do not have the chance to shift into the extra gap, effecting your smile.