Tooth Extractions

What is it?

A tooth which is very decayed or damaged, or loose because of gum disease may have to be extracted (taken out of your mouth)

Wisdom teeth sometimes have to be extracted if they have come through at an awkward angle and are causing problems.

Teeth are sometimes taken out from children’s mouths to help other teeth grow straight, when they are crowded.

What will my dentist do?

Some teeth are easier to take out than others. A local anaesthetic (an injection in your mouth) will be used to numb the tooth before it is extracted; this is the best treatment for most patients.

In some cases, for children or nervous patients, or where a tooth might prove difficult to remove, sedation (something to make you drowsy) with a local anaesthetic may be used. On rare occasions a general anaesthetic may be considered. If a general anaesthetic is needed, you will need to go to hospital (you will normally be able to go home on the same day)

After working out what the best way to take your tooth out is, your dentist will discuss with you:

• How to make sure you don’t feel the extraction whilst it is happening.

• Whether you should bring someone with you if you are to have sedation or general anaesthetic, and

• When it would be convenient for you to have the tooth removed

• You might also discuss other treatment you need – for example whether you may require a denture.

While the tooth is being taken out

• You may hear some noise and feel some pressure as the tooth is being eased out – but not any pain.

• Sometimes stitches are put in to the gum to help the mouth heal

Afterwards:

• You may need a day or two off work to recover, depending on how difficult the extraction was and whether sedation or general anaesthetic was used.

• The dentist will give you a pad of gauze to bite on, to stop any bleeding.

The dentist will give you advice on:

• How to look after the space where the tooth was while its healing

• How to use painkillers so you are not in any discomfort when the anaesthetic wears off, and

• How to contact the practice if there are any problems.