Extraction

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 when they are crowded for orthodontic reasons so that other teeth can grow straight,

What will my dentist do?

Some teeth are easier to take out than the 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 difficult cases you may be referred to an Oral Surgeon at your local hospital where your tooth will be taken out under local anaesthetic or, if required, under sedation or general anaesthetic.

After the tooth extraction:

• Sometimes stitches are put into the gum to help the space where the tooth was heal
• A gauze pad will be placed in the space where the tooth was for you to bite on, to stop any bleeding,
• You will be given verbal and written aftercare instructions from your dentist,
• Spare gauze pads will be given to you to take home so that you can replace the old gauze pad if needed,
• You will be given instruction on the best use of painkillers so that you are not in any discomfort when the anaesthetic wears off
• You will also be given advice on how to contact the practice if you have any questions or problems.