Tooth Extraction

What is tooth extraction?

Tooth extraction is when we must remove a tooth in order to ensure the future oral and dental health of a patient.

Why do I need a tooth extraction?

Here at SmileMaker Dental Care we’ll always do everything we can to save a tooth from extraction. Unfortunately, there are times when extraction is the only option.

This is normally because of tooth decay that is beyond repair, the result of injury, an overcrowded mouth and, in some cases, milk teeth that haven’t fallen out naturally. Another common cause of needing a tooth extraction are impacted wisdom teeth.

What will my treatment be like?

We’ll first place you under local anaesthetic, so you don’t feel anything. If you’re particularly nervous about the treatment we can also offer IV sedation. Once the anaesthetic and, if applicable, sedative have taken effect, we’ll gently loosen the selected tooth and remove it from the socket. At this point, we’ll probably also apply some stitches to help with the healing process.

What happens after?

We’ll talk you through all your aftercare needs, including how best to keep the wound clean. You’ll probably experience some pain and swelling once the anaesthetic has worn off, for which we would recommend taking a painkiller such as paracetamol or ibuprofen.

Do I need to replace my missing tooth?

If you are getting a tooth extracted due to decay or injury, then we would very likely recommend replacing it with a denture or similar.