Extractions
There are some situations where teeth extractions are needed. It may be a cracked tooth, decayed or damaged tooth, a chronic problem tooth, wisdom teeth or due to teeth crowding. In extreme situations extractions also may be needed due to gum disease or infection.
At Coogee Plaza Dental, we are highly experienced in performing extractions including wisdom teeth extractions. Our priority is always to save your tooth whenever possible, we only carry out extraction when absolutely needed.
The Extraction Process
The process for extraction is quite straight forward.
Firstly, we will numb the area with local anaesthetic, so you don’t feel a thing. Sedation may be used in extractions for people who are very anxious or nervous.
The second step is for your dentist to remove the problem tooth or teeth. The cleaner the tooth can be removed, the quicker the gum will heal following the extraction.
Lastly, your dentist will explain how to look after the affected area following the extraction to prevent infection. Your dentist will also discuss with you the options available to fill the gap, such as a dental implant or a dental bridge.
Wisdom Teeth Extractions
Wisdom teeth… we all have heard of the dental problems they can cause.
A majority of our adult teeth come through between the ages of 6 onwards, with wisdom teeth coming through between the ages of 18 and 24. Wisdom teeth can cause problems if there is a lack of space and can become wedged under other teeth or impacted. If this is the case, they often need to be extracted. If ignored, problems with wisdom teeth can lead to complications down the track. Sometimes cysts can form, leading to tumours and lots of uncomfortable dentist visits.
Signs that there may be issues with your wisdom teeth are pressure or pain in your jaw, redness or swelling of your gums, bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth. It’s a good idea to ask your dentist to check your wisdom teeth during your regular check-ups to make sure they are growing properly or have erupted through the gum.
If you have issues, you may be a candidate for surgical tooth extraction and need your wisdom teeth removed to resolve current or prevent further problems. Our helpful team at Coogee Plaza Dental are here to help. Give us a call today.
Tooth Extraction After Care
We recommend that for the first 24 hours following your extraction, you:
- Avoid alcohol or smoking
- Drink lots of fluids
- Eat soft foods
- Don’t suck through a straw or spit
- Chew on the other side of your mouth
You might need to take an over-the-counter painkiller. Make sure you follow the instructions for these.
Icing your cheek with a medical ice pack can also help with any pain or discomfort and minimising swelling.
After 24 hours you should be fine to eat normally and brush and floss as usual. Still be careful around the extraction site, it will still be sensitive and can easily be damaged. Rinsing your mouth gently with warm salty water two to three times a day will help keep the wound clean, reduce the risk of infection and support tooth extraction healing.
Extraction FAQs
I have to have a tooth extracted, are there alternatives?
At Coogee Plaza Dental, we will do everything we can to avoid extracting a tooth where it is not necessary. If your tooth is infected, root canal treatment may be an option. Your dentist will discuss this with you prior to any treatment plans being made.
Does tooth extraction hurt?
In most situations, no. Your dentist will use local anaesthetics or sedation to ensure you don’t feel any pain during the procedure. Your jaw and gum may be sensitive for a few days following your treatment. Don’t worry, though, this will heal quickly and you will be eating and drinking normally in no time.
Will my tooth extraction bleed?
Initially, yes. A blood clot will quickly form, though, and prevent further bleeding. Your dentist will often put a small gauze pad into the empty space and tell you to bite down for up to 15 minutes following the extraction to clot the blood. Your dentist may also put in a few dissolving stitches to help with bleeding and healing.
Is any special care needed following an extraction?
Local anaesthetic used during the extraction will numb the area around your extracted tooth. Be careful with hot foods and drinks, you could easily burn yourself without realising it!
You might also find it more comfortable to sleep with extra pillows to keep your head slightly elevated the night following your extraction.
And the last point, don’t rinse your mouth for a few hours after your tooth is extracted, this will allow the blood to clot properly and avoid unnecessary bleeding.
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