Some teeth are extracted because they are severely decayed; others may have advanced periodontal disease or have broken in a way that cannot be repaired. Other teeth may need removal because they are poorly positioned in the mouth (such as impacted teeth) or in preparation for orthodontic treatment.

The removal of a single tooth can lead to problems related to your chewing ability, problems with your jaw joint, and shifting teeth, which can have a major impact on your dental health.

To avoid these complications, in most cases, they will discuss alternatives to extractions as well as replacement of the extracted tooth.

At the time of extraction, the dentist will need to numb your tooth, jawbone and gums that surround the area with a local anaesthetic.

During the extraction process, you will feel a lot of pressure. This is from the process of loosening the tooth and widening the socket to facilitate removal. If you do feel pain at any time during the extraction please let us know right away.

After Extraction, Home Care

Bleeding
Some bleeding may occur. Placing a piece of moist gauze over the empty tooth socket and biting down firmly for 45 minutes can control this.

Blood Clots that form in the Empty Socket
This is an important part of the healing process, and you must be careful not to dislodge the clot.

Swelling
If swelling occurs, you can place ice on your face for 10 minutes and off for 20 minutes. Repeat this cycle as you feel necessary for up to 24 hours.

Pain and Medications
If you experience pain, you may use non-prescription pain relief medications such as Paracetamol or Ibuprofen.

Eating
For most extractions, just make sure you do your chewing away from the extraction site. Stay away from hot liquids and alcoholic beverages for 24 hours. A liquid diet may be recommended for 24 hours.

Brushing and Cleaning
After the extraction, avoid brushing the teeth near the extraction site for one day. After that, you can resume gentle cleaning. Avoid commercial mouth rinses, as they tend to irritate the site. Beginning 24 hours after the extraction, you can rinse with salt water (1/2 teaspoon in a cup of water) after meals and before bed.

Dry Socket
A dry socket occurs when a blood clot fails to form in the socket where the tooth has been extracted or the clot has been dislodged, and the healing is significantly delayed.

Following the post-extraction instructions will reduce the chances of developing a dry socket. Dry sockets manifest themselves as a dull throbbing pain, which doesn’t appear until three or four days after the extraction. The pain can be moderate to severe and radiate from the extraction area. A dry socket may cause a bad taste or bad breath, and the extraction site appears dry.

Healing
After a tooth has been extracted, there will be a resulting hole in your jawbone where the tooth was. In time, this will smooth and fill in with bone. This process can take many weeks or months. However, after 1-2 weeks, you should no longer notice any inconvenience.

FAQs

Why might a tooth need to be extracted?

Extraction may be recommended when a tooth cannot be predictably restored, is severely infected or damaged, has advanced gum disease, is impacted or is causing another dental problem.

Will a tooth extraction hurt?

Extractions are normally carried out under local anaesthetic. You should not feel sharp pain during the procedure, although you may feel pressure.

How long does a tooth extraction take?

The appointment time depends on the tooth and how straightforward or complex the extraction is. Your dentist will explain what to expect before treatment.

How long does it take for an extraction site to heal?

The gum usually begins healing over the following days and weeks, while the underlying bone takes longer to remodel. Healing time varies according to the tooth and the type of extraction.

What should I avoid after a tooth extraction?

Follow your dentist’s post-operative instructions. In general, avoid disturbing the blood clot, vigorous rinsing, smoking and strenuous activity for the period advised by your dentist.

What can replace an extracted tooth?

Depending on the location of the tooth and your needs, replacement options may include a dental implant, bridge or denture. In some cases, replacement may not be necessary.

Can I have a dental implant after an extraction?

Often, yes, but the timing depends on the condition of the tooth and surrounding bone and gums. Your dentist may recommend immediate implant placement or a period of healing, sometimes with bone preservation or grafting.