Tooth extraction

When a tooth is broken, severely decayed or too damaged to be restored, a tooth extraction may be necessary.

What is a tooth extraction?

When a tooth is too damaged to be saved or a wisdom tooth causes pain, swelling or bleeding, you may need a tooth extraction. Tooth extractions are relatively routine dental procedures.

For teeth above the gum line, your dentist will administer a local anaesthetic to numb the area around the tooth. Using special instruments, the tooth will be loosened and then extracted.

For wisdom teeth or teeth broken below the gum line, an incision in the gum is made to extract the tooth at the root. The gum will then be sutured to aid healing.

After an extraction

After an extraction, your dentist will make sure that the healing process begins as it should. Some bleeding is normal and a blot clot forms in the gums at the extraction point.

It is important not to dislodge the clot if possible to avoid drying out the tooth socket.

Once the anaesthetic wears off, your mouth may feel a little sore. This should only last for a day or two. Swelling can be reduced by using an icepack  for short periods of about 10 minutes at a time.

For the first 24 to 48 hours after an extraction, try to avoid hot drinks, smoking, using mouthwash or brushing the extraction site.