Extractions in Expert Hands

Needing a tooth out is never an exciting prospect but we aim to make it as simple and comfortable as possible. In the hands of a Specialist Oral Surgeon you can be sure that you will get the very best care. We will talk you through the entire process and will provide you with all the information you need to feel relaxed and comfortable about the procedure.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my tooth need to be removed?

Teeth need to be removed when there is no restorative option left to save them. This usually means that a tooth is decayed or broken beyond repair, gum disease has destroyed the bone around the tooth or there is a infection around the roots of the tooth that cannot be resolved. Failed teeth may cause pain and swelling but in some cases there are no symptoms for a period of time.

How will you remove my tooth?

The first step in the procedure will be to have a local anaesthetic to effectively numb the area, keeping you comfortable throughout. The procedure you have will depend upon the complexity of your case and the position of the tooth. In some cases it will be necessary to open up the gum to access the tooth. On average the whole procedure usually takes around 30minutes.

What sort of anaesthetic will I need for my extraction?

The majority of procedures can be carried out under local anaesthetic, the same type of anaesthetic used for routine dental procedure such as a filling.

Will the procedure hurt?

Your surgeon will use gentle techniques to administer the local anaesthetic with an injection into the gum, we will usually apply a numbing gel prior to the injection to make it as comfortable as possible. Once the anaesthetic has been administered you should not feel any pain. You may feel some pressure and pulling as the tooth is removed but this should not cause any discomfort.

I am nervous about dental procedures, what can be done?

If you are particularly anxious we can perform the procedure until IV Sedation. This means that medication is administered through a drip, usually into the back of your hand. This medication will keep you in a relaxed state, you will still be awake but you will be a little drowsy and relaxed, meaning you are less aware of what is going on. Even under sedation we will still administer local anaesthetic so you will still have numbness when you come out of sedation.

What is the recovery period following wisdom tooth removal?

Following an extraction, it is normal to experience some swelling and minor discomfort for the first few days. There may be some bruising of the jaw causing soreness & stiffness for around 7-10 days. If the procedure was very complicated it is likely you will experience some pain for a few days. Any pain or discomfort should be manageable with over the counter-analgesics such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, in severely complicated cases we may recommend a stronger pain killer. Most people find they can return to their normal daily activities within 24-48 hours. We always recommend taking it easy for the first 24 hours, avoiding strenuous activity and eating a soft diet.

Are there any post-operative symptoms I should be concerned about?

Following your procedure you will be given post-operative instructions, both verbally from your surgeon and nurse and in writing for you to take away. The immediate concern is excessive bleeding, your surgeon will ensure any bleeding is controlled before discharging you however if bleeding occurs at a later stage you should contact us for immediate advice. Sudden onset of severe pain and swelling in the days following the procedure should also be reported to your surgeon.

What if I don't have my tooth removed?

Depending upon the reason for tooth removal you may experience repeated episodes of pain, swelling and discomfort, jaw pain and possibly complications with adjacent teeth. If you have been told that you need to have a tooth removed but don't agree with the diagnosis it is advisable to get a second opinion to determine the best course of action. It is never a good idea to just hope the problem will go away on it's own as this is rarely a realistic outcome and you may find yourself in a worse position.

What about replacing the tooth?

Typically, in most cases, we can consider dentures, bridges and dental implants as options for replacing missing teeth. At consultation, prior to any extractions your surgeon will discuss with you the benefits of replacing missing teeth and will explain the risks and benefits of all options and you will have the opportunity to ask questions. It is important that we know if and how you would like to replace a tooth before we remove it as we may take a different approach when considering dental implants to try and preserve as much bone as possible, reducing the need for further invasive procedures in the future.