Tooth Extraction

Tooth Extraction
Sometimes in dentistry it is not always possible to save a tooth from being extracted.

There are a few reasons for this:-
o Severe gum disease
o A deep untreatable infection in a tooth
o A severely broken tooth
o Overcrowding of teeth
o Wisdom tooth/teeth problems

Before a tooth extraction the dentist will administer an injection to numb the area around the tooth due to be extracted. After the local anaesthetic has taken effect there should be no pain felt during the extraction process, though patients may feel pressure on the tooth.

The dentist will use special instruments to help them with the extraction. They will use elevating instruments to loosen the tooth from the jaw bone and ligaments and dental forceps will be used to grasp the tooth and remove it from its socket.

After the tooth has been removed the dentist will ask the patient to bite down on a piece of gauze to stop any bleeding that may occur. Once the anaesthetic wears off, it is common to experience some pain in the area. The dentist should recommend some medicine that can be purchased over the counter for pain relief or may give a prescription for medication depending on how the procedure went. A soft diet will also be suggested while the area is healing, foods such as pastas, potatoes, soups omelettes, fish etc. are best. Try to avoid chewing on the effected side of the mouth too.
It is very normal to experience some discomfort in the mouth after the anaesthetic has worn off. Even mild swelling and residual bleeding can occur.

The dentist can inform the patient of any treatment that can be done to replace the missing tooth if necessary such as, an implant, denture or a fixed bridge.