Although it may seem a bit frightening, tooth extraction is one of the most common and secure dental procedures. Extractions are performed to preserve your smile and maintain the health of your mouth, whether they include removing a wisdom tooth, or a severely decaying tooth or providing space for braces.

At our practice, we constantly prioritise saving your natural teeth. However, when removal is the best option, we make the procedure as gentle, accurate and comfortable as possible.

Why Would You Need a Tooth Extraction?
Dentists usually recommend extraction as a last resort, but sometimes it’s the healthiest choice. Here are the most common reasons:

• Severe tooth decay: when a cavity is too deep for a filling or root canal treatment.
• Gum disease: advanced periodontitis can loosen teeth beyond repair.
• Wisdom teeth removal: impacted or painful wisdom teeth often require extraction.
• Overcrowding: some teeth may be removed before orthodontic treatment to create space and eliminate crowding.
• Broken or cracked teeth beyond repair.
• Infection or abscess: when an infection spreads and won’t heal with antibiotics or root canal therapy then an extraction is required.

What Happens During a Tooth Extraction?
Knowing what to expect can help ease anxiety. Here’s the step-by-step process:

1. Examination and Dental X-rays – your dentist checks the tooth and the surrounding bone to determine the proper treatment plan and technique for the tooth removal.
2. Anaesthesia – Local anaesthetic is used to numb the area.
3. Extraction – Simple extraction, for visible teeth, gently loosened and removed. Surgical extraction, for impacted/broken teeth, where a small incision is made.
4. Post-care – A gauze is used to stop bleeding, and stitches may be used if needed.

How to Heal After a Tooth Extraction?Most people recover within 7-10 days, but the first 24-48 hours are the most important for healing.

Do this after extraction:
Bite on a gauze for 30-45 minutes to stop bleeding. Apply an ice pack to minimise swelling. Rest at least one day. Consume soft foods, such as yoghurt, soup, and mashed potatoes.

Avoid:
Poking the area with your tongue or fingers. Eating hard, crunchy, or spicy foods. Rinsing too aggressively and brushing the extraction area in the first 24 hours. Smoking or using a straw to drink, this can dislodge the blood clot and cause a dry socket.

Conclusion
Tooth extraction may seem nerve-wrecking, but it is frequently the solution to relieving pain, preventing infections, or making a room for a healthy smile. Healing is easy with the correct care.

If you have tooth pain, crowding or feel you may need a wisdom tooth removed, do not wait any longer. Book an appointment today to take the first step towards a healthier smile.