Improving your oral health and removing pain

At Ash Villa Dental Practice, we will only carry out tooth extraction as a last resort. We try to save your natural tooth where we can, to avoid the need for removal and replacement. However, sometimes extractions are necessary. The best thing to do is book an appointment and our dentists will discuss the options. Speak to our team in Sale for more information.

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Why do I need a tooth removed?

There are a number of reasons why you might need teeth taken out. The most common include:

  • Severe tooth decay
  • Gum disease (periodontal disease)
  • A broken tooth that can’t be repaired
  • An abscess (a collection of pus) on your gums or around your teeth
  • Impacted wisdom teeth

If we do need to remove teeth, we’ll discuss the options, including replacement crowns and implants.

What to expect when you have a tooth extracted

We’ll make sure that we completely numb your mouth before we begin, so you will only feel some pressure, but not any pain. It’s normal for your gums to bleed after an extraction, and once this stops, you’re free to go home. Our dentists will talk you through aftercare and may book a follow-up appointment to see how you’re healing.

Extractions can be a real form of relief, especially if the problem tooth is causing dental pain. In cases of a dental emergency, extractions are a common solution to addressing a serious dental problem and providing immediate relief. There are many options for replacing missing teeth as well.

Extractions can be simple or surgical, depending on the complexity of your case.

Simple extractions
Removing teeth can be a very straightforward procedure. For simple extractions, we loosen the tooth with dental forceps under local anaesthetic. The tooth comes out easily without touching the surrounding gums.

Surgical extractions
In some cases, we may need to give the tooth a helping hand to remove it successfully. A surgical extraction involves making a small incision in the gum to remove a tooth that may have broken off or is concealed under the gum. For large teeth, we may need to remove them in parts.

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After your tooth extraction

Immediately after your tooth has been taken out, try to keep the site clean by rinsing it with warm, salty water. Encourage healing of the affected area by eating softer foods and chewing on the opposite side of your mouth. Also, try to avoid smoking or using a straw, as these can dislodge the clot that forms in the hole after extraction.

If you experience intense pain a few days after an extraction, you may have a condition known as dry socket, which occurs when a blood clot fails to form or is dislodged prematurely, exposing the bone. In this case, you will need to see the dentist who will help to rectify the problem and alleviate any pain.

Please contact us if you have any questions or would like to chat about your tooth extraction.

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Frequently asked questions
Can I go back to work straight after the extraction?

We don’t recommend this. At the very least, you will need to wait until any sedatives or anaesthetics have worn off and we recommend having someone collect you and take you home.

What should I do after my tooth has been extracted?

You will need to take it easy for a few days after the extraction. Avoid hot food and drinks and avoid chewing on the side of your mouth where the tooth was extracted. You may also experience some pain and swelling. These symptoms should go away within a few days.

What can I do to help the healing process?

Don’t rinse your mouth for at least 24 hours, as this could disturb a clot and cause your gum to start bleeding again. Try to only eat soft foods so that you don’t have to chew, and start to swill your mouth with warm salt water.

What to expect after tooth extraction?

After tooth extraction, you can expect the following:

  • Some bleeding and swelling in the area
  • Some pain
  • The need to avoid hot food and drinks
  • The need to avoid chewing on the side of your mouth where the tooth was extracted

These symptoms should go away within a few days. If you have any concerns or questions, please talk to us.

How long does it take to recover from wisdom tooth extraction?

The recovery time for wisdom tooth extraction varies from person to person. Most people can return to their normal activities within a few days. However, some people may experience swelling and pain for up to a week. It is important to follow your dentist’s instructions for care and recovery.

What are the risks of wisdom tooth extraction?

There are a few risks associated with wisdom tooth extraction, including:

  • Infection
  • Bleeding
  • Dry sockets
  • Nerve damage

These risks are rare, but they can occur. It is important to talk to your dentist about the risks of wisdom tooth extraction before the procedure.

What are the benefits of wisdom tooth extraction?

There are several benefits to having a wisdom tooth extraction, including:

  • Relief from pain
  • Prevention of gum disease
  • Removal of impacted wisdom teeth
  • Improved alignment of the teeth

If you are experiencing pain, infection, or other problems with your wisdom teeth, wisdom tooth extraction may be the best option for you.

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