Extractions

If your tooth has been badly damaged by decay or trauma, dental extraction can be the best way to protect the rest of your teeth and your oral health.

Our dentists in Palmerston will help to make you feel comfortable and relaxed during the procedure. We’ll also recommend the most suitable option for filling the gap and maintaining your smile.

Do I need an extraction?

We always try to save healthy teeth whenever possible, but sometimes a tooth can be too badly damaged to repair and it needs to be extracted.

We may recommend extractions if:

• the tooth is too badly damaged for a filling or root canal treatment
• the tooth has been loosened by gum disease
• too many teeth are present, causing crowding
• you’re having dentures.

What happens during dental extractions?

If we decide that an extraction is needed, our dentists will explain what this simple procedure involves to make sure you feel as comfortable as possible.

Local anaesthetic will be used to numb your mouth, so you won’t feel any pain during the procedure. This may be combined with other sedation methods if you’re having multiple teeth extracted, or if you’ have dental anxiety.

No surgery is usually required during extractions, as your dentist will gently loosen the tooth using forceps and remove it from the gum intact. However, if your tooth is badly damaged, it may need to be removed in pieces. Your dentist may also need to remove gum tissue if the tooth is impacted.

After the tooth has been extracted, your dentist will close the gum using dissolvable stitches and apply gauze to stop any bleeding.

What happens next?

When a tooth has been extracted, it needs to be replaced. This prevents the surrounding teeth from shifting into the gap, as well as restoring your smile.

We’ll discuss replacement options such as dental implants, bridges and dentures with you during your consultation. These may be fitted on the same day or require a follow-up appointment.

Recovery from extractions can take from a few days up to a couple of weeks. During the first 24 hours, you should not rinse the treated area and avoid smoking, eating hard foods and drinking through straws. If the treated area continues to bleed after 24 hours, or you have other unusual symptoms, contact us to make an emergency appointment.