Tooth Extractions

Sometimes a crown, root canal therapy and fillings are not enough to repair and save your tooth.  For other patients the need for orthodontic work, overcrowding of teeth, or impacted wisdom teeth may mean an extraction is necessary.

Some common conditions that may lead to an extraction include:

• Tooth broken at the gum line
• Fractured or cracked teeth
• Excessive tooth decay
• Broken teeth
• Periodontal disease
• Unsuccessful root canal therapy
• Wisdom tooth causing pain and discomfort

Before a decision is made, the dentist will examine the area and take an x-ray.

A simple extraction can be done in the dental chair.

The dentist will numb the area for your comfort, and the tooth is gently removed using special instruments.  You will be provided with information on how to care for the treated area to minimise the risk of infection and speed up your recovery.

For some patients, a surgical tooth extraction is needed, such as:

• Tooth has not appeared
• The bone around the tooth has become dense
• Tooth breaks off during a simple extraction or has broken before or at the gum line
• Removal of severally broken-down tooth

When a surgical extraction is necessary, the dentist will make a small incision in the gum line and remove some of the bone to extract the tooth.

If you have other health concerns, medical conditions such as diabetes, cardiac issues or are on medications, you will need to discuss this with your dentist.  Some additional preparation may be required before your tooth extraction.

Sometimes an extraction may be more complicated and need a referral for specialist care with an Oral Facial Maxillary specialist.

Many patients ask whether the removal of a tooth will hurt.

Our tooth extractions are done once your tooth is completely numb.  There may be some pain after the removal but this can be managed with painkillers and looking after the treated area.