Tooth Extraction: Here’s What to Expect

For the majority of us, anything to do with the dentist or tooth extraction can have us squirming in our seats. Even just the thought of tooth extraction can be daunting and terrifying. However, here at Maroubra Dental, we are big believers in communicating openly with our patients about what to expect before, during and after a procedure. When patients understand what’s happening, they tend to feel more comfortable and at ease.

Unfortunately, tooth extraction is a part of dentistry, and while it can seem like a painful procedure, with the right dentist, it can be almost painless. Today, we’re diving into everything about tooth extraction, the potential reasons why you might need a tooth removed and most importantly, what to expect.

What are the Reasons for Tooth Extraction?

Depending on your oral health, tooth extraction may be something that you have experienced before, or it might be something completely new and foreign. Although it may seem like an uncomfortable procedure, it’s usually the pain and discomfort beforehand that’s actually worse. We’ve listed below a variety of reasons as to why you may need a tooth extracted.

Decayed or Damaged Teeth

Due to age, poor gum health, poor oral hygiene, and a bad diet, teeth can become decayed or damaged over time. When this is severe and beyond repair, extraction may be the only and best solution.

Crowded Mouth

Many of us experience issues with the arrangement of our teeth within our mouths, as they may be crowded, lacking sufficient space for comfortable positioning. In severe cases of overcrowding and particularly before treatments such as braces, your Maroubra dentist may recommend having one or multiple teeth removed. This allows the other teeth to grow correctly.

Impacted Wisdom Teeth

Potentially, the biggest reason for tooth extraction is problems with wisdom teeth. Depending on the layout of your teeth and the structure of your mouth, some wisdom teeth may grow normally and sit perfectly, whereas others can become impacted. This is something that can be incredibly uncomfortable and causes recurring pain. In addition, impacted wisdom teeth can become infected, with the only solution being tooth removal.

Gum Disease

Gum disease is something that appears more commonly in the older population. While it isn’t necessarily an overly common reason for tooth extraction, when the gum affects the tissue around the tooth, tooth extraction is required. This not only treats the affected areas but prevents any further damage to the surrounding tissues.

What to Expect During a Tooth Extraction

Now that we understand all of the potential reasons for tooth extraction, we’re diving into what to expect. Having an understanding of what’s going to happen helps us to process and attend to the procedure calmly and prepared.

Prep Work

To begin, a good dentist will explain the procedure, make sure you feel comfortable and confident with what’s happening, and talk you through the process. Before you begin, you will have x-rays taken, which help us establish the tooth’s position and structure and give your dentist a greater understanding of how to remove the tooth seamlessly.

Local Anaesthetic

To ensure a painless experience, your dentist will administer a local anaesthetic to numb the area around the tooth. For more complex cases or in the case of multiple extractions, general anaesthesia may be considered. If you are fearful or anxious about the process, chat with our team about sleep dentistry. This is a wonderful, innovative option to help manage anxiety around going to the dentist.

Removal

Using specialised instruments, the dentist will carefully loosen the tooth from its socket. In some cases, a tooth may need to be divided into smaller pieces for easier removal. This process is typically quick and efficient. The majority of our patients usually express how quick and comfortable it was.

Aftercare

After the tooth is removed, some bleeding is to be expected. This is something that lasts for around 24 to 48 hours; however, it can be managed by using gauze and some pressure. Our dentists will give you everything you need to ensure correct aftercare. Additionally, opt for some over-the-counter pain management. This can help to manage discomfort after the extraction.

Follow Up Appointments

To ensure that your extraction site heals correctly, be sure to book a check-up with us. This is where we’ll monitor the location of the extraction, check in with how you’re feeling, and see if anything abnormal has happened.

Healing Time

The initial healing period usually takes about one to two weeks. However, complete bone and gum tissue recovery may take several months. While some discomfort and swelling are normal after a tooth extraction, if you experience severe or prolonged pain, get in contact with us right away.

Final Thoughts

A tooth extraction may seem daunting, but with the right knowledge and care, it can be a relatively straightforward procedure. Remember that open communication with us is crucial throughout the process. By following post-extraction care instructions and attending follow-up appointments, you’ll be on your way to a healthy and pain-free smile. If you ever have concerns or questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. With proper care and attention, your wound will heal, and you’ll be back to normal in no time. Book with us for your next appointment, or in the meantime, follow us on social media and read through our blogs. .

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