We accept referrals from general dentists for specialist treatments and we train dentists to enchance their own skills through courses we run.
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In cases of advanced gum disease and tooth decay, teeth may need to be extracted. Some patients may also develop wisdom teeth that can cause pain, alleviated by having them removed. We strive to do things in the most effective and careful way possible and this includes when we are removing teeth.
It is important to discuss possible future replacement options for the missing tooth, before we plan an extraction. Occasionally we can replace a tooth with a dental implant at the same time as the extraction (immediate implants).
Bone preservation extractions offer the best solution for extractions in many cases. When a tooth is removed, the bone and gums shrink away (resorb), which can have long-term detriment to your oral health. We can offer bone preservation extractions, where we will carefully remove the tooth and regenerate the hole (socket) with new bone.
This keeps future treatment options open and viable, as well as having other advantages for maintaining long-term oral health. We are proud to offer our patients advanced oral surgery techniques under high-powered magnification by our specialist in this field.
Why Would I Need An Extraction?
At The Dentist, we consider a tooth extraction to be a last resort. However, in cases of severe decay, damage or gum disease, it is a necessity. Occasionally, there are other reasons that warrant an extraction. Sometimes wisdom teeth become painful or there may be some overcrowding. In these cases, your dentist may suggest an extraction as a preventative measure.
What Does Oral Surgery Involve?
Oral surgery is usually necessary for an emergency tooth extraction or for cases bone or gums need restructuring. An emergency tooth extraction may be needed when a tooth has become broken or chipped making it difficult for the dentist to remove. In this case, the dentist or oral surgeon may need to cut the gums surrounding the tooth in order to remove the damaged tooth. Oral surgery is needed when the gums or jaw bone have been damaged or become infected. You will be thoroughly checked by the dentist with x-rays or other imagery taking place to determine the best course of action.
What Is A Dry Socket?
It’s normal to have a hole in your gum following a tooth extraction. After all, the tooth can go quite deep into the gums. A blood clot usually forms in this hole and this is quite normal. Occasionally, however, the blood clot becomes lost or dislodged leaving what is called a dry socket. This usually means the nerves beneath the hole are exposed, which can be painful. This exposure of the nerve is also problematic as infection can also affect the area. If you experience this dry socket following an extraction go back to your dentist as soon as you can. Your dentist will clean the wound and apply a dressing inside the dry socket until it can heal on its own.
What Can I Eat After An Extraction Or Oral Surgery?
Your dentist will recommend you put off eating for a few hours following an extraction or oral surgery. However, you will want to eat something at some point and when you do, it is recommended that you eat soft food that is lukewarm or room temperature. Too hot or too cold, and you may experience some discomfort. The day following your procedure, you can eat a larger variety of food but you should avoid crunchy or hard foods for a day or two longer. The last thing you want is for crunchy food particles to become lodged in your wound causing infection.
Will An Extraction Or Oral Surgery Hurt?
Depending on the extent of the damage to your teeth, gums or jaw bones, your dentist will advise you on the best anaesthetic for you. For a simple tooth extraction, a local anaesthetic is all you will need. For major oral surgery, your dentist may recommend a general anaesthetic. Either way, it is highly unlikely you will feel any pain during the procedure. With a tooth extraction under a local anaesthetic, you may feel a little bit of pressure as the tooth is removed. Some pain is normal following an extraction or oral surgery, but you should be able to manage this with over the counter pain medication. If the pain is intense or does not subside, you should contact your dentist immediately.
We accept referrals from general dentists for specialist treatments and we train dentists to enchance their own skills through courses we run.
