Tooth Removal-Extractions

You may need to have a tooth removed for several reasons, for example if it's damaged and can't be repaired. It's also possible that if you have severe gum disease, a tooth may become loose and have to be taken out.
 
Why have a tooth removed?
 
There are a number of ways in which your teeth can be damaged resulting in the need for an extraction. Some of the most common include:
 
  • Having bad gum disease (periodontal disease) - if bacteria build up on your teeth, they will start to damage the ligaments and bone that hold them in place and a tooth may become loose
  • Having a decayed tooth - if the decay is very advanced, it can cause the nerve and blood vessels (tooth pulp) to become infected and eventually this may lead to a painful abscess
  • Breaking a tooth in such a way that it is unrestorable
  • Having crowding - if you have a small jaw or lost your milk (baby) teeth early, causing your second teeth to come through before your mouth had grown big enough - this means your teeth may be crooked and you may need to have one or more removed  to allow some space so that the rest can be straightened
  • Not having enough space in your mouth for your wisdom teeth - they may become impacted (stuck behind the tooth in front) and need to be removed
  •  Inaccessible cracks/abscesses

    A dentist will only extract a tooth if it is the last resort. It is often unfortunate that tooth destruction can occur for many years before pain is experienced and it is often at this point that the tooth can no longer be repaired or saved. Therefore, regular dental examinations are highly recommended to detect decay and other problems at the earliest opportunity.

                                                                                                                               

    How are teeth removed/extracted? 
    • The dentist will review your medical/dental history along with the taking of the appropriate x-rays. Be sure to make us aware of any changes in your medical health including any changes to your medication as some medications can affect some of the treatments that we do.
    • X-rays determine the length, shape and position of the tooth and surrounding bone. From this the dentist can estimate the degree of difficulty of the procedure and decide whether to refer you to a specialist in oral surgery.
    • The dentist will then anaesthetise the tooth and the surrounding area using an injection. We will use a localised (bubblegum flavoured) numbing cream on the gum before the injection to make it easier for you• Once the area is completely anesthetised, the tooth will be loosened before it is extracted. You will only feel pressure and not pain.
    • You will be asked to bite on a piece of gauze to apply pressure onto the wound encouraging any bleeding to stop and the healing process to commence. We will explain the do's and don’ts whilst the area clots and we are happy that the bleeding has stopped and that you are fit and feeling well, you can leave.
We will give you a copy of our advice sheet which will guide you on how to look after yourself after the procedure.
These are as follows;


Home Care Instructions Following an Extraction

DAY OF OPERATION
Do not smoke for at least 24 hours as this almost doubles the chances of you getting an infection in the socket and this can be very painful. Try to refrain from smoking for as long as possible whilst the healing takes place.

To Prevent Further Bleeding

• Stick to Cool drinks only for the initial 24hours
• Avoid hot drinks or hot food for the first day, especially before the anaesthetic has worn off as you may burn or bite your lip or tongue– lukewarm is ok
• It is best to avoid alcohol of any form as this will increase your blood pressure making it more likely to bleed again and also increases the risk of an infection.
• Avoid rinsing your mouth for the initial 24 hours as this may wash the blood clot away that started to form when the healing process began and if washed away can affect the healing of the socket. Just sip at your cool drink without swishing it around your mouth, or even better, use a straw.
• Avoid excessive effort or exercise as this will also raise your blood pressure making you more likely to bleed. Just take it easy for the rest of the day, definitely no visits to the gym!

If Excessive Bleeding Occurs

If the wound oozes with blood just sit quietly and relax and bite continuously on the dampened piece of gauze which we supply at your appointment or a clean rolled handkerchief for 15-20 minutes (do not keep taking it out to look to see if the bleeding has stopped just keep the pressure applied), and the bleeding should stop. If the wound still oozes with blood then repeat for one hour. If the problem persists contact the surgery on 01553 692296, but just be aware that a little amount of blood can stain saliva red, so what you might think is a vast amount of blood in your mouth may just be coloured saliva.


 
For Pain Relief
A certain amount of discomfort may be expected following a tooth extraction. It is best to take some painkillers before the anaesthetic has worn off, just taking whatever you would normally take for a headache and then carry on taking them, every 4-6 hours, for as long as you need to, but avoid aspirin. We would recommend that ibuprofen is the best tablet for pain relief in this instance, as long as you are able to take it.
 
 
 DAY AFTER THE EXTRACTION AND FOR A FURTHER 3-4 DAYS

• Stick to a soft light diet
• After the initial 24 hours use hot salt water mouth rinses after every meal and more if possible (mix one teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm/hot water and gently bathe the wound area for 2-3 minutes)
 
Some people, after an extraction, experience small sharp fragments erupting from the socket. These small fragments will just be small flakes of the lining of the tooth socket which were loosened when the tooth was extracted. This is totally normal, the fragments will just work there way out and just fall out, if there is any soreness then you may require a mouth wash, known as corsodyl which we sell here at Smiles Better.

Do not hold anything hot against the outside of the face.

 
If you have any problems or queries, just contact the surgery, if out of hours there is always an emergency number on the answer phone for you to call.
 
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