Tooth Extraction
At Aspiring Smiles Dental, we understand that having a tooth removed can feel overwhelming. That’s why our gentle and professional team is here to provide a comfortable, stress-free experience. Whether you need a tooth extraction due to decay, damage, infection, or overcrowding, we ensure the procedure is quick, painless, and carried out with the highest level of care.
Tooth extraction is the removal of a tooth from its socket in the jawbone. Extractions are commonly performed for reasons such as:
- Severe tooth decay or infection
- Advanced gum disease
- Broken or fractured teeth that can’t be restored
- Overcrowding before orthodontic treatment
- Preparation for dentures or other restorations
Our goal is to preserve your natural teeth whenever possible, but when extraction is necessary, we prioritise your comfort, healing, and long-term oral health. Using advanced techniques and local anaesthesia, we make the process as smooth and pain-free as possible.
At Aspiring Smiles Dental, we perform two types of tooth extractions:
- Simple Extraction: Used for teeth that are visible above the gum line and can be removed with minimal effort.
- Surgical Extraction: Required for teeth that are impacted, broken, or not fully erupted, such as wisdom teeth.
What to Expect During a Tooth Extraction Visit:
- Evaluation & X-ray assessment
- Local anaesthesia for pain-free extraction
- Instructions for post-operative care
- Gentle removal of the tooth
FAQs:
Tooth extractions may be necessary for various reasons, including:
- Severe Decay: If a tooth is extensively decayed beyond repair, removal prevents infection from spreading.
- Gum Disease: Advanced gum disease may lead to tooth loosening, requiring extraction to maintain oral health.
- Impacted Teeth: Wisdom teeth often get stuck under the gums, causing pain and potential misalignment.
Overcrowding: Removing teeth can help create space for orthodontic treatment. - Trauma or Injury: A severely damaged tooth may require extraction if it cannot be restored.
- Risk of Infection: In some medical cases, such as chemotherapy or organ transplants, extractions are performed to prevent future infections.
You may require a tooth extraction if you experience:
- Severe, persistent tooth pain that does not improve with treatment.
- Swelling or pus around a tooth, indicating infection.
- Difficulty chewing due to a damaged or misaligned tooth.
- Loose teeth caused by advanced gum disease.
- Recurrent infections or complications from a previous root canal treatment. A thorough dental assessment, including X-rays, will help determine if extraction is the best option.
The extraction process typically includes:
- Consultation & X-rays: Your dentist will examine the affected tooth and discuss treatment options.
- Anaesthesia: Local anaesthesia is administered to numb the area, ensuring a pain-free procedure.
- Extraction: The dentist will gently remove the tooth using specialised tools. If the tooth is impacted, a minor surgical procedure may be required.
- Post-Procedure Care: After removal, gauze is placed over the site to control bleeding, and you’ll receive aftercare instructions for a smooth recovery.
With modern anaesthesia, the procedure itself is not painful. You may feel slight pressure but no sharp pain. After the extraction, mild discomfort is expected, which can be managed with pain relievers and proper aftercare.
Recovery typically takes a few days to a couple of weeks. Follow these guidelines:
- Bite on gauze to control bleeding.
- Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling.
- Avoid strenuous activities for 24–48 hours.
- Stick to soft foods like soup, yoghurt, and mashed potatoes.
- Do not smoke or use straws to prevent dry socket.
- Keep the area clean with gentle rinsing after 24 hours.
- Take prescribed medications as directed.
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers (as advised by your dentist).
- Use a cold pack to reduce swelling.
- Avoid hot, spicy, or crunchy foods that may irritate the area.
- Rest and keep your head slightly elevated to prevent excessive bleeding.
- Follow your dentist’s instructions for proper aftercare.
- Avoid brushing near the extraction site for the first 24 hours.
- Rinse gently with warm salt water after 24 hours.
- Continue brushing and flossing carefully, avoiding the affected area.
- Drink plenty of water and maintain a nutritious diet.
- Avoid smoking, alcohol, and vigorous rinsing to aid healing.
While extractions are generally safe, possible complications include:
- Dry socket: When the blood clot is dislodged, causing pain and delayed healing.
- Infection: Symptoms include fever, swelling, and pus.
- Prolonged bleeding: Some bleeding is normal but should gradually subside.
- Nerve damage: Rare but can cause numbness in the jaw, lips, or tongue. If you experience severe pain, excessive bleeding, or signs of infection, contact us immediately.
The cost of a tooth extraction varies based on factors such as:
- The complexity of the extraction (simple vs. surgical removal).
- Anaesthesia or sedation options.
- Additional procedures (e.g., bone grafting, future implants).
Many private health funds cover part or all of the cost, depending on your policy. To check your coverage:
- Review your health fund policy for details on dental benefits.
- Contact your provider to confirm eligibility and out-of-pocket costs.
Ask our team about HICAPS on-the-spot claims for easy processing.
