Tooth Extractions

Our teeth are anchored firmly into our gums and jawbones and helps support our oral structure. We use them to speak, bite and provide nutrition to our body by the chewing and breaking down of foods.

There has to be something majorly wrong with the tooth for an extraction to be done instead of a repair or other treatments.

The extraction of a permanent tooth should be the last option to resort to if the tooth cannot be saved with any other form of dental treatment.

Here are some of the reasons why a tooth may need to be extracted:

  • Severe tooth decay
  • Dental abscess
  • Impacted wisdom tooth
  • Orthodontics treatment
  • Gum disease
  • Trauma
  • Tooth has been infected
  • Bone fractures
  • Root breakage
  • Severe pain
  • Crowding of the teeth
  • Food trapped in the tooth
  • A cyst or ulcer has developed

What happens during the extraction of a tooth?

Before the extraction you will be given anaesthesia to numb the mouth and reduce discomfort.

To loosen the tooth from its ligament before it can be extracted, our dentist will move the tooth back and forth.

Once the tooth has been loosened, an extraction forceps and levers are used to grasp the tooth and move it around before being completely extracted.

After the extraction our dentist at Murwillumbah Dental will remove any infected tissue, bone or fragments of the tooth that could have remained. The socket will then be washed out.

A gauze pad will be given to you to bite on if any bleeding occurs at the point of extraction.

Our dentist will give you instructions and advice after the surgery on how to care for the extraction to speed up the healing process.

The Benefits of Tooth Extractions

  • Prevents decay or infections from spreading to the other teeth.
  • Assists in the preparation of orthodontic treatment.
  • Can align the teeth if crowded.

Tooth Extraction FAQs

Tooth extractions are sometimes recommended in cases where a tooth has decayed or broken off and cannot be saved. The extraction of a permanent tooth is usually the last resort and is only performed if the tooth cannot be saved with any other form of treatment. The procedure itself is not painful because you will be given anaesthesia to numb the mouth and reduce discomfort. You may, however, experience some discomfort after the extraction. Your dentist will recommend pain medications and you can apply an ice pack to the affected area to reduce swelling.

After you have had a tooth extraction, you may experience some discomfort and swelling. We recommend that you eat soft foods, such as soups, broths, yoghurt, applesauce and pudding for the first day following your procedure. As your mouth begins to heal, you will be able to add solid foods gradually to your diet. Avoid anything that is hard to chew and rather try and stick to options that are easy to eat, such as soft scrambled eggs, steamed vegetable and mashed fruits.