For a routine extraction, the tooth is loosened with an instrument called an elevator. Then forceps can be used to simply remove the tooth. For more complex extractions a small incision (cut) into the gum and removal of bone may be necessary to surgically remove a badly broken or impacted tooth.
During a tooth extraction, you can expect to feel pressure only, but no pain.
Most extractions area straightforward and quick therefore can successfully be performed using simple local anaesthetic.
However, young children and anxious patients may benefit from sedation or even general anaesthetic to aid successful treatment.
Having a tooth extracted is a surgical procedure.
Therefore, some post-treatment mild discomfort is to be expected when the anaesthetic wears off. This discomfort can usually be kept under control with mild painkillers such as Ibuprofen.
If excessive bleeding occurs, the socket may be infected. If this occurs please
contact us immediately for a same day appointment.
One potential complication of having a tooth extracted is developing a dry (or infected) socket. This condition is most common in smokers. After a tooth is extracted, if the remaining blood clot breaks down or is dislodged it will expose the jaw bone which becomes infected. A dry socket can be very painful and requires simple treatment. To relieve the pain and eliminate the infection the socket is debrided, rinse out with an antiseptic and a medicated dressing is placed. Again, mild painkillers (eg. Ibuprofen) will help to reduce any discomfort. With the correct care, a dry socket should heal in 7 to 10 days.
