Getting you out of pain!
Tooth Extraction and Oral Surgery at Aperture Dental Practice
Why are our teeth important?
Our teeth supports our facial structure and affects our smile and overall appearance.
Our teeth also helps us to speak clearly, hence communicate effectively.
We also use our teeth to bite and chew. This breaks our food down into very tiny particles to provide nutrition and strength to our body, and helps us go about our daily lives.
These are the reasons why our teeth are vitally important. They play a big part in the daily functioning of our body.
Therefore, tooth extraction should be the very last resort!
Reasons to consider a tooth extraction:
- An infected or decayed tooth that is too broken down and has a poor prognosis for restoration
- An personal decision to extract the tooth instead of having a root canal treatment
- Severe gum disease and loose tooth
- The tooth is growing in an unfavourable direction, causing trauma or infections (e.g. wisdom teeth)
- To create space is for orthodontic treatment
What happens during a tooth extractions?
Before an extraction…
For safest and best outcomes, we always take an x-ray before any teeth extraction. You will also be given local anaesthetic to ensure you are completely comfortable during the extraction procedure.
During an extraction…
When the affected area is numb, the dentist will first loosen the tooth by moving it back and forth. Then, a pair of forceps and levers is used to gently remove the tooth.
After an extraction…
Once the tooth is removed, the dentist will wash out the affected area and remove any infected tissue or remaining fragments.
You will be given care instructions on steps to take after the procedure to allow a smooth and speedy healing process.
Surgical extraction
A surgical extraction may be indicated if the tooth is too broken down, or the root form does not allow a straightforward removal. This involves removing the tooth in several pieces, raising a flap from the gums and/or shaving off the bone that holds the tooth in.
Stitches will be used to close the surgical area to help with faster healing and stopping the bleeding. You will also be prescribed pain killers and antibiotic.
After Care following a Tooth Extraction:Â
- Take it easy for the rest of the day. Don’t do any heavy lifting or vigorous exercise/sports, as it can cause further bleeding.
- The numbness should dissipate in about three-four hours. Avoid eating while it is numb, as you may bite your lips, cheeks or tongue. Also, avoid hot drinks, as you may burn yourself.
- After the anaesthetic wears off, the surgical site will be sore. You may take your prescribed medication for pain relief.
- The bleeding will stop in about 10 minutes. If the bleeding starts again later, roll up the extra gauze and bite on it constantly for about 20 minutes. The pressure will stop the bleeding.
- Do not smoke or consume alcohol for at least 48 hours. Doing so can cause an infection in the socket which will be more painful than a toothache.
- Leave the surgical site alone. Do not prod or poke it with your tongue. Also, try to eat on the other side for the next few days, and avoid eating grainy or chewy foods.
- Perform salt water rinses after meals for the next five days, starting from the day after the extraction. Don’t do any vigorous rinsing today (day of extraction), but you may clean your teeth as normal.
- If stitches were placed, they should resorb in two to three weeks unless specified.
- If antibiotics or pain killers were prescribed, take them as directed.
Contact us immediately on 07 3188 9477 if the following occurs:
- Heavy bleeding persists after 20 minutes of constant pressure.
- The pain is getting worse.
- You notice a swelling in the extraction area.
Tooth Extraction FAQ
In the majority of cases, yes. Your tooth can likely be replaced using one of several techniques. These include dental implants and dental bridges. Click here for more information.
Some over the counter pain medication will be helpful in this respect. You may also make use of ice packs. We will prescribe you medication if you have a special case that is more uncomfortable.
Pain after tooth extraction will only affect your daily life for a few days after treatment. After the first week of healing, you will notice improvement. If you find that your discomfort is growing after week one, get in touch with us as soon as possible.
Extraction and Oral Surgery Sunnybank Hills
At Aperture Dental, your teeth are our passion! Please don’t hesitate to contact us on 07 3188 9477 if you are experiencing any pain or sensitivity in your mouth, or if you would like more information on tooth extractions and oral surgery.
Contact Us
Contact us today to talk about our range of complex, cosmetic and general dentistry. Our friendly Aperture Dentists Sunnybank Hills team will be in touch with you soon. We are conveniently located to service patients living in surrounding areas, including Calamvale, Acacia Ridge, Runcorn, Coopers Plains and Kuraby. We are just a short drive for patients looking for a Dental Clinic in Sunnybank, Mt Gravatt and Macgregor regions.
