Extractions & Oral Surgery

Extractions only if necessary

Removing a tooth from a patient’s mouth is called an extraction. If a tooth becomes damaged or decayed beyond repair then removing it is often the best way of protecting the health of the mouth and remaining teeth.

If one or several of your teeth do not look right or you are experiencing pain in a tooth then book a free consultation and we will assess the best possible course of treatment for you. Despite the advances in modern dental technology it is always better to keep as many of your natural teeth as possible. Extractions will always be used as a last resort.

Main reasons for extraction

Where we have no choice but to extract a tooth, the main reasons consist of:

• Severe tooth infection, decay or trauma where the tooth is past the point of being saved.
• With some traditional braces, a tooth may need to be removed to avoid overcrowding issues with your new straight teeth.
• Complicated fracture leaving tooth unrestorable.
• Teeth that cannot be saved through root canal (endodontic) treatments.
• Dental abscesses; a collection of pus around the gums or teeth
• Advanced gum disease.
• Supernumerary teeth; are additional teeth which block other teeth from developing by growing in the wrong place.

We understand that an extraction can be a nervous time for any patient. They are carried out under a local anaesthetic which numbs the sight of the extraction and eliminates any pain. Due to the nature of the treatment, you may feel some movement and pressure around the tooth which can be uncomfortable. Our dentists always provide the best possible environment for our patients making sure they are as relaxed as possible.

For patients of a very nervous disposition extraction can seem overwhelming. We offer IV sedation on all of our treatments; you will be in a hazy and calm state and are likely not to remember any of the procedure. As you do not go completely under we will still be able to communicate with you throughout the treatment meaning you stay relaxed and safe.

Specialist Oral Surgery

Mr James Anang, our resident Specialist Oral Surgeon, provides the following treatments:

• Complex surgical extractions
• Wisdom tooth extractions
• Apicectomies
• Sedation

Wisdom teeth (third molars) are the final teeth to develop in the mouth usually in late teens or early twenties. Not all people have wisdom teeth and not all people have problems with their wisdom teeth.

Often, wisdom teeth become trapped and do not fully erupt because they commonly impact the second molars and either remain buried under the gum or partially erupt through the gum. This can cause difficulty with cleaning and can often cause infections.

There are specific guidelines set out by NICE and when beneficial your dentist will advise removal of the problematic wisdom tooth/teeth.

General Aftercare Advice

• Ice packs can be used for periods on 30mins to reduce immediate post-operative swelling
• Biting on gauze/kitchen towel with pressure to stop any bleeding
• Soft foods and avoidance of very hot foods/liquids
• Avoid crunchy/sharp foods
• Good oral hygiene
• Warm salt water rinsing 3-5 times daily
• Stop smoking for at least 3 days post-extraction
• Suitable pain relief if necessary

If you would like further information, click here or request an appointment by calling 01277 500 332

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