Tooth Extraction in Catford

There is variety of reasons as to why you may need a tooth extraction.

Some common reason for tooth extractions are:

• Sever Gum Disease (Periodontal disease) – When bacteria builds up on your teeth and damages the bone which holds your tooth in place, which makes the teeth become loose.
• A broken tooth which cannot be repaired
• Crowded teeth – if you have a small jaw or lost your milk tooth early, your teeth may be crooked, and you may need to have more than one tooth removed so the rest can be straightened.
• Wisdom Teeth problems – If there isn’t enough room for your wisdom teeth, grow or they grow out awkwardly or become “impacted” you may need to have them extracted.
• Tooth Decay – a tooth that is very rotten, its nerves, and blood vessels may be leading to a painful abscess.

It is best to contact one of our dental team to set up an appointment so one of our qualified dentists can inspect your teeth and discuss what will need to be done and to discuss your care. Below are general guidelines as to what can happen when having a tooth extracted. However, each treatment is tailored to you specifically and may differ from the one below.

What are the alternatives to tooth extraction?

If you don’t want to have a tooth extraction, sometimes alternative treatments are available. Painkillers or antibiotics may ease any pain and swelling, but these will be temporary measures, as the underlying issue will still be there. If you have crooked teeth, it’s sometimes possible to have them corrected without extractions. An orthodontist will be able to explain the treatment options available to you. If an infected tooth is identified early enough, you may be able to have root canal treatment instead of having the whole tooth removed. Read more on tooth canal treatment here.

Preparations for a Tooth Extraction

It’s very important that you mention any medical conditions, allergies, or recent operations you have with your dentist. You should also tell your dentist if you use an inhaler or are taking any medication, including the contraceptive pill or over-the-counter medicines such as aspirin, etc. If you’re particularly anxious about having treatment, you may be given a sedative to relieve anxiety. In certain situations, you may need to go under general anaesthetic, which means you will be asleep and feel no pain while your tooth is being removed.

What is involved in Tooth Extraction

Having a tooth extraction involves having one or more teeth removed completely from your mouth by a dentist. This can be done at one single appointment or over several sessions. More than one tooth needs extracting. You may or may not want/need to have the teeth replaced by having a dental teeth implant. Your dentist will discuss the options available to you. [Read more on dental implants here]

You will be given a local anaesthetic injection into your mouth, which completely blocks feeling from the area. After the anaesthetic has taken effect, your dentist will widen the socket (the area your tooth sits in) using a tool called an elevator or a pair of special forceps. They will then move the tooth from side to side until it is loose enough to be removed completely.

You will feel pressure in your mouth during the procedure and hear a noise. However, due to the local aesthetic, you should not feel any pain.

In more difficult and rarer cases, your dentist may not be able to reach the root of your tooth so he or she will make small cuts in your gum. If necessary, they can then drill away some of the bone so the tooth root can be removed.

Afterwards, there will be some bleeding, and your dentist may put stitches in. After the extraction, you may be given a piece of soft padding to bit on to help stop the bleeding. If you had your tooth extraction under local anaesthesia, you may need to stay at the centre for a few minutes whilst the bleeding stops; you may also need to take some pain relief as the local anaesthesia wears off.

It is best not to rinse your mouth out or do any strenuous activity for the first few hours after the extraction procedure, as this may disturb the blood clot that’s formed, and the bleeding could start again, delaying the healing process.

Tooth Extraction After Care

It’s important to keep your mouth as clean as possible, so continue brushing your teeth after the extraction. It can be helpful to rinse your mouth out with salt water (half a teaspoon in a glass of warm water) a few times a day. This should not be done in the first few hours after your procedure. If you had stitches during the procedure, you may need to go back to your dentist to have them removed. Otherwise, you probably won’t need a follow-up appointment.

What are the risks of tooth extraction?

Tooth extraction is commonly performed and generally safe. However, in order to make an informed decision and give your consent, you need to be aware of the possible side effects and risks of complications of this procedure. Your dentist will discuss any side effects or complications that can arise. As exact risks are specific and differ from person to person, it is best to discuss this with your dentist.

For further information, please click here for details on how to contact Hillview Dental Centre.