What is an extraction? A tooth which is very decayed or damaged, or loose because of gum disease, may have to be extracted (taken out of your mouth).
Wisdom teeth sometimes have to be extracted if they have come through at an awkward angle and are causing recurrent problems.
Teeth are sometimes taken out from children's mouths to help other teeth grow straight when they are crowded.
What is involved? Some teeth are easier to take out than others. A local anaesthetic (an injection in your mouth) will be used to numb the tooth before it is extracted, this is the best treatment for most patients.
In some cases, for children or nervous patients, or where a tooth might prove difficult to remove, sedation (something to make you drowsy), along with a local anaesthetic, may be used. On rare occasions a general anaesthetic may be considered. If a general anaesthetic is needed, you will have to go to a hospital (you will normally be able to go home the same day).
After working out the best way to take the tooth out, your dentist will discuss with you:
How to make sure you don't feel the extraction while it is happening
Whether you should bring someone with you if you are to have sedation or general anaesthetic and
When it would be convenient for you to have the tooth removed.
You might also discuss other treatment you need, for example whether you may require a denture, a bridge or an implant
While the tooth is being taken out:
You may hear some noise and feel some pressure as the tooth is being eased out, but not any pain.
Sometimes stitches are put into the gum to help the mouth heal.
Afterwards you may need a day or so off work to recover, depending on how difficult the extraction was and whether sedation or a general anaesthetic was used.
Sometimes the dentist may insert something into the socket in order to prevent the bone from shrinking which would naturally occur after a tooth is taken out.
The dentist will give you a pad of gauze to bite on, to stop any bleeding.
The dentist will give you advice on:
How to look after the space where the tooth was while it is healing.
How to use painkillers so you are not in any discomfort when the anaesthetic wears off and
How to contact the practice if there are any problems.
