Tooth Removal
Having your tooth removed is a safe and common procedure. There are several reasons why people may need a tooth to be removed, including pain, abscess, infection, tooth decay, or gum disease. Removing a tooth like any surgical procedure does come with risks.
In order for your treatment to be carried out comfortably, the surgeon will first administer local anaesthetic around your tooth to make it numb. During the procedure, you shouldn’t feel any pain, but you will feel pressure and hear noises.
After the procedure, some bleeding is normal and it should stop within 60 minutes. You may notice some blood in your saliva for a day or two afterwards. If you bleed excessively, bite down on a swab or gauze for 60 minutes. You can use a rolled-up handkerchief, but not a tissue. If bleeding persists, please contact your dentist or surgeon.
Sometimes a dry socket can occur after having a tooth removed, particularly in the lower jaw or if you smoke. If you experience increasing pain, bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth 3-10 days after the extraction, you should contact your dentist or surgeon. They may need to wash out the socket and place a dressing, but antibiotics are not usually necessary.
In rare cases, infection may occur after the procedure. You may experience a fever, skin hardness, redness and tenderness. Contact your dentist or surgeon immediately if you experience these symptoms. You may need antibiotics.
It is common to have some difficulty opening your mouth after the procedure (trismus). If this does not improve in the days following the surgery it could be a sign of infection.
If the tooth next to the tooth is being removed has a large filling or crown, it may be damaged or dislodged during surgery. If this happens your dentist may need to repair the tooth once the extraction socket has healed. In some cases, repair is not possible due to the extent of damage.
Removing upper molar teeth can be a bit more complex because their roots may be close to the sinuses which are large air spaces in your cheeks on either side of your nose. If following removal of an upper molar tooth there is a hole into the sinus, this may need to be closed by stretching the gum across and placing some stitches. In rare cases, whilst removing an upper molar tooth, it can be pushed into the sinus. If this happens, a referral to the hospital may be required and the tooth/root may need to be removed under general anaesthesia.
Good dental hygiene is essential to prevent dental disease. Plaque, a clear, sticky film made up of bacteria and food debris, coats the surface of the teeth and causes cavities and decay. Plaque bacteria can also cause gum disease. To help prevent dental disease, avoid snacking or acidic drinks between meals, reduce your refined carbohydrate or sugar intake, brush twice-daily with fluoride toothpaste, and visit your dentist regularly.
If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to discuss them with your dentist. They will be able to explain everything in more detail and help you understand what’s involved.
