Tooth Extraction

Where possible a dentist will always attempt to save your tooth from extraction using root canal therapy or other dental techniques. In some cases where the decay too great from cavities caused by the long term build up of bacteria, the deepest layers of pulp within the tooth have become infected and the tooth is no longer salvageable. Similarly, where fractures or cracks have occurred and too much of the tooth is lost a crown may be unable to be fitted and thus root canal therapy is no longer an option the tooth must be removed to avoid further pain and damage within the mouth and jaw.

There are a few common complications after a tooth extraction. The first occurs in the days following the procedure; Dry socket. This painful condition presents in cases where the blood clot which forms within the wound of your gums becomes dislodged, lost or dissolved before it has healed, exposing the nerves and bone beneath. Those who have had a tooth extracted and not replaced may experience movement in the remaining teeth that can imbalance their alignment and collapse their bite leading to the damage of otherwise healthy teeth and jaw joint issues.

The removal of upper wisdom teeth is generally regarded as easier than the lower and most can be removed easily under general anaesthetic. The removal consists of making an incision in the gum to reveal the wisdom tooth, removing the bone fragments that obstruct the tooth’s root and dividing the tooth with a drill into more manageable pieces for ease of removal.

Tooth replacement in necessary after extraction to protect the strength and density of the jaw bones and supporting your bite by spreading the load evenly over the teeth.
Replacement options include:
Dental implant, removable dentures ( partial or full depending on the extent of extraction) and fixed bridges.