Extractions
What Are Extractions?
A dental extraction is a procedure involving the removal of a tooth from the socket. Extractions can either be done using local anaesthesia and a tool known as an elevator to quickly remove the tooth or surgically where a small incision is being made in the gum for your dentist to gain access to the bone around the tooth.
Reasons for Getting an Extraction
There are several reasons a tooth may need to be extracted. Including
Damaged or broken tooth: When a tooth has been damaged or broken from an injury or accident it may be necessary to extract the tooth.
Crowded Mouth: Sometimes if teeth are crowded too close together, a dentist may decide to extract a tooth to help realign the other teeth and keep the mouth healthy. Wisdom teeth are common culprits of overcrowding.
Infection: Sometimes when tooth decay advances it can infect the centre pulp of the tooth. This type of infection is usually treated with a root canal, but in advanced cases, an extraction may be necessary.
Wisdom Tooth Extractions in Toowoomba
Wisdom teeth represent the four most posterior permanent adult teeth located at the back corners of the mouth on both the top and bottom jaw. Wisdom teeth extractions are a common surgical procedure used to remove these wisdom teeth.
Indication of an Impacted Wisdom Tooth
- Growing in crooked
- Cutting or rubbing on the gums or cheek
- Becoming trapped within the gums
- Pressure, inflammation, swelling, and pain
Wisdom teeth, also known as your third molars, are the last of your permanent teeth to erupt from your gums. They typically appear somewhere between the ages of 17-25, while others never develop them at all.
However, many individuals experience what is known as impacted wisdom teeth. These are teeth that do not naturally have enough space to develop and emerge normally. When a wisdom tooth is impacted it may erupt crooked, partially (leaving some of the tooth under the gumline, or not at all.
An impacted tooth can also lead to increased decay and cavities, gum infections, periodontal disease, cysts, and damage to surrounding teeth and bone. However, these issues can be safely and reliably avoided by undergoing wisdom tooth extraction. This relatively simple procedure is considered a safe and effective way to deal with impacted wisdom teeth.
Extractions can range from quite simple to more complex. Depending on your circumstances, we can offer oral sedation to help you feel more relaxed. Each of our extraction procedures is planned out to be as gentle as possible so that nothing is rushed. Most people feel fine having their tooth removed with local anaesthetic (numbing medication).
Your recovery can range from a day or two to up to 1-2 weeks. Wisdom tooth recovery typically takes the longest. Our dentist will provide you with detailed care instructions to ensure your mouth heals properly.
Should I Have My Tooth Removed?
If you need an extraction or emergency tooth removal, contact our office to request an appointment.
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Any invasive or surgical procedure may carry risks. Before moving forward, it is recommended that you seek a second opinion from an appropriately licensed medical professional.
