Thanks to modern dental technology and the advancement of restorative and preventative dental techniques, damaged and decayed teeth can often be repaired and preserved through treatments like root canal and dental crowns.
Our dentists will always explore each viable option to save a tooth, and test out more conservative methods of treatment first to try and preserve your natural dentition for as long as possible. That being said, sometimes your dentist may have to suggest dental extraction in the case that a tooth cannot be saved. Rest assured they will only do so if all other methods of restoring the tooth have been tested, and when they determine that removal of the tooth is the only viable option.
This guide aims to answer the most common questions patients have for us when discussing dental extractions.
Why do I need my tooth removed?
There are many different reasons why your dentist may recommend an extraction, for example:
- If a tooth has multiple fractures or cracks, leading to a weakened tooth structure that cannot be repaired with a filling or crown.
- If a tooth is infected and severely decayed to the point where root canal is no longer a viable option.
- As a result of severe periodontal (gum) disease.
- If a wisdom tooth (3rd molar) is impacted or partially erupted, and will keep causing infection if not removed.
- In the cases of overcrowding, where some teeth may need to be removed to make space in the mouth for orthodontic treatment (braces).
Can I have an extraction done straight away?
If you have been booked in for a pain consultation and it is determined that you need a tooth removed, we will do our very best to get you out of pain as soon as we can- while sometimes a tooth can be extracted same day during your appointment, you may also need to return on a different day to have the tooth removed, depending on what the dentist suggests is best for your situation.
First the dentist will take an x-ray of the tooth to assess for fractures, the tooth’s structure, and the positioning of its roots within the jawbone.
Sometimes this is done using a small x-ray, but if more detail is required the dentist might take a larger x-ray called an OPG, especially in the case of wisdom tooth removal, where an overall image of the tooth’s positioning is very useful in planning the extraction.
In cases where there is an active infection, such as an abscess around the area, the dentist may need to prescribe a course of antibiotics to clear the infection first, and you will then return for the extraction once the full course of medication has been completed.
This is because inflammation and infection around the tooth can limit the effectiveness of local anaesthetic, and the dentist will only ever extract a tooth if they are sure they can make it completely pain-free and safe for the patient.
What happens during a dental extraction?
Tooth removal is a relatively routine procedure that is carried out using local anaesthetic, so the area will be completely numb during treatment. The dentist will loosen the tooth away from the socket using specific tools to ensure it is removed as gently as possible, or may have to remove the tooth in several pieces (if it is a surgical extraction).
While it is a pain-free procedure through the use of anaesthetic, you may feel some pressure in the area as the tooth is loosened from the bone, as well as popping or cracking noises- this is all completely normal, and is done as gently as possible to promote successful healing of the extraction site.
Once the tooth has been removed, the dentist will provide you with detailed instructions on how best to care for the area.
It is normal to experience some discomfort, pain or swelling in the days following a dental extraction as the area heals, but usually symptoms can be managed effectively with over-the-counter pain relief.
Your dentist will provide you with all the aftercare information needed following treatment to ensure a swift healing process.
Does Renmore Dental do wisdom tooth extractions?
Whether or not a wisdom tooth extraction can be carried out at the practice depends on each patient’s specific dental needs.
While we do carry out routine and some surgical wisdom tooth extractions here, a consultation would always be required first so that an OPG (full mouth) x-ray can be taken, and the position of the wisdom tooth can be determined.
Once this has been assessed, your dentist will advise you whether the extraction can be carried out here at the practice, or whether specialist referral to an oral surgeon is required.
Why have I been referred elsewhere for an extraction?
Sometimes we will refer a patient to a specialist oral surgeon for dental extractions, particularly wisdom tooth extractions, in cases where removal cannot take place in a general dental setting.
This might be necessary if a wisdom tooth is positioned in such a way that makes it very difficult to extract, or located very close to a large nerve which requires extra care during removal. In these cases we will refer you to a highly skilled specialist who has the equipment and expertise to carry out more complex extractions. Referral may also be necessary for those who require treatment under general anaesthetic, where several teeth can be removed at once.
How long does it take to recover from a tooth extraction?
Everyone experiences healing differently, so there is no standard recovery time following a dental extraction; most people do not need to take time off work following a dental extraction and will only experience minor symptoms for a day or two following the procedure, but again this depends on each person’s individual health.
Those who have had a difficult surgical extraction might find the discomfort lasts for a little longer, but generally once the correct aftercare guidelines are followed, recovery should be swift.
What is dry socket?
While rare, infection of the socket can occur a few days following extraction where the blood clot that is supposed to protect the extraction site dislodges or doesn’t form, leaving the area exposed. This is known as dry socket, and usually causes intense throbbing and pain radiating from the area and a bad taste/smell from the mouth.
Dry socket is most common for those who smoke, which is why refraining from smoking in the days following an extraction is super important to ensure a swift healing process. It can also happen following a particularly difficult extraction, and is usually treated with irrigation of the socket, a medicated dressing on the site, and a course of antibiotics.
Rest assured if you experience any of these symptoms following an extraction, our patient care team will organise a review for you as soon as possible.
If you have any questions, we would be happy to help!
Just give us a call on 091 757 678 or email info@renmoredental.ie
