Worried about an upcoming tooth extraction? A brief guide from our dentist at Walkerston Dental

It can happen to the best of us; you are going about your day when suddenly you get a sharp pain in your jaw which makes your eyes water. A trip to our team reveals that you have an impacted wisdom tooth that needs to be extracted, leaving you with a lot of questions about what to expect from the procedure.

As unpleasant as they sound, dental extractions are exceedingly common and have a myriad of uses in dental care. While you may envision the old ‘tie a string to the door handle and slam it’ technique, this process has come a long way in relation to comfort, ease and more successful long term outcomes.

At Walkerston Dental, we provide extractions to patients across a range of ages, for different reasons as part of our general dental care. Our dentist Walkerston uses the most advanced tools to make the process as smooth as possible and to ensure that the aftercare is a breeze too. We also offer restoratives, so if a gap is left in your smile, it won’t dent your confidence or impact on your mouth’s functionality. Perfect!

So, what are some of the things that our dentist Walkerston is asked about extractions?

Why are teeth extracted or pulled?

There are many reasons why our dentist Walkerston may choose to extract your tooth. It may have decayed beyond repair, impacted (not erupting correctly and pressing on the root of a nearby tooth) or it may need removing to make room for orthodontic movement from an upcoming brace or aligner to ensure a smooth journey to straighter teeth.

What types of extraction are there?

Typically, there are two. A simple extraction which involves the removal of a tooth that is above the gum line and a surgical extraction, which may revolve around extracting a tooth that has broken and requires some incisions to remove.

Regardless of the type, we will ensure you are numbed prior to the work starting, so you won’t feel a thing!

How long will it take?

This depends on the type of extraction you are having, but don’t worry; we will complete it in one session!

A simple extraction usually takes up to 30 minutes, whereas a surgical extraction can take up to an hour. You will be numbed throughout the procedure and we will offer distractions (such as headphones) if needed. We want you to be comfortable after all!

Is aftercare difficult?

If you have had a surgical extraction, you will likely have stitches. Therefore, you will need to be a bit softer with your daily brushing.

Also, gargle salt water to keep the extraction site clean and if you have any concerns about healing or infection, contact our team for advice.

How can I prevent infection?

To prevent infection post-extraction, we advise that you gargle with salt water daily, avoid alcohol and refrain from smoking; these can all cause inflammation of the gums which can heighten the chances of an infection occurring.

If you suspect an infection, contact our team for an emergency appointment.

DISCLAIMER

All treatment carries risks. Individual consultation is required with one of our practitioners to ensure that the treatment is right for you.