Tooth Extraction
Tooth Extraction Port Macquarie
Dentists perform tooth extractions for several reasons. The problem may be a painful wisdom tooth or a tooth that has been badly damaged by decay.
In some cases, a dentist will remove a tooth to make space for dental prosthetics or braces.
Tooth extraction is the removal/pulling of a tooth due to several reasons.
Here are some of them:
- tooth decay
- gum disease
- infections
- trauma
- wisdom teeth complications (impaction)
- preparation for a dental prosthesis
- preparation for orthodontia, if the teeth are crowded
- baby teeth not falling out at the proper age
Types of Tooth Extraction
Your tooth extraction can be simple or surgical, depending on whether your tooth is visible or impacted.
Simple extraction
You will receive a local anaesthetic, which numbs the area around your tooth so you’ll feel only pressure, and not pain, during the procedure.
The dentist then uses an instrument called an elevator to loosen the tooth and forceps to remove it.
Surgical extraction
You will likely receive both local anaesthesia and intravenous anaesthesia, the latter of which makes you calm and relaxed.
You may also receive general anaesthesia, depending on any medical conditions. With general anaesthesia, you will remain unconscious during the procedure.
The general dentist or oral surgeon will make a small incision. They may need to remove bone around your tooth or cut your tooth before it can be extracted.
After-Care
After any tooth extraction procedure, be sure to follow your dentist’s instructions for oral care, including the following:
Eat soft foods
Stick primarily to liquids until any anaesthesia wears off and have a soft diet for the first few days after tooth extraction.
Take care of your teeth
Do not brush the teeth next to the extraction site immediately after the procedure but brush the rest of your teeth. Two days after a tooth extraction, you can return to your usual oral care routine.
Take pain medication only as prescribed by your dentist
- If your Port Macquarie dentist has prescribed medication to control pain and inflammation or to prevent infection, use it only as instructed.
- If the pain medication prescribed does not seem to work for you, don’t take other pills and call your Port Macquarie dentist right away.
Swelling and pain are normal after a tooth is removed
To help reduce swelling and pain:
- Try applying a cold compress against your face, like an ice pack or a cold, moist cloth
- Your Port Macquarie dentist may give you specific instructions on how long and how often to use a cold compress
Tooth Extraction in Port Macquarie
Talk to your Port Macquarie dentist if a tooth extraction is the best option for you. While a tooth extraction can solve one dental problem (tooth decay, trauma), there might be other ways to save your tooth like a root canal treatment.
Consult with your Port Macquarie dentist today!
Tooth Extraction in Port Macquarie
Call us on (02) 6583 1711 or book your appointment online.
We are located at 38 Buller St in Port Macquarie.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it better to get an extraction or a root canal?
In almost every case, saving a tooth is preferable. A root canal will never be 100% clean, but having multiple teeth pulled can harbour larger issues.