ALL OPTIONS DISCUSSED WITH YOU
TOOTH REMOVAL
We only extract teeth when we feel there is no other option, or when the prognosis is so poor that other forms of treatment are unlikely to be effective. Nonetheless, if a tooth is too badly damaged or the surrounding bone is not strong enough to ensure good dental health, the tooth may need to be extracted.
FAQ´s
WHY DO I NEED A TOOTH REMOVED?
Some reasons for requiring a tooth extraction/removal may include:
- Occasionally baby teeth don’t fall out to allow permanent teeth to come through.
- When fitting a brace sometimes teeth need extracting to make room for the teeth to move in to place.
- If a tooth becomes a source of infection and is no longer viable to be restored.
- Wisdom teeth often require removal as they can become impacted, severely decayed or infected.
WHAT SHOULD I DO AFTER MY TOOTH EXTRACTION?
Following a tooth extraction we would suggest the following tips to help reduce any discomfort and help to speed up the recovery process:
- Avoid rinsing the mouth for 24 hours following your extraction.
- Once 24 hours has passed a warm salt water mouthwash is advised 2 x daily. (1 teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water).
- Avoid strenuous activity for the rest of the day.
- Try to avoid the extraction site by not chewing food in that region and brush gently when cleaning.
- Avoid smoking and consuming alcohol completely for at least 24 hours following your extraction.
- Restrict your diet to soft foods, cool food/drinks for 24 hours.
- Care should be taken whilst still numb to prevent biting your lip/tongue.
- Some soreness is expected, although this should gradually improve over the first few days. Ibuprofen or Paracetamol should help with the discomfort.
- If pain from the extraction site does not ease within a few days or seems to worsen, seek out advice, the extraction site may need to be assessed.
- In the event the extraction site begins to bleed once you have returned home, bite down on a gauze pack or a rolled handkerchief for 20 minutes while resting.
WHAT ARE MY OPTIONS TO FILL A SPACE FOLLOWING TOOTH LOSS?
There are various solutions available to fill a space following the loss of a tooth. Some options include:
- A Dental Bridge.
- Dentures.
- Dental Implants.
The options most suitable can vary from patient to patient. Your dentist will be able to talk through all the suitable treatment options with during a consultation where you will have the opportunity to ask any questions you have.