Tooth Removal

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.

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.

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.