TOOTH EXTRACTION BANKSTOWN

Tooth extraction – or removal – is performed by a dentist or an oral surgeon. It is generally a very quick outpatient procedure. Removing teeth that are visible is normally straightforward, while teeth that are broken, impacted or below the gumline can sometimes be a more involved procedure.

Why do teeth sometimes need to be removed?

There are several reasons why someone may need a tooth taken out. In many cases it relates to tooth decay, but it can also be the result of infection, crowding, or other medical issues.

Wisdom teeth often need to be removed to ensure there is sufficient room in the mouth. People who need to get braces occasionally need to have a tooth removed to provide space for their teeth to shift into place. People who are going through unrelated medical challenges (such as chemotherapy or organ transplant) may also require a tooth extraction. This is because it’s important to ensure a good standard of oral health before proceeding with some significant treatments.

What happens if I need a tooth removed?

Your dentist will take an X-ray of your mouth. Depending on your individual situation, they will advise you as to whether you require a simple extraction or a more involved surgical procedure. This will be dependent upon factors such as whether your tooth is visible or impacted.

A simple extraction:

Your dentist will administer a local anaesthetic to numb the area around your tooth. The dentist then uses specialised instruments including an elevator to loosen the tooth and then dental forceps to remove it. You will be able to feel pressure during the procedure, but not pain.

A surgical extraction:

This would be performed by a general dentist or by an oral surgeon. Anaesthetic may include local anaesthesia as well as intravenous anaesthetic to help you feel calm and relaxed. In some cases, a general anaesthetic will be used, in which case you would be unconscious for the procedure. The dentist or surgeon then makes a small cut into the gum and removes the tooth. The procedure sometimes involves removing some bone, or cutting the tooth, in order for it to be extracted.

Preparing for a tooth extraction

Your dentist may want to make sure any other medical conditions you have are stable or treated before you undergo a tooth extraction.

If you have an existing medical condition, make sure you discuss it with your dentist.

This includes:

• A congenital heart defect or damaged heart valves
• Liver disease
• Adrenal disease
• An impaired immune system
• Thyroid disease
• Diabetes
• Renal disease
• Hypertension
• An artificial joint
• A history of bacterial endocarditis.

Advise your dentist of any other health considerations too.

For example:

• Any medications you take (both prescribed and over the counter)
• If you are having, or expecting to have, treatment for any medical condition that requires an intravenous drug from the bisphosphonate family.

Also keep in mind that you might be prescribed antibiotics in the days leading up to the procedure if:

• You have an infection or a weakened immune system
• You have a specific medical condition
• Your surgery is expected to be long. On the day of a tooth extraction

There are a few things to keep in mind for the day of the tooth extraction in order to help things go smoothly.

General advice includes:

• Don’t smoke beforehand
• Advise your dentist if you have a cold as they may need you to reschedule
• Advise your dentist if you have had nausea or vomiting within the previous 24 hours, as they may wish to use different anaesthesia or to reschedule.

In addition, if you will be receiving intravenous anaesthesia:

• Wear loose-fitted clothing with short sleeves
• Don’t eat or drink for six to eight hours before your appointment
• Arrange for someone to drive you home from your appointment.

Centre Court Dental Bankstown: Your experienced local dentists

We know how important it is to find a dentist you trust, and there is simply no substitute for experience.

At Centre Court Dental we have been providing expert dental care to Sydney residents for over 25 years.

So if you have a problematic tooth, or are looking for a dentist you can trust, contact us on 02 9790 4998 today.