Sunshine Dental Centre

Tooth Extraction

If you need a  tooth extraction or wisdom teeth removal, contact our dentists at Sunshine Dental today.

Relieve Pain & Discomfort

Improve Your Oral Health

Prevent Spread Of Infection

Leave With A Healthier Smile

Why Are Teeth Extracted?

Tooth extraction may be required for various reasons. Some teeth are extracted because they are severely decayed, others may have advanced gum disease or have broken or cracked in a way that cannot be repaired.

Others need removal because they are poorly positioned in the mouth such as impacted wisdom teeth, or in preparation for orthodontic treatment.

What Are Wisdom Teeth?

The third molars are the last set of teeth to erupt. Since they erupt when you are older i.e 17-25 years old, they have earned the name wisdom teeth.
If there’s insufficient gum space for normal eruption of wisdom teeth, they may erupt at an angle or come out crooked.

The wisdom teeth are then referred to as Impacted Wisdom Teeth.

Why Impacted  Wisdom Teeth Need To Be Removed?

Impacted  wisdom teeth can cause inflammation and infection of the gum covering the impacted teeth. This can cause pain, discomfort, jaw stiffness and a general feeling of being unwell. It can also cause damage to the neighbouring teeth and form a cyst.

If wisdom teeth come through in hard to reach areas, they are difficult to clean and therefore more prone to tooth decay and gum disease around the tooth.

Some of the symptoms of impacted wisdom teeth include:

  • Swollen and bleeding gums
  • Pain and swelling around the jaw
  • Bad breath
  • Headache or jaw ache
  • Unpleasant taste when eating

Do I Need To Remove An Impacted Wisdom Tooth If It Isn’t Causing Any Problems?

When a wisdom tooth is impacted, it is almost certain to cause issues if ignored. Impacted wisdom teeth are also notorious for causing severe pain. It is best to have them removed as soon as the problem is detected so as to avoid any further issues.

Extraction Appointment- What To Expect?

Simple Extraction

This is the most common type of extraction and is done when the tooth is visible in the mouth. A local anaesthetic is used to numb the area, and the tooth is removed with the help of dental forceps.

Surgical Extraction (Wisdom Teeth Removal)

This is a more complex procedure, which is done for removing impacted wisdom teeth. It is also done when a tooth has broken off at the gum line and cannot be removed by simple extraction.

The procedure involves numbing the area and removing some of the bone around the tooth or to cut the tooth in half in order to remove it. You will not feel any pain but are expected to feel some pressure during the treatment.

How Long Does It Take To Recover From A Wisdom Tooth Removal?

The recovery time following your procedure depends on the complexity of your case, if it was a simple removal you should be back to normal the next day, but if it was more complex your recovery time could be one to two weeks.

Tips For Post-Treatment Care After Extraction

Bleeding

After tooth extraction, it’s important for a blood clot to form to stop the bleeding and begin the healing process. Bite on a gauze pad for 20 minutes immediately after the appointment. If the bleeding or oozing persists, place the extra gauze pad given to you and bite firmly for another 20 minutes.

Anesthesia

The anaesthesia usually wears off in a couple of hours. Avoid hot food and drinks during this time. Be mindful not to bite your lips or tongue while they are numb.

Do Not Disturb!

After the blood clot forms, it is important not to disturb or dislodge the clot. DO NOT Smoke, Drink Alcohol, Rinse Vigorously or Suck on Straws, for at least 72 hours. These activities can interfere with the healing process and can increase the chances of dry socket, which can cause severe pain and discomfort.

Limit vigorous exercise for the next 24 hours, as this increases blood pressure and may cause more bleeding from the extraction site.

Cleaning Your Mouth

The day after the extraction, gently rinse your mouth with warm salt water after meals to keep the area clean. Resume your normal brushing routine thereafter but brush your teeth gently for the first few days.

Eating

Eat a soft diet for a couple of days and chew on the other side of your mouth where possible.

Swelling and Pain

After the tooth is extracted you may feel some pain and experience some swelling. An ice pack can be applied to the area for 15 minutes at a time for the first 8hrs to keep the swelling to a minimum. The swelling usually subsides in three to four days.

Medication

Use pain medication as directed. Call our clinic if the medication doesn’t seem to be working. If antibiotics are prescribed, continue to take them for the prescribed time even if signs and symptoms of infection are gone.

Stitches

If you have received stitches after your extraction, they will dissolve on their own in a few weeks.

It’s time to get yourself checked!

Begin your dental journey with Sunshine Dental Centre now!

Sunshine Dental Centre (VIC)
Suite 2/429 Ballarat Rd, Sunshine VIC 3020
Ph: (03) 9311 6829

Hours
Monday
10am-4pm
Tuesday
10am-5pm
Wednesday
10am-5pm
Thursday
9am-6pm
Friday
Closed
Saturday
Closed
Sunday
Closed
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