Tooth Extractions in Perth

Tooth extraction is an irreversible procedure that requires careful planning and execution. Here’s how the process usually unfolds:

1. Anesthesia Administration:

   A dental professional will first administer anesthesia to numb the area around the tooth. This will allow you to feel pressure during the procedure instead of pain. Depending on the complexity of the extraction and your comfort level, local anesthesia, conscious sedation, or general anesthesia may be used.

2. Loosening the Tooth:

   A tool called a tooth elevator is used to gently lift and loosen the tooth from its socket. This helps to separate the tooth from the surrounding ligaments and bone.

3. Extracting the Tooth:

   Once the tooth is loosened, the dentist will use dental forceps to carefully remove the tooth from the socket. The forceps are used to rock the tooth back and forth, expanding the socket and making it easier to take out the tooth completely.

4. Surgical Extraction (If Necessary):

   If the tooth is impacted, broken, or otherwise difficult to remove, a surgical extraction may be required. In this case, the dentist will make a small incision in the gum tissue to access the tooth. In some cases, the surrounding bone may need to be removed, and the tooth sectioned in portions to allow for the complete removal of the tooth. This is often the case with impacted wisdom teeth or severely damaged teeth.

5. Post-Extraction Care:

   After the tooth is removed, a gauze pad is applied to the extraction site to control bleeding and help form a blood clot. In surgical cases, stitches are placed to close the gum tissue. After this, the dentist will provide instructions on post-operative care to promote proper healing and minimise discomfort.

If you have further questions regarding the steps of the tooth extraction procedure, please feel free to contact us at Maylands Dental Centre. Our experienced team of dentists can provide additional information to keep you informed and help you make important decisions about your oral health needs.

After a tooth extraction, it’s important to follow certain steps to promote healing and prevent complications. Here’s what you should do:

• Bite on Gauze:

  Apply firm pressure for 30-45 minutes to control bleeding.

• Avoid Rinsing/Spitting:

  For 24 hours, avoid actions that could dislodge the clot. Doing so can lead to a dry socket.

• Apply Ice:

  Use an ice pack on your cheek near the extraction site at 15-minute intervals for the first day.

• Rest:

  Avoid strenuous activity and keep your head elevated when lying down.

• Medication:

  Take prescribed painkillers or antibiotics as directed.

• Soft Foods:

  Stick to soft foods like yogurt and soup, avoiding hard or crunchy items.

• Oral Hygiene:

  Continue brushing your teeth, but be careful around the extraction site. After 24 hours, rinse with warm salt water (1/2 teaspoon of salt in a cup of water) several times a day.

• Avoid Smoking and Alcohol:

  These habits can slow down healing.

• Monitor:

  Watch for severe pain or swelling after 48 hours, which could indicate a dry socket.

• Consider Tooth Replacement:

  If necessary, discuss tooth replacement options like implants, bridges, or dentures with your dentist.

Following these steps can help ensure a smooth recovery after your tooth extraction.

Healing from a tooth extraction happens in stages. Initial soft tissue healing happens in 7-10 days, while bone healing may last 3-4 months. 

Initially, a blood clot forms within the first 24 hours. This clot helps protect the bone and tissue. Within three days, swelling and discomfort should begin to subside. After about a week, any stitches used may be removed.

By the end of the second week, most of the soft tissue healing is complete. The gums will begin to close over the extraction site during this time.

Complete healing of the tooth extraction site, including bone and gum, may take up to several months. Factors including the complexity of the tooth removal, your overall health, and how well you follow post-operative care instructions can affect healing time.

For more detailed information on the healing stages, you can consult with your dentist. They can provide an estimated timeframe based on your unique case.

The healing process will differ from individual to individual following a tooth extraction. The following factors may affect your recovery and total healing time after an extraction:

1. The size of the tooth extracted:

   A tooth that is extracted will leave a wound correspondingly larger or smaller, depending on its size, such as a molar or an incisor. A larger, deeper, or broader wound will take longer to heal.

2. Your medical history and lifestyle:

   The healing process is influenced by your medical history and lifestyle. If you bruise easily, have diabetes, or smoke regularly, the extraction will take longer to clot and heal.

3. Age:

   The younger you are, the quicker you will heal tooth extraction with less bruising, minor swelling, and fewer dental complications than older dental patients.

We encourage you to inform your dentist about your oral and overall health history. By doing so, they can provide the necessary measures to address risk factors and prevent adverse effects. This information can also allow your dentist to tailor post-operative care to your specific needs, promoting optimal healing experience and outcome.