The removal of a tooth can be nerve-wracking but with today’s advances in dental techniques it needn’t be anything to worry about.

If you need any information about tooth extraction before your dental appointment consider getting help from a dental clinic specialising in all aspects of surgical dentistry from first consultation through procedure to aftercare.

What are the main reasons for tooth extraction?

Your dentist will always try first to repair a tooth with a filling or crown if at all feasible. Removal will always be the last resort. Common reasons for tooth removal are:

·           Periodontal disease

·           A non-repairable broken tooth

·           Severe tooth decay

·           An abscess

·           Crowding of the teeth

·           Impacted wisdom teeth

Tooth extraction is performed in most cases by a qualified dentist. However, in more complicated cases a hospital oral surgeon may need to perform the extraction, usually in a day clinic.

Wisdom tooth extraction

The removal of wisdom teeth becomes necessary only if they are causing problems, usually by failing to break through the jaw fully. This can cause pain and it is said that up to 80% of young adults across Europe suffer the effects of at least one wisdom tooth that has not broken through properly.

Your dentist will examine the tooth first and will make a decision on whether or not to extract it depending on the following factors:

·           Is it causing pain or damage to the jaw or adjacent teeth or is it likely to

·           Is it preventing the normal development of other teeth

·           Are there any particular risks associated with performing the procedure

·           The results of x-ray which will indicate the growth pattern and extractability of the tooth

What’s involved in tooth removal?

Provided there are no complications, the removal of a tooth is normally quick and reasonably painless by way of a local anaesthetic injection to numb the area. Following the extraction, your dentist will initially apply gauze to the area for about 30 minutes to stem any bleeding. They will give advice on how to manage your oral health following your procedure:

·           Avoid hot and cold food and drink for the first 24 hours

·           Do not smoke or drink alcohol

·           Do not disturb or try to dislodge any blood clot which may form

·           Do not rinse your mouth until after 24 hours has passed and then only with warm salt water

·           Gently brush your teeth as normal

·           If you feel any tiny fragments of tooth left in the gum, allow these to work their own way out

·           Take a painkiller such as paracetamol if necessary

It is advised that you eat a soft diet for a few days if chewing is difficult. The NHS has further advice on how to manage before and after a tooth extraction.

Risks and side effects

There are potential risks and side effects but these are manageable with care on your part. The most common side effects are pain, swelling and bleeding and your dentist will advise you on how to deal with these. Other complications include:

·           Infection, for which antibiotics may be necessary

·           Numbness of the lower jaw, chin and tongue which is usually associated with lower wisdom tooth removal

·           Lip soreness and bruising

·           Stiff jaw

·           Poor healing, a common issue with smokers

·           Nerve injury. You may feel a tingling or numbness near the extraction site.

Most side effects, though common and expected, will not last long but they can be distressing. Your dentist will advise you on what aftercare steps to take and how long you can expect to be away from school or work.

If you have any worries or doubts about how well you are healing then you should always seek advice from your dental clinic.

Tooth extraction need not be traumatic. By knowing about the process, choosing a reputable dentist, and being aware of aftercare protocols, you’re sure to feel confident all will be well.