What you need to know
Tooth extraction is the process of removing a tooth from the jaw bone. When a tooth is damaged your dentist will take measures to attempt to save the tooth where possible, but in some circumstances an extraction is necessary for your oral health.
The option to extract a tooth may be advised to you if you have extensive decay, infection or tooth mobility, and teeth can also be extracted to avoid crowding in the mouth.
A tooth extraction can take between 30 minutes an up to 1 hour depending in the difficulty of the extraction and how many teeth are to be removed.
Your requirements for local anesthesia, general anesthesia or sedation will be discussed with you and your dentist may recommend some options for replacement.
It is normal to feel some swelling and/or discomfort after tooth removal and we recommend you prepare yourself with some pain relief.
At your appointment your dentist will provide you with instructions for at-home care to ensure you recover well. We will always call you the day after an extraction to check on your healing progress and allow you to ask any questions you may have.
An x-ray is always taken prior to extracting a tooth, and if it appears it could be a more complex extraction, our dentist may refer you to a specialist.
