Extractions/Oral Surgery

There are many reasons that teeth may need to be extracted.

An Orthodontist, may have advised that, due to overcrowding certain teeth need to be extracted. Impacted wisdom teeth ( see wisdom teeth fact sheet). A broken tooth, that has a fractured root and cannot be saved. An infection in the pulp of a tooth, which would not be a suitable candidate for root canal therapy. You may have an infection in the pulp of a tooth, which could be treated, but for financial reasons, clinical reasons or personal reasons, you have opted not to have these treatments done.  

Where to go for extractions
We can carry out most extractions here in the surgery, but you may be referred to the hospital or private Oral surgeon.

Costs
We do give an estimate prior to treatment wherever possible. Due to the nature of the treatment, there can be changes during  treatment; for example, a simple extraction may turn into a surgical extraction, if the tooth fragments. The procedure, may require suturing, or follow up care for dry sockets, you may have excessive bleeding. All of these would add to the cost of treatment, and are often unable to be forseen prior to treatment.

Procedures
We carry out extractions, with the use of local anaesthetic. We can also offer IV sedation. For  IV sedation with health complications or General Anaesthetic, we will refer you to the appropriate specialist.

Risks
There is a risk of trauma to the dental nerves from every procedure involving injections or extractions. Any trauma sustained is usually temporary, but may last a few months. In rare cases there may be permanent damage. This damage may cause numbness or tingling sensations around the tongue, lips, mouth, chin and cheek areas. Speech, taste and sensory disturbances may be noticed and eye muscles may be affected, altering vision.  There can also be a risk of bruising and swelling, which may need to be treated with medication. If a root breaks on an upper tooth, there may be complications if the sinus becomes involved. This may result in a referral to an oral surgeon. There are occasions when roots fracture, and we are unable to extract a fragment. You would be advised of this. If it was felt that it would not cause any problems, a decision may be made leave it in situ , or you may be referred to the oral surgeon. 

What your dentist needs to know
We will require a full, up to date medical history. If there have been any changes since you last filled in our medical forms, please tell us. If you are allergic to anything, have had any past problems with extractions, have any problems with bleeding or clotting, have any infectious diseases or immune deficiency problems, these are among some of the things we need to know.

What to do before a planned extraction
Make sure you have eaten something, especially important if you have been on pain medication, antibiotics or have an infection present. If you haven’t eaten or taken some nutrition (this can be liquid form) you are much more likely to feel unwell, sick or faint, prior to or post-extraction. Make sure you have soft foods, straws, pain relief etc., available at home. You may not feel like running around and getting these things post treatment.

What to do post-extraction
Follow the instructions given to you by your dentist. These may include: taking prescribed medications, rinsing with hot salt water or a mouth rinse, (starting 24hrs after extraction) and resting. Avoid hot foods or drinks or hard chewy food, for a few hours.

DO NOT: Smoke, take aspirin or any other blood thinning medication, (unless advised by a doctor not to stop medication), drink alcohol for at least 24 hrs. If bleeding occurs, sit down and bite down firmly on the gauze or cotton rolls provided for about 20mins. If it occurs again, repeat this procedure. If, after this time bleeding is continuing, contact us. If you cannot for any reason contact us, call a doctor.