Tooth Extraction
Tooth extraction can be required for various reasons, such as significant damage or advanced decay. As one of the most frequently performed dental procedures, extracting a tooth can help remove harmful bacteria and enhance your overall oral health.
What is a tooth extraction?
A tooth extraction is a dental intervention that involves the complete removal of a tooth from its alveolar socket in the jawbone. This procedure is often colloquially referred to as “pulling” a tooth and may be necessary for various reasons, including severe decay, infection, overcrowding, or damage that cannot be repaired through other dental treatments.
When is tooth extraction recommended?
Tooth extraction is typically advised under specific circumstances when preserving natural teeth is no longer feasible. Dental professionals prioritise the conservation of teeth, yet there are instances where restorative treatments like fillings or crowns fail to address the extent of damage. If a tooth is irreparably harmed, extraction becomes a viable option. Your dentist may suggest this procedure in cases of significant tooth decay, a broken tooth, an impacted tooth, overcrowding of teeth, advanced gum disease, or instances of tooth luxation and other dental traumas.
What happens before a tooth extraction?
Your dentist will evaluate the condition of your affected tooth along with the adjacent gums. Additionally, dental X-rays will be taken to examine the bone levels and assess the degree of damage present. It is important to inform your dentist about any medications, vitamins, or supplements you are currently using. After collecting all necessary information, your dentist will thoroughly discuss the available treatment and sedation options with you.
What happens during a tooth extraction?
During a tooth extraction, the procedure begins with the administration of local anaesthesia to ensure that the affected tooth and the surrounding gum area are numbed effectively. The dentist then employs specialised instruments to gently loosen the tooth from its socket, carefully extracting it without causing unnecessary trauma to the surrounding tissues. In instances where the tooth is severely decayed or has fractured at the gum line, the dentist may need to make incisions in the gum to gain better access.
After the tooth is successfully removed, the dentist will clean and disinfect the socket to minimise the risk of infection. In certain situations, a dental bone graft may be placed to help maintain the integrity of the jawbone and prevent future bone loss. To conclude the procedure, stitches may be applied to facilitate proper healing of the gum tissue.
What happens after a tooth extraction?
After the tooth extraction procedure is finished, your dentist will position a gauze pad over the area where the tooth was removed and instruct you to bite down firmly and steadily. This action is crucial as it aids in minimising bleeding, allowing a blood clot to develop at the extraction site. The formation of this clot is a standard part of the healing process, as it not only facilitates recovery but also lowers the likelihood of complications such as dry sockets. Once the bleeding has sufficiently decreased, you can remove the gauze. It is important to note that some light bleeding may persist during the first 24 hours following the extraction.
Finance
For treatments over £1,000, we offer flexible financing options, including interest-free plans for 6, 12, or 18 months, and interest-bearing plans for 24, 36, 48, or 60 months. Use our finance calculator below to to calculate your rate.
Treatment Pricing
Tooth Extraction
From £95
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Finance is available for treatments up to £30,000. Credit decisions will be subject to your individual circumstances. You must be over 18 and earn an income to apply.
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