13 13 16
COVID-19 Information
BOOK NOW

General Tooth Extraction

Pros and cons of tooth extraction

On the downside, the gap left by tooth removal can be problematic in the long term. Missing teeth can affect chewing and can leave the neighbouring teeth with more work to do. In cases where many teeth have been removed, these effects are more pronounced and can adversely affect jaw health. Of course, solutions are available — but they tend to be more costly than saving the tooth in the first place would have been.

Is a tooth extraction suitable for you?

If you’re experiencing pain or discomfort from a particular tooth, you will benefit from our full range of treatment options including tooth extraction where necessary.

Tooth removal is most suitable in cases where the tooth is beyond saving – that is, when:

  • there is severe damage, cracking, or decay
  • restoration with a filling is unlikely to last
  • there is insufficient tooth structure to attach a crown
  • the gums are unhealthy
  • the tooth is very likely to fall out in the long-term
  • there is severe infection of the tooth and/or its surrounding gum
  • where affordability is a key concern.

Tooth extraction is generally not recommended if the affected tooth has a good chance of being restored or if creation of a gap would likely cause significant problems, particularly for young people who have their adult teeth.

What’s the procedure for treatment?

Our dentists will ensure your tooth extraction is efficient, effective and pain-free. The process is relatively straightforward.

  1. Steps are taken to minimise discomfort (options include analgesia, local anaesthetic, happy gas, sedation or even referral for general anaesthetic). In all cases, the purpose is to ensure your comfort.
  2. The tooth is then removed as gently as possible using specialised instruments.

Occasionally, we may divide the tooth into pieces and/or make a small incision in the gum; this is known as surgical extraction. In all cases, we provide post-operative advice to speed up your recovery and medication if necessary to control any residual discomfort.

Most extractions (with the notable exception of complex wisdom tooth extractions) can be performed by one of our general dentists.

COVID-19 Information