Tooth Extractions

Tooth extraction - A last resort

Extracting a tooth is usually the last option recommended and is only offered once all other avenues for treating your condition have been explored. Our primary aim is for you to keep your natural teeth as long as possible, with tooth extraction being the last resort.

When you consult with the team at Ashfield Dental Centre, you can rest assured that we’ll only recommend extraction if it offers you the best chance at achieving a healthy smile. We are committed to providing the Sydney region with quality dental care and will never recommend that you undergo unnecessary procedures.

Why would i need my tooth extracted?

Teeth are usually only extracted as a last resort, when they are completely unable to be restored or repaired to their previous function. This may happen if:

  • Your tooth is severely broken
  • Your tooth is severely decayed
  • You have a severe infection which cannot be treated effectively
  • You have severe gum disease

 

 

Your tooth might also be extracted if it’s impacted (unable to break through the gum). This often happens with wisdom teeth, which is why it’s common to have them removed when or before they surface.

Another common reason for extraction is for orthodontic procedures. Extracting problematic teeth (especially baby teeth) makes room for other teeth to move around effectively, which can help make orthodontic treatments more effective. Your dentist will let you know if this is right for you.

How the extraction works

Teeth can usually be extracted in the dentist’s chair under a local anaesthetic. Some cases may require a more complex operation under a general anaesthetic (often wisdom teeth removals) which will need to happen in an external hospital. This will incur additional costs, and your dentist will let you know if it’s needed.

Once the anaesthetic has taken effect, your dentist will get to work on removing your tooth. They will use the prior-taken X-rays to guide them as they loosen the tooth and lift it out.

If your gum was cut during the procedure, your dentist may stitch the wound closed. They’ll apply gauze to help form a blood clot, and let you know how to care for your gap before you leave the clinic.

What comes next?

After your tooth is extracted, you’ll usually start exploring options for tooth replacement. Depending on the reason your tooth was extracted and the state of the other teeth in your mouth, your dentist may recommend a dental bridge, dental implant or denture to fill your gap.

Aside from affecting the way your smile looks, not replacing your extracted tooth can affect your ability to chew and talk normally. Additionally, the gap in your smile could cause your other teeth to shift, disturbing your alignment and undoing any orthodontic work you’ve had done. The gap can also become a food trap, which can increase the bacteria in your mouth and lead to decay.

If your tooth was removed so you could undergo orthodontic treatment (more common in children), your dentist will let you know how the gap will be filled when your treatment is complete. It will generally be filled by moving another tooth into the empty spot, however this may need replacement by other means.

Dental Veneers Ashfield, Sydney
Scroll to Top