Tooth Extraction

There are many reasons why you may need to have a tooth taken out. A tooth which is very decayed or damaged, or loose because of gum disease, may have to be extracted (taken out of your mouth). Wisdom teeth sometimes have to be extracted if they have come through at an awkward angle and are causing problems, such as decay in adjacent teeth, or being difficult to clean and causing infections. Teeth are sometimes taken out from children’s mouths to help other teeth which are crowded to grow straight.

There are two types of tooth extraction you could be offered, and your dentist will be able to advise you on what will work best for you. A simple extraction, as the name suggests, refers to the procedure of removing a tooth that is still visible above the gum line. When the tooth can be seen, your dentist will easily be able to extract it using non-surgical tools. However, if a tooth has been forced or pushed into the gum, or broken at the gumline, either because of trauma to your mouth or as a result of severe overcrowding, could become hidden under your gum surface. Wisdom teeth can also become embedded in your gums, causing discomfort and affecting your chewing ability. In these situations, your dentist will need to make a surgical cut in your gum tissue to remove the tooth which is causing you problems. Come see us in Chapel Allerton, Leeds today.

After a tooth extraction, you may notice some bleeding. This is quite normal, and your dentist will make sure that it stops after a while. A blood clot should form at the extraction point. Try not to dislodge the clot, if possible, to avoid drying out the area.

Your mouth may temporarily feel a little sore once the anaesthetic wears off, but this should only last for a day or two. Use an icepack for short periods if required to reduce any swelling.

After a tooth extraction, avoid drinking hot drinks, smoking, using mouthwash or brushing the extraction site for the first couple of days.