Tooth Extraction

Ideally, your natural teeth will last you for life, but unfortunately, tooth loss is all too common. You can lose teeth because of infection and decay or if a tooth is too badly damaged to restore. It is a situation we strive hard to avoid, and if we recommend a tooth removal, you can rest assured we have explored every other option first. Extracting a tooth is always our last option.

Other times, tooth extraction is needed in preparation for orthodontic treatment, where we need to make room so your teeth and bite can be correctly realigned. Occasionally, we need to remove baby teeth that fail to fall out at the proper time.

If you need a tooth removed, you can rest assured our dentists will carry out this procedure as comfortably as possible.

What to Expect If You Need a Tooth Removed?

Before beginning any treatment, we always make sure that you feel as comfortable and relaxed as possible, thoroughly numbing the tooth before removing it gently. It doesn’t take very long to remove a tooth using specialised tools to loosen it from the socket gradually. We take a great deal of care to minimise any damage to the surrounding bone and gum tissue. This is especially important if you intend to replace the tooth with a dental implant. Preserving the empty socket as much as possible helps to ensure the implant placement is successful.

Once the tooth is removed, we may stitch the empty socket closed or leave it to heal naturally. Although you may experience some minor discomfort and swelling, the actual healing should be quite quick and uneventful. There is no need to worry as we will give you precise instructions on how to look after your mouth, and our friendly, caring dental team are always here to offer further advice and help if needed. If we remove a tooth that leaves a highly visible space in the mouth, we can discuss a temporary replacement while the empty socket heals.

Replacing the Tooth Permanently

After losing a tooth, it’s important to consider how to replace it more permanently, as leaving a gap can allow your existing teeth to shift out of place, potentially destabilising them and affecting your bite. Our dentist can discuss suitable options with you before we remove the tooth so that you can make a fully informed choice. Possible options include partial or full dentures, a dental bridge, or dental implants, depending on your needs and desires, the location of the missing tooth and your budget.