Extractions

Why Are Extractions Required?

We always try to preserve your natural teeth whenever possible. But in some cases, your tooth (or teeth) may need to be extracted or pulled for various reasons. Our dentists can determine the severity of the infection and whether or not the tooth needs to be extracted or whether it can be saved. The most common reasons for requiring extractions are:

dental disease that makes the teeth not savable
crowding of teeth which may be required for orthodontic treatment
trauma to the teeth where the teeth are fractured of split beyond repair
severe gum infections and nerve infections of teeth

What About Wisdom Teeth Extractions?

One of the most common extraction procedures is wisdom teeth extraction. It’s important to note that not all wisdom teeth need to be extracted. Only those that crowd or impact other teeth, will come through at an odd angle, are not coming in on their own, or are plagued by decay due to their unreachable location, are usually required to be removed.

What Happens During An Extraction?

If a tooth needs to be extracted, our dentist will administer local anesthetic to the area to thoroughly numb the nerves and soft tissue. The dentist will then use special instruments to safely remove the tooth. Bleeding during and after the procedure is normal, as the body works to heal and repair itself. New bone will also naturally grow in the place where the tooth’s roots used to be.

Home Care After Having Extractions

Proper recovery is important during the time post-extraction. First and foremost, it’s important to avoid anything that will impede the healing process and the following simple tips will help make the healing as smooth as possible:

gentle warm salt water rinses are recommended should you feel the need to rinse your mouth out
ice is great to use to bring the swelling down in the area of the extraction. Simply placing an ice pack to the face will help alleviate some of the discomfort
regular brushing and flossing can be continued after the extraction, but it is important to avoid the areas directly next to the extraction site
take pain medication as prescribed by our dentists to help control the discomfort for the first few days

If you have any major concerns after having an extraction, please call our friendly staff for advise and management.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is a tooth extraction needed?

A tooth may need to be removed if it is severely decayed, broken beyond repair, or affected by advanced gum disease. Extractions can also be recommended if there is crowding or if a tooth cannot be saved with other treatments. Your dentist will always assess whether the tooth can be preserved first.

Will my tooth definitely need to be removed?

Not always. At Divine Dental Care, the priority is to save your natural tooth wherever possible. An extraction is only recommended when other treatment options are unlikely to be successful or would not provide long-term benefit.

What happens during a tooth extraction?

The area is fully numbed with local anaesthetic so you should not feel pain during the procedure. The dentist then gently removes the tooth using specialised instruments. Some pressure may be felt, but the process is generally straightforward and well managed.

Is tooth extraction painful?

Most patients report feeling pressure rather than pain during the procedure due to the anaesthetic. Some mild discomfort or swelling can occur afterwards, but this is usually manageable with simple pain relief and aftercare instructions.

What should I expect after an extraction?

It’s normal to have some swelling, minor bleeding, and tenderness for a few days. Following aftercare instructions such as gentle rinsing, avoiding the area when brushing, and resting will help healing. Most people recover within a short period.

Do I need to replace a tooth after it is removed?

In many cases, replacing the tooth is recommended to maintain proper bite and prevent neighbouring teeth from shifting. Options may include implants, bridges, or dentures depending on your situation. Your dentist will discuss the best choice for you.

Can wisdom teeth be removed at your clinic?

Yes, wisdom teeth extractions are commonly performed when they are causing pain, crowding, or infection risk. Not all wisdom teeth need removal, so we only recommend extraction when clinically necessary.

What should I do if I have pain before or after an extraction?

If you are experiencing significant pain, swelling, or signs of infection, it’s important to contact the clinic as soon as possible. We can provide advice and arrange an urgent appointment if needed.