Surgical Dentistry

Tooth Extractions & Wisdom Teeth

A tooth extraction involves completely removing a tooth from its socket. According to Australian dental guidelines, dentists always aim to save natural teeth first. However,removing a tooth becomes necessary when it is severely damaged, infected, or lacks room to grow.

Here is a simple guide to simple, surgical, and wisdom tooth removals.

1. Simple Tooth Removal

This procedure is used for teeth that are fully visible in the mouth and can be removed in one piece.

Why It Is Needed

Severe Decay or Infection: Used when a tooth is damaged beyond repair.
Advanced Gum Disease: Treats teeth that have become loose due to bone loss.
Orthodontics: Creates necessary space for braces or aligners.
Why it matters: Removing a failing tooth stops chronic infection from spreading to the rest of your body.

What to Expect

Assessment: An X-ray is taken to view the tooth roots and surrounding bone.
Numbing: Local anaesthetic completely numbs the area so you only feel pressure, not pain.
Removal: The tooth is gently loosened and lifted out.
Protection: A dissolvable sponge or gauze is placed over the site to stop bleeding.

2. Surgical Tooth Removal

A surgical extraction is required if a tooth is broken below the gum line, has curved roots, or is stuck beneath the bone.

What Happens During Surgery

Accessing the Tooth: A small incision is made in the gum to safely reach the tooth.
Sectioning: The tooth is often divided into smaller pieces for a gentler removal.
Stitches: Dissolvable stitches are placed to close the gum and help it heal.
Why it matters: This precise method protects the surrounding bone and neighbouring teeth from damage.

3. Wisdom Tooth (Third Molar) Removal

Wisdom teeth are the last molars to emerge, usually in your late teens or early twenties. They often require extraction because there is not enough room in the jaw.

Why They Are Removed

Impacted Teeth: They remain trapped under the gums or grow at a damaging angle.
Partial Eruption: Teeth that only break halfway through the gum are highly prone to infection because they are difficult to clean.
Cysts and Damage: Prevents damage to neighbouring healthy molars.
Why it matters: Removing problem wisdom teeth early prevents chronic jaw pain, alignment issues, and severe hidden decay.

Comfort and Sedation Options

Local Anaesthetic: Completely numbs the surgical area while you remain awake.
Sedation: Oral or intravenous (IV) sedation is available to help you relax if you feel anxious.
Specialist Referral: Complex cases may be safely referred to an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon.

4.Recovery, Risks, and Aftercare

Normal Post-Op Risks

Common Symptoms: Mild bleeding, facial swelling, and jaw stiffness are normal and peak around days 2–3.
Dry Socket: A painful condition where the healing blood clot dislodges, exposing the bone. This typically happens if you smoke, use straws, or rinse vigorously.
Nerve Sensitivity: Temporary numbness in the lower lip, chin, or tongue can occasionally occur if the roots were close to a main nerve.

Critical Aftercare Rules

First 24 Hours: Bite firmly on the provided gauze. Rest, avoid strenuous exercise, and do not spit, smoke, or drink through a straw. Eat cool, soft foods.
After 24 Hours: Gently rinse your mouth with warm salt water after meals. Keep brushing your other teeth normally, but avoid the surgical site.
Pain Management: Take over-the-counter pain relief (like paracetamol or ibuprofen) as directed by your dentist. Use ice packs on your cheek for 15 minutes at a time.

When to Contact the Clinic Immediately