A healthy smile is a beautiful smile.
At Smile n Shine in Newbury, Berkshire, we understand that the prospect of tooth extraction or any form of oral surgery can be daunting. Our dedicated team of dental professionals is committed to providing the highest level of care and comfort during these procedures, ensuring that your experience is as smooth and pain-free as possible.
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What Is Tooth Extraction?
Tooth extraction is a common oral surgery procedure that involves the removal of a tooth from its socket in the bone. There are various reasons why a tooth may need to be extracted. For instance, severe tooth decay, infection, or damage that cannot be repaired may necessitate tooth removal. Additionally, teeth may be extracted to resolve overcrowding in the mouth, especially before orthodontic treatment, or to remove impacted wisdom teeth that are causing pain or discomfort.
Types of Tooth Extraction
There are two primary types of tooth extraction: simple and surgical. Learn more about them below, and reach out if you have any questions.
Simple Extraction
This is performed on teeth that are visible in the mouth and are easily accessible. It is typically a straightforward procedure where the dentist loosens the tooth with an instrument called an elevator and then removes it with forceps. Local anaesthesia is usually sufficient to numb the area, ensuring you feel no pain during the procedure.
Surgical Extraction
This type of dental surgery is more complex and is required when a tooth is not easily accessible. This could be due to a tooth that has broken off at the gum line or a tooth that has not fully erupted, such as a wisdom tooth. Surgical tooth removal often involves making an incision in the gum to access the tooth. In some cases, the tooth may need to be sectioned into smaller pieces for easier removal. This procedure is typically performed by an oral surgeon. It may require both local and sometimes general anaesthesia, depending on the complexity.
Why You Might Need Oral Surgery
There are several reasons why oral surgery procedures may be necessary, and our team at Smile n Shine is well-equipped to handle a range of these treatments:
Wisdom Tooth Extraction
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, often require tooth removal due to lack of space in the mouth, impaction, or infection. Impacted wisdom teeth can cause significant discomfort and may lead to other dental issues if not addressed.
Damaged Teeth
In cases where a tooth is severely damaged by trauma or decay and cannot be saved by other treatments, such as fillings or crowns, tooth extraction may be the best option to prevent further complications.
Orthodontic Reasons
Sometimes, teeth need to be removed to prepare for orthodontic treatments. This is common when there is overcrowding in the mouth, and extractions are necessary to create space for the remaining teeth to be properly aligned.
Infections & Abscesses
Infections that have reached the pulp of the tooth or have spread to the surrounding bone may require dental surgery to remove the affected tooth and prevent the infection from spreading further.
Oral Pathology
In rare cases, oral surgery may be needed to remove cysts, tumours, or other abnormal growths within the mouth. These procedures are essential for maintaining oral health and preventing more serious health issues.
Why You Might Need Oral Surgery
At Smile n Shine, your comfort and safety are our top priorities. When you come in for oral surgery, we begin by thoroughly explaining the procedure to ensure you understand each step. We also discuss anaesthesia options, taking into account your medical history, the complexity of the surgery, and your personal preferences.
During the procedure, we use advanced techniques and the latest technology to minimise discomfort and promote faster healing. Our team is highly trained in pain management. We will provide you with aftercare instructions to help ensure a smooth recovery.
Post-Operative Care
After your tooth extraction or oral surgery procedure, proper post-operative care is crucial for a successful recovery. Here are some general guidelines to follow:
Pain Management
It is normal to experience some discomfort after surgery. Over-the-counter pain relievers, or any medications prescribed by your dentist, can help manage this. Ice packs may also be used to reduce swelling.
Bleeding
Some bleeding is normal after a tooth removal. You will be given gauze to bite on, which helps control the bleeding. If the bleeding persists or becomes heavy, contact our office immediately.
Rest & Recovery
Take it easy for the first 24 hours following your surgery. Avoid strenuous activities and keep your head elevated while resting to minimise swelling.
Diet
Stick to soft foods and avoid anything too hot, cold, or spicy for the first few days. It’s also important to stay hydrated, but avoid using straws, as the sucking action can dislodge the blood clot and lead to a condition known as dry socket.
Oral Hygiene
Keep your mouth clean by gently rinsing with a saltwater solution after 24 hours. Avoid brushing the surgical site directly for a few days to prevent irritation.
When is extraction recommended?
Saving a tooth is our first priority but at times, a tooth is not salvageable. In these circumstances, there is no option left but to extract the offending tooth / teeth.
Some circumstances when an extraction is recommended :
- An irreparable tooth.
- Extensive destruction of tooth structure due to dental decay.
- A mobile tooth due to periodontal disease.
- An impacted tooth which is causing or may cause an issue in the future.
- An impacted tooth associated with dental cyst.
- To make space prior to orthodontic treatment.
- A broken tooth as a result of an accident/trauma which is irreparable.
Is the procedure painful?
Before beginning any procedure you will be given local anesthesia. This will numb the area and make the procedure painless.
What after care instructions do I need to follow post extraction?
It is essential to take following care after extraction:
- Firmly bite on the cotton given at the place of the extracted tooth for 1 to 2 hours.
- Most importantly, do not spit or rinse with water for the next 24 hours.
- Have a soft semi solid diet on the day of extraction.
- Strictly no smoking for 48 hours
- Medications/painkillers to be taken as advised by your dentist
Do I need to replace the extracted tooth?
Replacing the extracted tooth is the restorative phase of the dental treatment. Restorative phase proves to be very essential for maintaining good oral health. It is advisable to replace the extracted teeth after its healing is complete to continue functioning without hindrance.
What happens if I don't replace the missing tooth on time?
If you don’t replace missing teeth there may be -
- Hindrance in speech - Teeth are important for proper speech. In absence of teeth, speech gets affected.
- Bone loss - bone gets resorbed giving an aged look.
- Difficulty in chewing - chewing ability is insufficient in case of missing teeth.
- Increased pressure on remaining teeth - less teeth mean the remaining teeth have to
compensate and bear the extra load. - Drifting of adjacent teeth - if missing teeth are not replaced for a long time, the
adjacent teeth start drifting in the space available. This creates uneven chewing forces.
Why Choose Smile n Shine for Oral Surgery?
Choosing the right dental practice for your oral surgery is essential for ensuring a positive experience and successful outcome. At Smile n Shine, we pride ourselves on our patient-centred approach, combining expertise with compassionate care. Our team is experienced in a wide range of oral surgery procedures, from simple extractions to more complex surgical cases, and we are committed to providing the highest standards of treatment in a comfortable and reassuring environment.
We understand that the thought of dental surgery can be overwhelming, but you can rest assured that at Smile n Shine, you are in safe hands. We take the time to listen to your concerns, answer any questions you may have, and tailor our care to meet your individual needs. If you require a tooth extraction or any other form of oral surgery, we invite you to contact our Newbury practice today. Our team is here to support you every step of the way, ensuring that your oral health is in the best possible care.