At Charlestown Dental Care, we view extraction as a procedure of last resort, when all other options to save your tooth have been exhausted. But sometimes extraction is necessary. Perhaps a tooth has been damaged by decay or trauma, and it is beyond repair. Sometimes crowding can be an issue, and there just isn’t enough room so we will need to remove a tooth. 
In other situations, a primary tooth might not erupt properly, which could impede the progress of the adult teeth trying to grow in.
Whatever the reason for the extraction, you want a dentist who has experience and is gentle and compassionate. You will be in good hands at our Charlestown, NSW surgery.
When We Might Recommend a Dental Extraction
Common conditions requiring dental extraction include:
- A tooth broken at the gumline
- Loosened teeth because of advanced periodontal disease
- Tooth fracture beyond restoration
- Overcrowding
- Non-restorable trauma
- Root canal treatment that was unsuccessful
- Wisdom teeth
If possible, we will customise a treatment plan for tooth replacement prior to the extraction procedure so you will know what to expect. In cases of extraction due to overcrowding, wisdom teeth or primary teeth, however, further treatment will likely not be necessary.
The Tooth Extraction Process in Charlestown, NSW
Patient comfort is our priority, and we want your experience to be as pain-free as possible. We will use the appropriate level of anaesthetic before beginning the procedure. We strive for efficient extractions that will heal quickly so you can return to your normal routine as quickly as possible.
Simple extractions involve teeth that are already above the gumline. We usually do not need to use stitches with this type of extraction.
Surgical extractions involve teeth that have not erupted fully; we call these "impacted." Having impacted teeth can often cause quite a bit of pain and put you at risk of developing an infection. Removing the tooth will usually alleviate discomfort and protect your remaining teeth. We may need to use stitches as part of the healing process.
Self-Care After the Extraction
Most people report only some discomfort after the extraction, so non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) or paracetamol are usually enough to control most symptoms. Ice on the outside of your jaw above the extraction site can help relieve swelling.
- Keep the extraction site clean.
- Avoid smoking cigarettes or drinking through a straw, or you may dislodge the blood clot at the healing site.
- Eat soft foods for a few days afterwards.
- Avoid liquids of any extreme temperature.
- Get plenty of rest in the days following the procedure.
- Follow any other instructions you might have received from the dentist.
We invite you to contact Charlestown Family Dentistry for gentle, painless tooth extractions. Our team will take good care of you to make the process as comfortable as possible. Call our dental clinic to make a booking.
