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Dental Extractions

At Burpengary Dental we strive to achieve the best outcome over the long term and sometimes an extraction is the best treatment option. Removing a tooth is a less expensive and faster option for relieving dental pain; extraction may also be suggested for teeth that may be loose or unable to be restored. Our dentists will always discuss your options in dental treatment to ensure you are well-informed and comfortable in our care.

Important facts

  • Tooth extraction is the removal of a tooth from its socket in the bone.

There are two types extractions:

  • Simple extractions (Normally performed on teeth that can be seen in the mouth)
  • Surgical extractions (Often on teeth that are broken off at the gum line or has not come into the mouth yet)
  • Research shows that taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammtory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen can greatly decrease pain after a tooth extraction.
  • X-rays are taken as a precautionary measure by dentists at Burpengary Dental to avoid complications that may arise during the procedure.
  • The length of the procedure can vary from 30 min – 50 min for simple extraction and 40 mins – 60 mins for a surgical extraction.

The time taken for the extraction will be dependent on the following factors:

  • Number of roots of the tooth
  • Length of the roots
  • Position of the tooth
  • Amount of tooth remaining above the gum line

Some patients who suffer from anxiety or even needle phobia may find relief with the use of Penthrox™ sedation. This green ‘whistle’ is a hand-held, disposable, inhaler device, that administers methoxyflurane. Methoxyflurane has been commonly used for more than 30 years in Australia, providing safe, quick and effective analgesic (pain-relief) for short-term use. It is successful in providing pain and anxiety relief to conscious patients during extraction procedures. It is much easier to use than nitrous oxide (happy gas), and can result in less adverse side effects, such as nausea, that nitrous oxide can sometimes cause.

Dental Extractions

Why do I need my tooth extracted?

Teeth may have to be removed for several reasons as below:

Extensive damage to a tooth

If the tooth is badly decayed or rotted or even damaged due to trauma.

Periodontal disease

Poor dental hygiene and a build-up of plaque and calculus “tartar” can cause gums to become inflamed and infected “periodontal disease”.  If this is not treated promptly the underlying bone and supporting tissues of the tooth are likely to be damaged.  Despite treatment, the infection may cause the tooth to become loose, whereby the tooth will need to be removed.

Prevention of complications

If badly diseased teeth are not extracted promptly, complications such as infection or abscesses in the teeth or roots, or the spread of infection through the blood stream to other parts of the body, may occur.  This may affect your general health.

To improve appearance

As part of orthodontic treatment or a treatment plan to improve the appearance of teeth, our dentists at Burpengary Dental may recommend removing a tooth which interferes with another.

Teeth with no function

A tooth without an opposing partner to grind against during chewing may be better removed as it is difficult to clean both the non-functional tooth and the teeth next to it.

Vertical cracks in a tooth root

A root may shift and split, and crack upwards or downwards.  If repair is not possible, extraction may be necessary.

F.A.Q.

Will my extraction be difficult?

The methods of extractions vary depending on the type of tooth and its roots, and its position in the jaw.  Some teeth are relatively easy to remove, while others can be difficult.  Difficult extractions are usually due to:

  • Adjacent teeth having crowns or large restorations (fillings)
  • The tooth being in an abnormal position and affecting neighbouring teeth
  • A nerve lying near the tooth to be extracted
  • Roots that are large and curved, or that penetrate deeply into the jaw bone
  • An unerupted or impacted tooth, or a tooth that is fused to the jaw bone (ankylosis)
How can I take care of the extraction site after the procedure?
  •  Rest at home after the extraction
  • Depending on the number of teeth removed, you may need to take time off work
  • Avoid drinks containing alcohol while you are taking pain killers or antibiotics
  • Avoid smoking for the first 48 hours
  • Eat soft foods for the first two days
  • Use ice packs to reduce any swelling and pain
What complications can happen during extractions?

Bleeding (Haemorrhage)

Highly uncommon, however may occur.  At Burpengary Dental, we provide you with extra gauze to take home which normally stops to bleeding by applying pressure by biting gently on the gauze for 30 minutes.  If the bleeding does not stop and we are not open, you can always attend an emergency department at your local hospital.

Dry Socket

Occurs if the blood clot that normally forms in the socket is washed away or dissolves, exposing the bone underneath and allowing an infection to form.  Dry sockets will cause constant throbbing pain which can last for several days.  If you are experiencing pain like this please call us immediately on 07 3888 3777!

Infection

Infections in both gum and bone can occur after extractions.  Signs of infection include:

  • Fever
  • Bleeding
  • Increasing pain

Contact us on 07 3888 3777

Sinus Problems

Roots of some upper teeth may be close to the sinuses.  Sometimes the sinus may be opened on extraction.  Usually the opening will heal quickly, however if infection sets in or other problems occur, further treatment may be necessary.

Numbness or altered sensation

If a nerve is bruised or injured during extraction, numbness, tingling and loss of feeling in the teeth, gums, cheeks, lips, chin and tongue may occur.  This usually disappears after a few weeks however complete healing of the nerve may take 6 – 18 months.  Rare cases have reported of no healing completely and permanent numbness or altered sensation.

Damage to a nearby tooth or fillings

Although this is a rare occurrence, fillings or teeth next to the tooth to be removed may be chipped or loosened during the procedure.

Thinning of jaw bone

Thinning and fragility of jaw bone can become significant if many teeth are removed.  To reduce thinning the jaw bone needs to have daily chewing pressures exerted on it.  Our dentist at Burpengary Dental may recommend dental implants or dentures to help prevent thinning.