Tooth Extraction

Modern developments in the field of dentistry have paved the way for discomfort-free extractions. You should be comfortable throughout as we use a local anaesthetic before gently removing the tooth from its socket.

If you feel some discomfort after treatment, this should only be very minor and easily controlled with over-the-counter painkillers.

We recommend setting some time aside to rest after your tooth has been extracted. Any discomfort usually resolves within a few hours.

If you are having your wisdom teeth removed, these don’t need to be replaced. However, if you have lost a tooth due to gum disease, a dental infection or as a result of facial trauma, it’s in the interest of your oral health to replace them. We recommend having a dental implant placed, which will ensure your jawbone remains strong and healthy. Implants are the restoration that have the most likeness to real teeth, as they replace the root of your lost tooth.

We recommend a bone graft once a tooth has been replaced, as this will prevent your jawbone from receding. We can also perform bone grafting to prepare a patient with low jaw bone density for dental implants.

Read more about dental implants  here.

Yes, removing multiple teeth at once is safe when performed by an experienced dentist. In some cases, it may be necessary, particularly for patients preparing for dentures or undergoing orthodontic treatment. The procedure is carefully planned to minimise discomfort and promote healing. Your dentist will discuss your specific case and explain the best approach to ensure a smooth recovery.

Yes, but it is important to be mindful of what you consume. In the first 24 hours, stick to soft foods such as soup, mashed potatoes, and yoghurt. Avoid hot food and drinks, as they can increase swelling, and do not use a straw, as the suction may dislodge the blood clot that forms in the socket. Keeping hydrated is important, but it is best to drink water and avoid fizzy or alcoholic beverages. Your dentist will provide tailored aftercare advice to help you heal.

The length of a tooth extraction procedure depends on the complexity of the case. A simple extraction usually takes between 20 to 40 minutes, while a surgical extraction, such as the removal of an impacted wisdom tooth, may take longer. Your dentist will assess your situation and give you a clearer estimate before your procedure.

At Beautiful Smiles, we offer both simple and surgical tooth extractions. Simple extractions involve removing a visible tooth that can be easily accessed. Surgical extractions are needed when a tooth is broken, impacted, or has not fully erupted. We also provide wisdom tooth removal for patients experiencing pain, overcrowding, or infection.

Initial healing generally takes 7 to 10 days, though full gum tissue recovery may take a few weeks. The first 24 to 48 hours are the most critical, as this is when the blood clot forms in the socket, aiding healing. It is important to follow your dentist’s aftercare advice, including avoiding strenuous activities, smoking, or anything that could disrupt the clot. Any discomfort or swelling should gradually subside within a few days.

Tooth extraction is a routine procedure, but as with any dental treatment, there are some risks. These include:

• Dry socket, which occurs if the blood clot becomes dislodged, exposing the bone.
• Infection, though uncommon, can develop if bacteria enter the socket.
• Bleeding, which should slow within a few hours but must be monitored.
• Swelling and discomfort, which are expected but can be managed with pain relief and ice packs.

Your dentist will discuss these risks with you before the procedure and provide guidance on how to reduce the chance of complications.

Yes, there are several options available if you wish to replace a missing tooth after an extraction. Your dentist may recommend:

• Dental implants, a strong, long-term solution that looks and functions like a natural tooth.
• Dental bridges, which fill the gap left by a missing tooth.
• Dentures, which can replace multiple missing teeth.

Each option has its benefits, and your dentist will discuss the most suitable choice based on your oral health and preferences.

Yes, we offer wisdom tooth removal for patients experiencing pain, infection, or other complications related to impacted wisdom teeth. If your wisdom teeth are causing discomfort or affecting your other teeth, our dentists will assess your condition and determine whether extraction is the best course of action.

The cost of tooth extraction varies depending on the complexity of the procedure and your dental insurance policy. Many plans cover extractions if they are deemed medically necessary, such as for an infected or severely damaged tooth. However, coverage for wisdom tooth removal or elective procedures may differ. Our team can help you understand your insurance benefits and provide a breakdown of the costs involved before treatment.

To encourage healing and prevent complications, avoid the following after a tooth extraction:

• Smoking or using tobacco, as it can delay healing and increase the risk of dry socket.
• Drinking alcohol, which may interfere with clot formation and recovery.
• Eating hard, crunchy, or spicy foods, as they may irritate the site.
• Strenuous activities, which can lead to increased bleeding and discomfort.
• Rinsing or spitting forcefully, as this may dislodge the blood clot.

Following your dentist’s advice and maintaining good oral hygiene will help ensure a smooth recovery process.