Pain-Free Tooth Extractions
Ideally, permanent teeth are meant to last a lifetime. However, there are various reasons as to why a tooth may need to be extracted. At Dental at Atune, our caring dentists provide pain-free tooth extractions for patients in Cardiff, Newcastle and surrounds.
Reasons a tooth may need to be removed includes:
- Trauma (generally some form of collision)
- Extreme tooth decay
- Bacteria enters the pulp, leading to infection
- Periodontal (gum) disease (an infection of the tissues & bones that surround & support the teeth)
Infection is one of the leading reasons. If tooth decay or damage extends to the pulp (centre of tooth containing nerves/blood vessels), bacteria can enter the pulp and cause an infection.
This is often corrected with root canal therapy (RCT), but if the infection is so severe that antibiotics or RCT do not correct it, an extraction may be required in order to stop the infection from spreading. Also, if your immune system is compromised (for example, if you are receiving chemotherapy or an organ transplant), the risk of infection in a particular tooth may warrant an extraction.
If you believe you may need a tooth extracted, or you’re not sure, book a consultation at Dental at Atune in Cardiff today.
What to Expect after a Tooth Extraction
After the tooth has been removed, a blood clot typically forms in the socket. The dentists will then place a gauze pad into the socket and ask you to bite down on it in order to stop the bleeding. In some cases, the dentist will place a few stitches (usually self-dissolving) to close the gum edges over the extraction.
In some cases, the blood clot in the socket breaks loose, exposing the bone in the socket. This is a painful condition called dry socket. In the event of this, the dentist will typically place a sedative dressing over the socket for a few days to protect it while a new clot forms. This is unlikely however, and we endeavour to ensure all tooth extractions are a pain-free experience.
What to Tell Your Dentist Before the Tooth Extraction
Tooth extraction is typically very safe; however, the procedure can allow harmful bacteria into the bloodstream. Gum tissue is also at risk of infection. If you have a condition that puts you at high risk of developing an infection, you may be required to take antibiotics before and after the tooth extraction. Before you have the tooth pulled, inform the dentist of your complete medical history, if you take any medication and/or supplements, and if you have one or more of the following:
- Damaged or man-made heart valves
- Congenital heart defect
- Impaired immune system
- Liver disease (cirrhosis)
- Artificial joint (for example, a hip replacement)
- History of bacterial endocarditis
Book a consultation at Dental at Atune today to discuss with one of our friendly dentists.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do tooth extractions hurt?
At Dental at Atune, we use a local anesthesia to eliminate the pain. However, if you experience pain after the procedure, we can recommend an over-the-counter (OTC) pain medication to help reduce discomfort.
How long does a tooth extraction take?
A single tooth extraction typically takes between 20 to 40 minutes. If you are having multiple teeth removed, the process will obviously take longer.
Can I go to work after a tooth extraction?
We recommend you set aside some recovery time after a tooth extraction—especially if more than one tooth was removed. Generally, 2 to 3 days is the standard recovery time required.
How long should you wait to drink water after a tooth extraction?
You should wait at least 1 hour before drinking any fluids. The exception to this rule is if you’re taking medication.
