Surgical Tooth Extractions

What is a Surgical Tooth Extraction?

A surgical extraction is a simple procedure to remove a tooth that cannot be easily accessed or removed through a simple extraction. This may be due to the tooth being broken off at the gum line, not fully erupted, or impacted (stuck in the jawbone).

Why Might I Need a Surgical Extraction?

There are several reasons why a surgical extraction may be necessary:

• Severe Tooth Decay or Damage: If a tooth is extensively decayed or broken down, surgical removal may be needed.
• Impacted Teeth: Teeth that are stuck in the jawbone or under the gums, such as wisdom teeth, may require surgical extraction.
• Failed extraction: In cases where an extraction has been attempted but incomplete, surgical extraction of the remaining tooth or roots may be required, particularly when the remaining roots are below the gum and bone level.

What Can I Expect During the Procedure?

No two cases are the same and your surgeon will discuss the specific aspects of your procedure during your appointment. Usually, after the tooth and surrounding areas have been numbed with local anaesthetic, a small incision is made in the gum to allow the tooth to be accessed, loosened, and removed. In some cases, it may be necessary to remove some surrounding bone or to section the tooth into smaller pieces to help removal. The gum is then usually closed over with stitches that dissolve by themselves over 7-10 days.

Will I Feel Pain During or After the Procedure?

You should not feel any pain during the procedure, but it is completely normal to feel pressure in the area. As the numbness wears off, the area might become uncomfortable, and you should take painkillers as advised.

What Are the Possible After-Effects?

Our team will inform you of the specific side effects and risks of your procedure. It’s common to experience:

• Discomfort: this is expected once the numbness wears off, but it is variable. Some patients report very minimal discomfort from the area, while others need to take painkillers. If you do experience discomfort, we recommend taking your usual choice of painkiller for a few days. It is important to differentiate normal post-operative pain from complications like dry socket.
• Swelling and Bruising: this is usually at its most obvious two to three days after surgery and varies between patients. It normally resolves itself after 10 to 14 days.
• Bleeding: Some bleeding is normal after a tooth extraction. If persistent bleeding occurs, bite firmly into a clean damp gauze or clean cotton handkerchief for at least 20 minutes. If it still doesn’t stop, contact the clinic.
• Dry Socket: This occurs where the protective blood clot fails to form or gets dislodged, exposing the socket bone, leading to pain and delayed healing. To prevent dry socket, avoid using straws, smoking, and stick to soft foods for the initial days. Maintain good oral hygiene by gently brushing your teeth and rinsing your mouth gently with warm salty water.
• Altered sensation: Rarely, your procedure will be performed in an area closed to nerves that run inside your jaw bones. These nerves can be irritated by surgery, resulting in numbness or a change in sensation to certain areas of your mouth and/or face. This is usually temporary and will recover with time.

How Long Will It Take to Recover?

Recovery times can vary depending on the complexity of the extraction and your medical background. Most people feel back to normal within a week or two. We will provide you with detailed aftercare instructions to help you recover.

When Can I Return to Work?

This depends on your job and your recovery. It may be possible for you to return to work the next day. Some people need to take some time off work, especially if the operation has been carried out under intravenous sedation. We can give you advice for your particular circumstance during your appointment.

Do You Have More Questions?

We understand that you may have additional questions or concerns. Our team is here to provide you with all the information and support you need. Please don’t hesitate to contact us to discuss any aspect of your treatment.