People with dental problems sometimes avoid seeing a dentist for fear that a painful tooth extraction may be the only option. Unknown to many, a dentist’s mission is to save the tooth, so that your dentist will most likely recommend tooth extraction as the last and least preferred option. However, if tooth extraction becomes necessary, you need not worry because on the Gold Coast, dental and tooth extraction procedures utilise modern and state of the art techniques to ensure your safety and comfort.
Here are some reasons why a tooth may need to be extracted:
- severe decay
- advanced periodontal disease
- infection or abscess
- orthodontic correction
- malpositioned teeth
- fractured teeth or roots
- impacted wisdom teeth
Types of extractions
Simple extraction is performed on a tooth that can be seen and easily accessed in the mouth. A local anaesthetic is applied to numb the mouth, which enables your dentist to grasp the tooth, loosen it and eventually remove it painlessly.
Surgical extraction is often performed by an oral surgeon if the tooth is hardly visible in the mouth, such as when it has broken off at the gum line or it has not emerged fully. Taking pain medication and using a local anaesthesia before the extraction ensure a painless procedure.
Simple extractions heal more quickly than surgical extractions which often require stitches to hasten healing. Following all your dentist’s post-operative care instructions such as applying ice packs, taking prescribed analgesics, washing the mouth with salt water rinses, avoiding smoking, and drinking through a straw all help in managing pain and promoting healing.
Most extraction sites heal after 7 days after which time you may be asked to revisit your dentist for a quick examination and possible removal of sutures.
Nowadays, Gold Coast dental and tooth extraction clinics practice modern techniques that are safe and painless. While a tooth extraction may be your dentist’s last resort, it is definitely nothing to fear.
