Tooth Extraction at
Harrington Park & Oran Park Dental Care

If you need a tooth to be removed, your dentist will usually give you a local anaesthetic to numb your mouth so you don’t feel pain. Your dentist will then use a special tool to loosen the tooth in the gum. Once the tooth is loose, they will remove it with forceps.

If your tooth extraction is more complicated, you might need to be given a general anaesthetic, which will put you to sleep.

After your tooth has been removed, your dentist will probably need to make sure the gum socket is clean. If you needed a cut in the gum during tooth removal, you might need a stitch to close the cut.

You might have some bleeding and if so, the dentist will usually ask you to bite down on a piece of gauze to stop the bleeding.

Once the anaesthetic wears off, you will probably have some pain. Your dentist might write you a prescription for pain relief medicine or recommend an over-the-counter medicine.

You’ll also probably be told to eat soft foods and chew on the unaffected side of your mouth for a while. Be careful not to bite your lip while it is numb. You should rest and avoid physical sports, smoking and drinking alcohol for the next 24 hours.

Usually, the wound will take 1 or 2 weeks to heal. However, contact your dentist if you have:

• ongoing severe pain — this may be caused by a complication called dry socket
• excessive bleeding
• a fever

This will depend on your situation. Once the dentist has assessed your tooth they will explain any alternatives and their pros and cons.

If you have a tooth that needs to be extracted, but you choose to leave it untreated, there can be several negative consequences. Some of them are:

1. Pain and Discomfort: If a tooth is infected, decayed or damaged, it can cause persistent pain and discomfort.
2. Spread of Infection: If a tooth is infected, the infection can spread to other parts of the mouth and even the jaw, leading to more serious issues.
3. Damage to Adjacent Teeth: If a damaged tooth is not removed, it can damage surrounding teeth, leading to more dental problems.
   
4. Abscess Formation: If a tooth is not extracted, the infection can spread to the roots and form an abscess, causing severe pain and swelling.
   
5. Impact on Oral Health: A damaged or infected tooth can impact the overall health of the mouth and lead to more serious dental problems.
   

It is important to see a dentist regularly and address any dental problems as soon as possible to avoid these consequences.

The cost of a tooth extraction varies and depends on several factors such as the type of extraction (simple or surgical), the patient’s insurance coverage, and the complexity of the procedure.

Your dentist will clearly explain all expected costs to you at your first visit.