What Is A Tooth Extraction?
Although your dentist will make every effort to save your tooth, there are times when a dental extraction is the best solution. Extraction may be necessary for a variety of reasons, including decay, infection, breakage, overcrowding, or gum disease.
A surgical tooth extraction is required when the tooth is not visible above the gum line because it is unerupted or has broken off. This procedure is more complex and involves making an incision in the gum to remove the tooth.
Do I Need Tooth Extraction?
Tooth extractions may be necessary if you are experiencing:
- Severe tooth decay or infection – teeth can sometimes be infected right in the pulp. Usually, when this occurs, root canal is recommended. However, if this is not possible or not successful, then extraction may be necessary to avoid spread of infection.
- Severe gum disease – also known as periodontal disease, this is where the tissues and bone surrounding the teeth become infected, which may loosen the tooth. Extraction will then be necessary.
- A crack or fracture – sometimes, teeth are cracked or fractured too badly to be salvaged and will need to be removed.
- An inability to be restored after endodontics – as above, if an infected tooth cannot be restored through root canal or endodontics, extraction is required so that infection does not spread. You will like consider a dental implant to replace the missing tooth.
- An extra tooth is blocking other teeth from growing in – to avoid crowding or potential infection, the extra tooth will need to be removed.
- To make room for work – sometimes, the tooth needs to be extracted so that the remaining teeth can be realigned or for procedures like All-on-4.
- Cosmetic reasons – a tooth may be badly discoloured and needs to be removed and possibly replaced with a tooth implant and crown.
- Financial reasons – sometimes, saving a tooth through extensive endodontic work or purchasing a crown is not financially affordable, so extraction is the realistic option.
Our General Dentistry Services
For patients who experience anxiety or discomfort during dental visits, our sleep dentistry options provide a calm and restorative experience. We offer safe, tailored sedation methods that allow you to receive the care you need without stress or fear.
Whether you’re undergoing a routine procedure or a complex treatment, our team prioritises your comfort and peace of mind. You’ll wake up to a healthier smile without the worry.
Preventative dentistry consists of home care and professional care. Usually, patients are encouraged to come in for a six-monthly check-up; however, everyone is different. Your dentist will tell you how frequently you should come in for a visit.
At Aria Dental, we use the Airflow EMS system which comfortably and efficiently removes biofilm, stains, bacteria, and calculus using a gentle stream of warm water, a fine powder and compressed air to gently exfoliate your teeth. No more scraping and scratching!
Root canal therapy (or endodontic treatment) is performed on teeth that have been badly broken down, irreversibly inflamed or infected. This treatment is considered a last resort to save a tooth so it doesn’t have to be removed.
During the procedure, the pulp and nerve are removed, then the inside of the tooth is cleaned and sealed. Left untreated, these teeth would usually become badly infected or abscessed and must be removed.
Our white fillings blend seamlessly with your natural teeth, restoring both function and aesthetics without compromising strength. We use high-quality, durable materials to ensure long-lasting results that look completely natural.
Each filling is carefully colour-matched to your enamel for a flawless finish. The process is quick, gentle, and designed to leave your smile looking as beautiful as it is healthy.
The best way to know if you have a wisdom tooth and where they are positioned is to have an x-ray. This will show if they are impacted or stuck under the gums and if they are likely to present any problems.
Your wisdom teeth may not need to be removed if they are healthy, positioned correctly/biting properly with their opposing teeth, have grown in completely, and are causing you no issues. However, wisdom teeth without room to grow appropriately may cause problems and are best removed.
We Put Our Patients At the Centre of Everything We Do
Our approach to tooth extraction is centred on preserving oral health while ensuring the procedure is carried out safely, comfortably, and with careful clinical planning. When a tooth cannot be restored, extraction is performed with precision and minimal disruption to surrounding tissues, supporting optimal healing and long-term dental stability.
We prioritise clear communication and patient comfort throughout the extraction process. From assessment and treatment planning to aftercare, each step is tailored to individual needs, helping patients feel informed, supported, and confident in their treatment decisions.
FAQ: Tooth Extraction
Recent developments in pain control mean that tooth extraction doesn’t have to be an unpleasant experience. Local anaesthetic will be used to numb the area beforehand. In most cases, your dentist can also apply numbing cream, so you don’t have to feel the local anaesthetic being administered.
For patients who are anxious about the possibility of tooth extraction pain, your dentist can also provide anti-anxiety medication or IV sedation. Many patients choose our oral anti-anxiolytic medication one hour prior to surgery. This allows our patients to have the procedure feeling relaxed and comfortable.