Tooth extractions

Dental extractions

Sometimes, no matter how hard we try, teeth cannot be saved. Taking a tooth out will always be our final option, but if it is damaged by decay, infection or trauma beyond repair, it will need to be extracted.

Other reasons for tooth extractions include loose teeth, impacted teeth, or to help resolve crowding problems as part of an orthodontic treatment plan.

Most of our dental extractions at North Street Dental are under a local anaesthetic, but our patients can request a sedation option.

We are always committed to our patients’ care and will ensure this procedure will be carried out painlessly and with as little stress as possible.

Dental extractions are often the source of dentophobia – a common affliction; we have an informative page about this very subject.

Dental extractions – all the information you may need

Wisdom teeth

Wisdom teeth are sometimes troublesome and will need extracting. Adults can have up to 32 teeth (most have 28) and wisdom teeth are the last to appear.

People get them between the age of 17 and 25, although sometimes they can erupt many years later. Radiographs or CT scans will give a clear indication to our dentists whether these particular dental extractions will be undertaken in-house, or require a referral to a dental hospital.

Wisdom tooth extractions

For wisdom tooth extractions, in the majority of cases, we will be able to undertake the surgery at our Dudley clinic, but there are some exceptions.

Critical to the decision-making process will be the position of the teeth and roots in the mouth. If the teeth are impacted a greater level of medical intervention could be required, but generally, if there is enough room to get the troublesome tooth out the process should be similar to a normal extraction.

Wisdom tooth extractions – all the information you may need

Top tips following tooth extractions

Try to take it easy for 24 hours and take as little exercise as you possibly can. If you keep hour head upright, it will help to reduce bleeding.

Can I eat and drink?

Following tooth extractions avoid hot food or drinks until the anaesthetic wears off. It is easy to scald the mouth and chew cheeks while the anaesthesia effects are ongoing. Also, if you do rest, try to keep your head higher than usual with an extra pillow.

Should I rinse my mouth?

We understand it’s tempting, but try to lay off rinsing for 24 hours following tooth extractions – it will help the socket heal quicker.

Avoid alcohol, eat sensibly

For at least 24 hours after the tooth extraction leave off the alcohol as this can encourage bleeding and delay healing. Eat as usual, but avoid piping hot foods and don’t chew on the extraction site.

When should I brush my teeth?

Keep on cleaning. It’s just as important – if not more so – to keep your teeth clean after an extraction, but be careful and avoid the tender extraction site.

What do I do if it bleeds?

It is normal for there to be some bleeding for a day or two following tooth extractions. A small quantity of blood mixed with a more significant amount of saliva can look more dramatic than it is.
If you do notice bleeding, do not rinse, but apply pressure to the socket for 15 minutes using a folded piece of clean cotton material such as a handkerchief. If the bleeding continues after a few days contact the surgery.

I need a cigarette?

We recommend that you avoid smoking cigarettes for as long as possible after tooth extractions – at least for the rest of the day.

Dealing with pain

All surgery sites are tender, and tooth extraction areas are no exception. Take whatever you would normally for a headache, but not aspirin. Do not exceed the recommended prescribed dose.

If pain persists

Sometimes the socket can become infected and will be very painful. In these cases it’s important you see one of our dentists, who may place a dressing inside of the socket and arrange for a follow-up appointment.

Always a warm welcome on arrival the covid rules are upheld. Everyone is pleasant and always find time to say hello or have a quick chat which helps put people at ease has not many like a visit to the dentist, a great team.

Carole D

As a regular client of North Street a dental for almost 5 years, I can say with confidence you are in safe and professional hands. Client care is of a very high standard with everything explained and carried out with utmost professionalism.

Roy P

Had problems with a capped tooth. Rang Owen. Tooth out, no problem. Lovely people, know what there’re doing and I’m very comfortable with them.

Jennifer F

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