Extractions at Plymouth

For making space or removing problem teeth

Although we are committed to providing preventive care and educating our patients about the importance of developing an effective oral hygiene routine, sometimes it may be necessary to extract a tooth because of decay or advanced gum disease, or if you have an impacted wisdom tooth. We may also have to take out teeth to make room for further dental treatment.

Wisdom teeth are frequently extracted as they are the last teeth to come through and sometimes have insufficient room to emerge properly, which means they can get stuck against the tooth in front or only partially erupt.

A ‘simple’ extraction is performed on a tooth that can be seen above the gum line and a ‘surgical’ extraction is carried out on a tooth that has broken off at the gum or not emerged.

Extractions

• can eliminate pain
• can prevent the spread of infection
• can make more space for orthodontic treatment or dentures

How they help

• can eliminate the pain caused by a diseased or impacted tooth
• can prevent the spread of infection
• can make more space for orthodontic treatment or dentures

Looking after your gums following extraction

Immediately after an extraction, keep the site clean by rinsing with warm, salty water. You can encourage healing by eating softer foods and chewing on the opposite side of your mouth. Try not to smoke or use a straw to avoid dislodging the clot that forms in the hole following an extraction.

If you experience intense pain a few days after a tooth has been removed, you could have a condition known as ‘dry socket’, which occurs when the blood clot fails to form or is dislodged too early, exposing the bone. If this happens, you should see the dentist who will treat the problem and alleviate any pain.