Tooth Extractions Lane Cove

For a variety of reasons, you and our dentists may determine that you require a tooth extraction. Some teeth are removed because they are extremely decaying; others are extracted because they have advanced periodontal disease or have broken in an unrepairable condition. Other teeth may need to be extracted due to their poor positioning in the mouth (such as impacted teeth) or as part of an orthodontic treatment plan.

A single tooth extraction can cause issues with biting, jaw joint disorders, and teeth moving or shifting, all of which can have a significant influence on your dental health.

In most circumstances, our dentists will discuss alternatives to extractions as well as the replacement of the extracted tooth to avoid these issues.

When Is a Tooth Extraction Necessary?

Although preserving natural teeth is always our priority, extraction may be recommended when:

• A tooth is severely decayed beyond repair
• Advanced gum disease has caused significant bone loss
• A tooth is cracked below the gum line
• There is severe infection that cannot be resolved with root canal treatment
• Teeth are overcrowded prior to orthodontic treatment

Our dentists will carefully assess your condition and explain all available treatment options before recommending extraction.

Wisdom Teeth Removal Lane Cove

We have a highly experienced visiting dentist who has a special interest in and skillset for performing minor oral surgical operations, such as wisdom tooth extractions and Implant surgery, If the patient is nervous, an IV sedation specialist will be brought in. There will be additional fees. This service is provided at our Hornsby branch practice.

How does the dentist know if removal is needed?

Your dentist will monitor the development of your wisdom teeth during routine check-ups, particularly throughout your teens and twenties.
If you experience pain, swelling, or limited mouth opening, dental X-rays may be taken to assess the position of the tooth. Based on these findings, your dentist will explain whether monitoring, minor treatment, or full removal is recommended.

The Tooth Extraction Process

A local anaesthetic will be used to numb your tooth, jawbone, and gums around the area during the extraction. You will feel a lot of pressure during the extraction procedure. This is due to the process of firmly shaking the tooth to widen the socket for extraction

The pressure is felt without the pain because the anaesthetic has numbed the nerves, preventing pain transmission, but the nerves that transmit pressure are unaffected. If you experience any pain during the tooth removal process, please let us know as soon as possible.

Sectioning a tooth during the extraction

Some teeth will need to be sectioned. When a tooth is so firmly embedded in its socket or the root is curved that the socket can’t expand sufficiently to remove it, this is a very common treatment. The doctor simply divides the tooth into sections and removes each section individually.

Eating and drinking after removal

For the first 24 hours, avoid:
• Drinking through straws
• Smoking or alcohol
• Vigorous rinsing
A soft diet is recommended, including foods such as soup, mashed vegetables, yogurt, and soft meals. Most patients return to normal foods within a few days.

Reducing the risk of dry socket

After extraction, a blood clot forms in the empty socket to protect healing tissue. If this clot becomes dislodged, dry socket can occur and cause pain.
To reduce the risk:
• Avoid smoking and alcohol
• Do not use straws
• Follow aftercare instructions carefully
If pain increases several days after removal, contact your dentist promptly.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is a tooth extraction necessary?
Extraction may be recommended when a tooth is severely decayed beyond repair, or when advanced gum disease has caused significant bone loss. Preserving natural teeth is always our priority, and all options will be discussed before extraction is recommended. Once a tooth is removed, we can discuss replacement options such as dental implants, bridges, or dentures to restore your smile and prevent neighbouring teeth from shifting.

What happens during a tooth extraction?
A local anaesthetic is used to numb the tooth, jawbone, and surrounding gums. You will feel pressure during the procedure as the tooth is loosened, but you should not feel pain. If you do experience pain at any point, let your dentist know immediately. Some teeth may need to be sectioned and removed in pieces if they are firmly embedded or have curved roots.

What can I eat and drink after an extraction?
For the first 24 hours, avoid straws, smoking, alcohol, and vigorous rinsing. A soft diet is recommended, including soup, mashed vegetables, and yogurt. Most patients return to normal foods within a few days.

What is dry socket and how do I avoid it?
Dry socket occurs when the blood clot that forms in the empty socket after extraction becomes dislodged, exposing the healing tissue and causing pain. To reduce the risk, avoid smoking and alcohol, do not use straws, and follow all aftercare instructions carefully. If pain increases several days after the extraction, contact your dentist promptly.

Do you perform wisdom tooth removals?
Yes. We have an experienced visiting dentist with a special interest in wisdom tooth extractions and minor oral surgery. If you are nervous, an IV sedation specialist can also be arranged. This service is provided at our Hornsby branch practice and additional fees apply.

For tooth extraction and any post operative queries please call us on 02 9418 6102 or call 000 for urgent help if we are unavailable.