Tooth loss can have an impact on how your smile may look, how you chew and your bite. Before any tooth is removed, we believe it is important to discuss potential consequences of losing your tooth and replacement options.
We use a computer controlled local anaesthetic delivery system to make sure you don’t feel a thing! This will numb your tooth, jawbone, and gums that surround the area. The only sensation you will experience is a lot of pressure as the anaesthetic does not affect the nerves that transmit pressure.
Some teeth can be more complex to remove than others but don’t worry – we have ways to manage this so the process is as safe and painless as possible. We manage complex dental extractions routinely, including removal of wisdom teeth.
Even though you may have decided not to replace your tooth, we believe it is our job to look out for your future and keep options open. In some cases, we may recommend an additional procedure called ‘socket preservation’, which involves placing a special dressing to stop your jaw bone shrinking too much after the tooth is removed. A few extra minutes at the end of the procedure and the area will have a healthy and strong foundation for future dental work!
After tooth extraction, it’s important for a blood clot to form to stop the bleeding and begin the healing process. Bite on a gauze pad for 30 to 45 minutes immediately after the appointment. If the bleeding or oozing persists, place another gauze pad and bite firmly for another 30 minutes.
After the blood clot forms, it is important not to disturb or dislodge the clot. Do not rinse vigorously, suck on straws, smoke, drink alcohol or chew on food next to the extraction site for 24-48 hours. Limit vigorous exercise for the next 24 hours, as this increases blood pressure and may cause more bleeding from the extraction site.
After the tooth is extracted you may feel some pain and experience some swelling. An ice pack or an unopened bag of frozen peas or corn applied to the area will keep swelling to a minimum. Take pain medications as directed. The swelling usually subsides after 48 hours.
Drink lots of fluids and eat nutritious, soft food on the day of the extraction. You can eat normally as soon as you are comfortable. It is important to resume your normal dental routine, including brushing and flossing. This will speed up healing and help keep your mouth fresh and clean.
After a few days you should feel fine, and be able to resume your normal activities. If you have heavy bleeding, severe pain, continued swelling for two to three days, or a reaction to the medication, call our clinic immediately on (03) 6424 3400.
Although rare, a tooth extraction site can get infected. If you are experiencing severe pain that isn’t alleviated by the medication regime recommended or notice a bad taste/smell after 2-3 days, please let us know immediately by calling our clinic on (03) 6424 3400. An infection can be very painful and best managed as soon as possible. We will usually see you on the same day to assess what is happening and sometimes clean up, dress the area and prescribe antibiotics.
With a good pain relief management plan, usually you won’t need any time off work but with large or complex extractions, it may be recommended for you to take 1-3 days off work to allow you to rest and get through the worst of the recovery. This is because large teeth or complex extractions, e.g. wisdom teeth, might take longer to heal and have more swelling associated with the healing process.
If you are extremely anxious about the procedure then it is a good idea to bring a supportive person along to help you feel more at ease immediately before and after the appointment. If you have taken any medication for anxiety, e.g. Valium, for the procedure then you usually cannot drive for 24 hours.
We are sorry you’ve had a traumatic dental experience and are happy to listen to you about what happened in the past and prepare for it if possible.
We’ll work together at your pace, and our priority is to create a safe and supportive space where you can feel heard and respected. Your comfort and well-being are the most important things to us.
