TOOTH EXTRACTION

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If your tooth is damaged or decayed and can’t be repaired, or is very difficult to repair, you may decide to have it removed (extracted). Your dentist will consider removing a tooth a last resort. If your tooth is broken or decayed, they’ll try to repair it with a filling or crown first. But if they can’t repair it, the best option may be to take your tooth out. They’ll talk through your options with you.

There are lots of reasons why you might need to have a tooth removed. For example, if you have:

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  • severe tooth decay

  • gum disease (periodontal disease)

  • a broken tooth that can’t be repaired

  • an abscess (a collection of pus) on your gums or around your teeth

  • crowded teeth – when your teeth don’t have enough space in your jaw

  • impacted wisdom teeth








Anaesthesia for tooth removal

You’ll usually have your tooth (or teeth) removed under a local anaesthetic. This completely blocks pain from your gums, although you’ll still feel pressure. You’ll stay awake during the procedure so you’ll be aware of what’s happening. If you’re very anxious about having your tooth removed, it might be possible to have a sedative, which relieves anxiety, makes you feel sleepy and helps you to relax.



After your tooth has been removed, there are some things you can do to speed up your recovery.

  • Don’t rinse your mouth out for at least 24 hours. This could disturb any blood clot that has formed and you may start bleeding again. After this time, rinse gently with a salt water mouthwash. You can make this yourself by dissolving a teaspoon of table salt in a glass of hot (but not scalding) water. Rinse four times a day to keep the area clean – hold the rinse in your mouth for a couple of minutes before you spit it out.

  • When you feel ready to eat, start with soft food that you don’t need to chew much. If possible, eat on the other side to where you had your tooth removed.

  • If your gum bleeds, bite down on a clean pad of material such as a clean handkerchief for at least 15 minutes.

  • Don’t drink alcohol for at least 24 hours and don’t smoke for as long as possible, but at least for the rest of the day.

  • Brush your teeth but keep your toothbrush away from the healing wound, to begin with, brushing closer to it each day. You could try softening your toothbrush in hot water before you brush.