Tooth Extraction

A dental extraction (also referred to as tooth extraction or informally, tooth pulling) is the removal of teeth from the dental alveolus (socket) in the alveolar bone in situations where a tooth is beyond saving. Dental extraction is one of the most common reasons why people see an Emergency Dentist.

Tooth Extraction FAQ’s

What are the reasons of Tooth Extraction?

The most common reason for extraction is tooth damage due to breakage or decay. There are additional reasons for tooth extraction, if your dentist recommends this treatment, it is likely that you’ll have one of the following problems:

Teeth with root fracture due to trauma
Teeth with fracture lines due to trauma
A broken tooth, or one that’s irreparable
Too many teeth (also referred to as crowding)
A decaying tooth, or a tooth that can’t be saved with endodontics
Supernumerary teeth which are blocking other teeth from coming in.
Severe gum disease which leads to bone loss and making the teeth wobbly.
Wisdom teeth removal (wisdom teeth themselves being painful or damaging the next-door tooth due to their odd position).
Teeth may need removal because they are poorly positioned in the mouth (such as impacted teeth), or in preparation for orthodontic treatment.
The removal of a single tooth can lead to problems related to your chewing ability, problems with your jaw joint, and shifting teeth, which can have a major impact on your dental health.

Can you get emergency tooth removal?

If there is an emergency or infection related to a tooth, the sooner it is treated the better. If you believe your tooth is infected, you are in pain or having a swelling, call our Clinic on 0131 6291158 to schedule an appointment or Book Online.

What does the Tooth Extraction procedure entail at Emergency Dentist Edinburgh?

The type of treatment needed to remove a tooth largely depends on where the tooth is located. During the consultation appointment, the dentist will evaluate X- rays and discuss the treatment options with you.
Before the operation, the procedure will be explained to you, you will be given a local anaesthetic injection to numb the area around the tooth so that the treatment is carried out comfortably and to make the patient more relaxed and at ease. You’ll feel some pressure just before the tooth is removed, as your dentist or oral surgeon needs to widen the tooth socket by rocking the tooth back and forth.

How to deal with bleeding after a tooth extraction?

This is a serious dental emergency, especially if it is uncontrollable and after a dental extraction. Call immediately to your dentist to arrange an appointment. You may require suture or special gauze placement to help control the bleeding. If your dentist is closed, follow theirs out of hours dental emergency advice. You may also find alternative Emergency Dental Care service by searching on the internet and checking other directories for Emergency Dentist near me.

Can I smoke after a tooth extraction?

Blood clots are extremely important for recovery, smoking can expel the blood clots that are forming and delay the healing process. It normally takes longer for smokers to heal after any oral surgery. This is because there is less oxygen in the smoker’s bloodstream. This can also lead to a dry socket.

What is a Dry Socket?

A dry socket is a condition that occurs when there has been abnormal healing or disruption of the clot that naturally forms following dental extraction. It is characterized as a deep-seated pain that starts normally a few days after the dental extraction. It may be accompanied by a bad taste or smell from the wound. It is quite simply an infection of the bone socket. Patients often comment on how this is more painful than the situation prior to the dental extraction.

What Painkiller do I need to use for Toothache?

Toothache is one of the most common reasons to see an emergency dentist. It can occur due to multitude of reasons, vary in intensity and duration. Everyone reacts differently to painkillers for dental pain. There are a few over the counter painkillers which are readily available.

Ibuprofen- this can really help with toothache as it is an anti-inflammatory as well as an analgesic. It is not advised for asthmatics or people with certain stomach problems.

Paracetamol- This is readily available over the counter and comes in tablet and soluble. Many
patients find this effective for dental pain.

Paracetamol and Codeine or Paramol is combination tablet. The codeine component is an opioid and can cause drowsiness which may impair normal function. It is advised to seek an urgent dental care if you have toothache.

What are the instructions after tooth extraction?

After your tooth has been removed, you may have swelling and discomfort, both inside and outside your mouth. Occasionally, some mild bruising is also visible. In some cases, antibiotics may be prescribed if you have an ongoing infection. For the 24 hours after removing your tooth, you should avoid:

Tooth Extraction