What is it?

A tooth which is very decayed or damaged or loose because of gum disease may have to be extracted (taken out of your mouth).

Wisdom teeth sometimes have to be extracted if they have come through at an awkward angle and are causing problems.

Teeth are sometimes taken out from children’s mouths to help other teeth grow straight when they are crowded.

 

What will my dentist do?

Some teeth are easier to take out than others.  A local anaesthetic (an injection in your mouth) will be used to numb the tooth before it is extracted.

While the tooth is being taken out, you may hear some noises and feel some pressure as your tooth is being eased out but no pain.

Sometimes, stitches are put into the gum to help the mouth to heal.

Afterwards

You may need a day or so off work to recover, depending on how difficult the extraction was.

The dentist will give you a pad of gauze to bite on to stop any bleeding.

The dentist will give you advice on how to look after the space where the tooth was while it is healing.  They will also advise you on which painkillers to use so that you are not in any discomfort when the anaesthetic wears off.

They will give you written instructions too, which will have details of how to contact the practice if you are having any problems.