Although we all want our natural teeth to last us a lifetime, unfortunately, this does not always happen. Sometimes, teeth can become decayed or damaged, or may need to be removed for other reasons such as orthodontic treatment or gum disease.
If our LS1 team genuinely feel that a tooth cannot be saved through dental intervention, or if your treatment option requires it, then you may decide (or we may recommend) that it be removed.
Extractions are dealt with sensitively and patients receive a high degree of aftercare. We understand that our patients’ main fears are whether the treatment will be painful and what can be done with the gap following the extraction. Our team is extremely understanding and offers support and advice throughout to answer your questions and relieve your concerns.
What can I expect at my extraction appointment?
Before we remove the tooth, you will be given local anaesthetic to numb the affected area. This will prevent you feeling any pain throughout the procedure and ensure you remain comfortable. We are there for support at all times during your extraction, and there to hold your hand if you are particularly nervous or worried.
Once you have had the tooth extracted, a blood clot usually forms in the socket. A packed gauze pad will be placed into the socket and you will be asked to bite down on it to help stop the bleeding. If a surgical extraction was needed, the dentist may need to place a few stitches (usually these will be self-dissolving) to close the gum edges over the extraction site.
Aftercare
Before you leave the surgery, we will ensure that you are feeling well, are comfortable, and that any bleeding has stopped. We will then give you a printed advice sheet to take home that gives you detailed instructions on your advised aftercare and what to do should you have any concerns. We give you a printed sheet as we understand that it may be a lot to take in when you are at the appointment and we want to ensure you don’t just have to remember what the team has told you. We will of course go over all the points of aftercare with you in detail, with the take home sheet for information should you need it once at home.
