At Pembroke Dental Ballsbridge in Dublin D4 we consider tooth extraction to be a last resort. We do everything possible to maintain the lifespan of your natural teeth. However, sometimes when the prognosis is too poor and we have exhausted all other options, we’ll have to press ahead with a tooth extraction.
What Is Tooth Extraction?
A tooth extraction is a dental procedure that involves the removal of a tooth from its socket in the bone. Tooth extractions are normally performed by our resident specialist oral surgeon Dr Eimear McHugh, although periodontists and general dentists also carry out tooth extraction procedures.
Benefits of Tooth Extraction
Though tooth extractions are certainly not the highlight of anyone’s day, there are certain benefits of having one performed when the procedure is truly necessary. Tooth extractions can prevent decay, infection and inflammation in the mouth. Extracting teeth can also help to protect surrounding teeth, for all-round optimal dental health.
Different Types of Tooth Extraction
The three most common reasons for needing a tooth extraction are:
Wisdom Tooth Extraction and Treatment
The removal of wisdom teeth (our third molars) is among the most common surgical procedures performed in the UK. Most people have four wisdom teeth. They are the last teeth to come through and we generally get them during our late teens or early twenties. Sometimes there simply isn’t enough room for the wisdom teeth to grow properly, so wisdom teeth grow at an angle, or only partially emerge. This is known as an impacted wisdom tooth, and they need to be extracted for a patient’s comfort and safety.
Who Is This Procedure For?
A wisdom tooth extraction is for anyone who doesn’t have enough room in their mouth to accommodate them.
If there isn’t enough space for wisdom teeth to grow at the back of your mouth, they can become impacted, causing pain, swelling and possibly even infection, so may need to be removed.
You should make an immediate appointment to see your local dentist if your wisdom teeth are causing you severe pain or discomfort.
Tooth Overcrowding
On occasion, it might be advised that you get a healthy permanent tooth removed in order to relieve overcrowding, though this remains a hotly debated topic within orthodontics.
Who Is This Procedure For?
You might require tooth extraction for the purposes of overcrowding in order to prepare your mouth for orthodontics. An orthodontist will want to properly align your teeth to give you the best smile possible, but this might not be possible if your teeth are too big for your mouth. On the other hand, a tooth extraction for overcrowding might be recommended if a tooth can’t break through the gum due to a lack of room.
Tooth Infection Advice and Treatment
Sometimes tooth decay or tooth damage can extend to the pulp (the centre of the tooth containing nerves and blood vessels). If this is the case, bacteria can enter the pulp, leading to infection. An infection in the tooth or in the gums is known as a dental abscess, and such an infection can cause a number of problems if left untreated.
Who Is This Procedure For?
This form of tooth extraction is essential for anyone with a dental infection so severe that antibiotics aren’t able to cure it. An extraction is needed in this case in order to prevent the spread of infection.
Our Tooth Extraction Process
A tooth extraction can be a daunting process. To demystify the situation, so you know exactly what to expect, we have laid out exactly what is involved below.
- To begin with, your dentist or oral surgeon will take X-rays of your teeth in order to determine the best way to remove the tooth.
- If you require a wisdom tooth extraction, we perform what is known as a “panoramic X-ray”. This X-ray takes a picture of all of your teeth at once. It also highlights any infections, bone disease or tumours that might be present.
- If you have a weakened immune system or an infection, your dentist will prescribe antibiotics to take before we conduct the surgery.
- The actual extraction will then take place. If it is a simple extraction, your dentist will loosen the tooth with a tool called an “elevator”. They will then remove the tooth with forceps. If you require surgical extraction, your dentist will make a small incision in order to extract it. Generally, you will only need a local anaesthesia for a tooth extraction.
- Following your tooth extraction, your dentist will give you detailed instructions on what to do next, as well as what to expect. You might experience some discomfort — ibuprofen can help relieve this discomfort and reduce the inflammation.
Our Tooth Extraction Expertise at Pembroke Dental Ballsbridge
Nobody relishes the idea of a tooth extraction. We understand that, and at Pembroke Dental Ballsbridge we put you at ease and make the procedure as pleasant as possible. Our dentists are highly qualified and experienced, not to mention understanding about dental phobias and anxiety. We do everything we can to help you relax and your extraction will be as straightforward as possible. Here are just a few testimonials from our satisfied clients:
“Excellent dental clinic, top of line equipment with a very friendly and welcoming staff. The doctor is not only good but explain every single step of the process making you even more relaxed during your treatment. Highly recommended!”
— Ewerton Fraga
“Can’t recommend Dr Keenan highly enough. Very professional and caring in his manner. I have been attending him for a long time now and I am happy to recommend him to anyone looking for a great dentist.”
— Deborah King
At our Dublin D4 dentist practice in Ballsbridge our dentist offers a free dental consultation. We’ll outline your options and talk you through our processes so you are informed, comfortable and happy.
