Extractions

Our extractions should not be painful at all, because we take pain relief very seriously. The Enjoyable Dentistry Technique™, created by our very own Dr Bashar, is a pioneering method of treatment that makes dentistry enjoyable for all patients, even those who are nervous, anxious or phobic.  It uses a combination of hypnosis and sedation to calm and soothe you.  It is available to all patients who attend appointments at our practices, without additional charge.

Here are a few common scenarios that may make tooth extraction necessary:

– You have an infected tooth that shows no improvement, even after repeated attempts at clearing the infection.
– You have a fractured tooth or root that is severely broken down and cannot be restored.
– You have an impacted wisdom tooth (a wisdom tooth that is coming out at an abnormal angle) that keeps getting infected or is causing decay in the neighbouring tooth
– You require teeth removed for orthodontic purposes (varying issues, such as overcrowding)

A little preparation helps things go smoothly. The most important step is to tell us about your medical history and any medicines you take, particularly blood-thinning medication such as warfarin, apixaban, rivaroxaban or clopidogrel. Please don’t stop or change any medication on your own. These days you’ll usually be asked to carry on as normal, since stopping can carry its own risks, but we’ll check what’s right for you and let you know well before the day.

On the day, it’s usually a good idea to have a light meal beforehand, as your mouth will be numb for a while afterwards. If you’re having sedation rather than a local anaesthetic alone, we’ll give you separate instructions, which may include not eating or drinking for a few hours first and arranging for someone to drive you home and stay with you. It’s best to avoid alcohol for a day or so beforehand, and to avoid smoking, which matters a great deal afterwards too, as it slows healing and raises the risk of a painful dry socket.

Yes, in almost all cases a missing tooth can be replaced, and there’s usually more than one way to do it. The three main options are a dental implant, a bridge, or a denture.

A dental implant is a titanium post placed in the jaw that holds a natural-looking replacement tooth. It stands on its own without affecting the neighbouring teeth, and because the post acts like a natural root, it helps keep the jawbone healthy, which is something the other options don’t do. A bridge fills the gap using the teeth either side for support and can be a good fixed choice, though the traditional type involves preparing those neighbouring teeth. A denture is a removable option that’s simpler and usually the most affordable, and it suits some situations well.

There’s no single best answer, only the one that’s right for you, and it depends on things like the health of your surrounding teeth and bone, your budget, and what you’d prefer. At your consultation we’ll talk you through the options honestly and help you choose.

After a tooth extraction, the gum usually takes about 1 to 2 weeks to heal completely. Initially, the gum may be swollen and tender, but this should subside within a few days. It is important to follow proper oral hygiene practices during this time, including gentle brushing and rinsing with saltwater to keep the area clean.

We recommend you wait for the extraction site to heal before proceeding with the implant placement. This is because the bone and surrounding tissues need time to recover and stabilise. The healing process typically takes anywhere from 3 to 6 months, depending on various factors such as the individual’s overall health and the complexity of the extraction. During this time, the bone will regenerate, creating a solid foundation for the implant.