Oral surgery (Tooth extraction) is a dental procedure that removes one or more teeth from the mouth, such as wisdom teeth or an infected tooth.
Wisdom teeth often cause problems due to their late eruption and the limited space at the back of the mouth. When wisdom teeth erupt, they can apply pressure on the nearby teeth, causing them to shift or become misaligned. This can lead to bite problems and potential damage to the surrounding teeth. Dentists may recommend extracting wisdom teeth to protect the health of the neighbouring teeth, in addition to preventing common issues like teeth crowding, impaction, infection, and tooth decay because wisdom teeth can be difficult to clean. Depending on the complexity of the case, the extraction can be done in our clinic under mild sedation or under general anesthesia at an oral surgeon’s office.
Tooth extractions are typically done when a tooth is severely damaged, decayed, infected, or if there is not enough room for it in the mouth. This can help to alleviate pain, prevent the spread of infection, or create space for braces. During the procedure, we will administer a local anesthetic to numb the tooth and the surrounding area. This ensures a painless experience during the tooth extraction. It's important to dispel common misconceptions—teeth are not forcefully "ripped out," but rather gently and firmly eased out of the socket through a process that involves substantial pressure. While you may feel this pressure, it should not cause any pain. After the extraction, the dentist will give you instructions on how to take care of the area and monitor you until the bleeding stops.
The prospect of having a tooth extracted can feel intimidating. In such cases, we may recommend consulting our Oral Surgeon specialists who perform tooth removals using general anaesthesia at a hospital setting. Alternatively, we may prescribe medication to assist you before the procedure.