Tooth Extractions

You and our dentists may determine that you need a tooth extraction for any number of reasons. Some teeth are extracted because they are severely decayed; others may have advanced periodontal disease, or have broken in a way that cannot be repaired. Other teeth may need removal because they are poorly positioned in the mouth (such as impacted teeth), or in preparation for orthodontic treatment.

The removal of a single tooth can lead to problems related to your chewing ability, problems with your jaw joint, and shifting teeth, which can have a major impact on your dental health.

To avoid these complications, in most cases, our dentists will discuss alternatives to extractions as well as replacement of the extracted tooth.

In our Hornsby dental clinic we currently have a highly experienced visiting dentist who has a special interest in and skillset for performing minor oral surgical operations, such as wisdom teeth removal and dental implant surgery. If the patient is nervous, an IV sedation specialist will be brought in. For this, there will be additional fees.

The Extraction Process

At the time of extraction, the doctor will need to numb your tooth, jawbone, and gums that surround the area with a local anesthetic.

During the extraction process, you will feel a lot of pressure. This is from the process of firmly rocking the tooth in order to widen the socket for removal.

You feel the pressure without pain as the anesthetic has numbed the nerves stopping the transference of pain, yet the nerves that transmit pressure are not profoundly affected.

If you do feel pain at any time during the extraction, please let us know right away.

Sectioning a Tooth

Some teeth require sectioning. This is a very common procedure done when a tooth is so firmly anchored in its socket or the root is curved, and the socket can’t expand enough to remove it. The doctor simply cuts the tooth into sections then removes each section one at a time.

After Tooth Extraction

After tooth extraction, it’s important for a blood clot to form to stop the bleeding and begin the healing process. Bite on a gauze pad for 30-45 minutes immediately after the appointment. If the bleeding or oozing still persists, place another gauze pad and bite firmly for another 30 minutes. You may have to do this several times to staunch the flow of blood.

After the blood clot forms, it is important to not disturb or dislodge the clot. Do not rinse vigorously, suck on straws, smoke, drink alcohol, or brush teeth next to the extraction site for 72 hours. These activities may dislodge or dissolve the clot and hinder the healing process. Limit vigorous exercise for the next 24 hours, as this increases blood pressure and may cause more bleeding from the extraction site.

After the tooth is extracted, you may feel some pain and experience some swelling. An ice pack or an unopened bag of frozen peas or corn applied to the area will keep swelling to a minimum. Take pain medications as prescribed. The swelling usually subsides after 48 hours.

Use pain medication as directed. Call our office if the medication doesn’t seem to be working. If antibiotics are prescribed, continue to take them for the indicated length of time even if signs and symptoms of infection are gone. Drink lots of fluids and eat nutritious, soft food on the day of the extraction. You can eat normally as soon as you are comfortable.

It is important to resume your normal dental routine after 24 hours. This should include brushing and flossing your teeth at least once a day. This will speed healing and help keep your mouth fresh and clean.

After a few days, you should feel fine and can resume your normal activities. If you have heavy bleeding, severe pain, continued swelling for 2-3 days, or a reaction to the medication, call our office immediately.

Other common reasons for dental extractions may include trauma, root canal failure, and severe gum disease or infection. If you are experiencing any discomfort or pain in your teeth, it’s important to schedule an appointment with our team right away to determine if an extraction is necessary.

Recovery after wisdom teeth removal

Recovery time varies depending on the complexity of the extraction. Your dentist will provide detailed aftercare instructions before you leave.
You may experience:
  • Swelling for the first few days
  • Mild bleeding or oozing
  • Temporary discomfort
Pain relief medication, cold packs, and rest usually help manage symptoms. Most swelling subsides within 48 hours.

Eating and drinking after removal

For the first 24 hours, avoid rinsing vigorously, using straws, smoking, or drinking alcohol. These actions can disturb healing.
A soft diet is recommended, such as:
  • Soup
  • Mashed vegetables
  • Yogurt
  • Smooth foods that require minimal chewing
Your dentist will advise when you can return to normal foods.

Minimising the risk of dry socket

After extraction, a blood clot forms in the socket to protect healing tissue. If this clot is dislodged, a condition known as dry socket can occur, causing pain and delayed healing.
To reduce the risk:
  • Avoid smoking and alcohol
  • Do not use straws
  • Follow all aftercare instructions carefully
If you experience increasing pain a few days after extraction, contact your dentist promptly.

For tooth extractions, wisdom teeth extractions, and other dental services in Hornsby, contact us on 02 9477 1212.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is a tooth extraction necessary? Extraction may be recommended when a tooth is severely decayed beyond repair, advanced gum disease has caused significant bone loss, a tooth is broken in a way that cannot be repaired, or a tooth is poorly positioned such as an impacted wisdom tooth. Extractions are also sometimes required as part of orthodontic treatment. All alternatives will be discussed before extraction is recommended.

What happens during a tooth extraction? A local anaesthetic is used to numb the tooth, jawbone, and surrounding gums. You will feel pressure during the procedure as the tooth is rocked to widen the socket, but you should not feel pain. If you do experience pain at any point, let your dentist know immediately. Some teeth may need to be sectioned and removed in pieces if they are firmly anchored or have curved roots.

What should I do after a tooth extraction? Bite on a gauze pad for 30 to 45 minutes after the appointment to help a blood clot form. Avoid rinsing vigorously, using straws, smoking, drinking alcohol, or brushing near the extraction site for 72 hours. Stick to soft foods, apply an ice pack to reduce swelling, and take any prescribed pain medication as directed. Resume normal brushing and flossing after 24 hours.

What is dry socket and how do I avoid it? Dry socket occurs when the blood clot that forms in the empty socket becomes dislodged, causing pain and delayed healing. To reduce the risk, avoid smoking and alcohol, do not use straws, and follow all aftercare instructions carefully. If pain increases several days after the extraction, contact your dentist promptly.

Do you perform wisdom tooth removals? Yes. Our Hornsby clinic has an experienced visiting dentist with a special interest in wisdom tooth extractions and minor oral surgery. If you are nervous, an IV sedation specialist can also be arranged. Additional fees apply for sedation services.