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Types of Tooth Extractions

There are two main types of dental extraction, routine extraction and surgical extraction. Routine dental extraction is used to remove teeth that can be seen and are easily accessible, whereas surgical dental extraction typically requires an incision into the connective tissue to gain access to the tooth to be removed.

Routine Extractions

Routine dental extraction involves the removal of teeth that are visible in the mouth. General dentists often carry out this procedure in their dental practices, using a local anesthetic to numb the area and reduce the pain. General dentists typically carry out routine extractions.

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Surgical Extractions

Surgical dental extraction involves the removal of teeth that are not easily accessible inside the mouth. This may be because they have not erupted through the gum completely or they have been fractured under the gum line. Sometimes, general dentists will undertake a surgical extraction but in some cases you may be referred to an Oral Surgeon.

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Post Extraction Advice

You need to look after yourself carefully when you have had a tooth taken out or any dental surgery. Following these instructions will help minimise post-operative pain, swelling, tenderness and aid healing, as well as prevent infection.

Avoid hot food or drinks until the anesthetic wears off as you cannot feel pain properly during this time and may burn or scald your mouth. Try to avoid eating food on the side where your tooth has been taken out, this will allow the extraction site to heal properly.

Do NOT repeatedly rinse your mouth out after your extraction. A blood clot forms in the socket where the tooth was; frequent rinsing will tend to dislodge this clot thus causing bleeding to start again and impede the healing process. 24 hours following the extraction, you should rinse your mouth with warm salty water (a half teaspoon of salt in a warm glass of water). Repeat this 3-4 times a day after meals until the socket is healed.

If bleeding occurs after leaving the practice, please roll a handkerchief/tissue into a small pad (about the thickness of your finger), place it over the bleeding socket and bite down on it for 20-25 minutes. If after this period, bleeding is still occurring, please contact your dentist immediately. Minor oozing of blood from the extraction is normal up to 24 hours after having the tooth removed).

Continue to brush your remaining teeth as you normally would, taking extra care around the socket so as not to disturb healing.

We strongly recommend that you avoid cigarettes and other tobacco products for the 24 hours following the extraction. Cigarette smoke can delay or prolong the healing of the extraction site, and in some cases, cause infection and severe pain 1-4 days after the extraction (dry socket).

It’s normal to feel some discomfort after an extraction, but simple pain relief should be enough to manage this.

Avoid aspirin as this will be detrimental to the clotting process. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and if in doubt, check with your dentist first.

If the pain is bad or prolonged for a few days, contact your dentist as you may need treatment for a dry socket.

Avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours following an extraction as this can encourage bleeding and delay the healing process.

If in doubt about any of the above or if you have any other questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch with your local Dental Care Ireland practice.