Extractions

When is tooth extraction recommended?

Healthcare providers prefer to save natural teeth whenever possible. But sometimes, other restorative methods — such as dental fillingsor dental crowns — aren’t enough. If your tooth has been badly damaged past the point of repair, then removal may be necessary. Your dentist may recommend tooth extraction if you have:

• Severe tooth decay (cavities).
• A fractured tooth.
• An impacted tooth.
• Crowded teeth.
• Severe gum disease.
• Tooth luxation or other dental injuries.

What are the advantages of pulling a tooth?

Tooth extraction offers a number of benefits. Most importantly, it reduces harmful bacteria that can damage your teeth and gums. Left untreated, a decayed or damaged tooth can wreak havoc on your smile, causing a domino effect of problems. Removing your affected tooth gives you the best chance for optimal oral health. Additionally, a tooth extraction can help ease dental pain almost immediately — especially if your tooth was severely broken or infected.

What are the risks or complications of tooth extraction?

Like any surgical procedure, tooth extraction carries a small risk of complications. These may include:

• Post-surgical infection.
• Dry socket.
• Nerve injury.
• Perforation of maxillary sinus.
• Delayed healing.

What are the side effects of removing a tooth?

Normal side effects following tooth extraction include bleeding, swelling and discomfort. Your dentist will provide instructions on how to successfully manage your healing.

Operculectomy

A common dental problem, ‘Pericoronitis’ is caused by an accumulation of bacteria and food that becomes trapped under a flap of gum known as the ‘Operculum’. Pericoronitis is usually associated with wisdom teeth that are partially erupted (only half way through the gum into the mouth) and are often also impacted (lying on their side).

It is very difficult to remove trapped debris from underneath the flap of gum yourself and therefore it can become incredibly painful and quite commonly infected. This can make eating/drinking, talking and even opening your mouth painful in the more severe cases due to swelling and infection (Acute Pericoronitis).

While your dentist can prescribe antibiotics to remedy the infection, if repeated infections and pain/swelling occur, an ‘Operculectomy’ may be beneficial. An Operculectomy is a minor surgical procedure where the affected soft tissue/ the flap of gum over the wisdom tooth, is cut away, preventing further build-up of debris and plaque, and subsequent inflammation.