Gentle Tooth Extraction

Gentle Tooth Extraction: What You Need to Know

At Whitehouse Dental Services, our goal is always to save your natural teeth whenever possible. However, there are times when removing a tooth (extraction) is the best option for your overall oral health and comfort.

Common Reasons for Tooth Removal

While we prioritize preservation, an extraction may be necessary if:

• Severe Decay: The tooth is too damaged by a cavity to be repaired with a filling or a crown.
• Advanced Gum Disease: Periodontal disease has destroyed the bone and tissue supporting the tooth, making it loose.
• Impacted Wisdom Teeth: Third molars are trapped under the gums or lack enough room to emerge properly.
• Overcrowding: Teeth are removed to create space for orthodontic treatments (braces).
• Dental Trauma: A tooth has been fractured or broken in a way that cannot be restored.

What to Expect During the Procedure

We understand that the idea of an extraction can be stressful. We prioritise your comfort every step of the way:

1. Numbing: We use local anaesthesia to ensure you don't feel any pain during the procedure. You may feel some pressure, but the area will be completely numb.
2. The Removal: For a simple extraction, we gently loosen the tooth and remove it. For impacted teeth (like wisdom teeth), a surgical extraction may be required.
3. Immediate Care: We place a gauze pack on the site to help a blood clot form, which is a vital part of the healing process.

Aftercare — First 24 Hours

• Bite gently on gauze for 30–45 minutes to help the clot form
• Do not rinse, spit, or use a straw — this can dislodge the clot
• Avoid hot foods, drinks, and alcohol
• Apply an ice pack to the cheek in 20-minute intervals to reduce swelling
• Take over-the-counter pain relief (ibuprofen or paracetamol) as directed

Days 2–7: Healing Phase

• Rinse gently with warm salt water (half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water) after meals
• Eat soft foods — yoghurt, mashed potato, soup
• Chew on the opposite side of your mouth
• Continue brushing teeth carefully, avoiding the extraction site for the first few days
• Swelling and mild discomfort are normal and should ease by day 3–4

When to Call Us

Contact Whitehouse Dental Services immediately if you experience:

• Excessive or uncontrolled bleeding beyond the first hour
• Severe pain that is not relieved by pain medication
• Swelling that worsens after 48 hours
• Fever, bad taste, or signs of infection
• Numbness that does not go away after the anaesthetic should have worn off

Replacing Your Tooth

After healing, we can discuss replacement options including dental implants, bridges, or dentures to restore your smile and bite function. Our team will recommend the best solution for your situation.