Extractions / Oral Surgery in Leeds

At The Dentist, we consider a tooth extraction to be a last resort. However, in cases of severe decay, damage or gum disease, it is a necessity. Occasionally, there are other reasons that warrant an extraction. Sometimes wisdom teeth become painful or there may be some overcrowding. In these cases, your dentist may suggest an extraction as a preventative measure.

Oral surgery is usually necessary for an emergency tooth extraction or for cases bone or gums need restructuring. An emergency tooth extraction may be needed when a tooth has become broken or chipped making it difficult for the dentist to remove. In this case, the dentist or oral surgeon may need to cut the gums surrounding the tooth in order to remove the damaged tooth. Oral surgery is needed when the gums or jaw bone have been damaged or become infected. You will be thoroughly checked by the dentist with x-rays or other imagery taking place to determine the best course of action.

It’s normal to have a hole in your gum following a tooth extraction. After all, the tooth can go quite deep into the gums. A blood clot usually forms in this hole and this is quite normal. Occasionally, however, the blood clot becomes lost or dislodged leaving what is called a dry socket. This usually means the nerves beneath the hole are exposed, which can be painful. This exposure of the nerve is also problematic as infection can also affect the area. If you experience this dry socket following an extraction go back to your dentist as soon as you can. Your dentist will clean the wound and apply a dressing inside the dry socket until it can heal on its own.

Your dentist will recommend you put off eating for a few hours following an extraction or oral surgery. However, you will want to eat something at some point and when you do, it is recommended that you eat soft food that is lukewarm or room temperature. Too hot or too cold, and you may experience some discomfort. The day following your procedure, you can eat a larger variety of food but you should avoid crunchy or hard foods for a day or two longer. The last thing you want is for crunchy food particles to become lodged in your wound causing infection.

Depending on the extent of the damage to your teeth, gums or jaw bones, your dentist will advise you on the best anaesthetic for you. For a simple tooth extraction, a local anaesthetic is all you will need. For major oral surgery, your dentist may recommend a general anaesthetic. Either way, it is highly unlikely you will feel any pain during the procedure. With a tooth extraction under a local anaesthetic, you may feel a little bit of pressure as the tooth is removed. Some pain is normal following an extraction or oral surgery, but you should be able to manage this with over the counter pain medication. If the pain is intense or does not subside, you should contact your dentist immediately.