Everything You Need to Know About Tooth Extraction
Tooth extractions can be worrying, but with Portobello Dental's award winning team, there’s nothing to be anxious about.
How to manage your tooth extraction
While daunting for anybody, tooth extraction is usually much less stressful and complicated than expected. However, the treated area must be carefully looked after in order to accelerate the healing process and reduce the risk of infection.
Our expert dentists have compiled the following information on tooth extractions and how to look after your mouth following treatment:
- Directly after the tooth extraction, we’ll apply gauze to the area for you to bite on. Ensure the gauze remains in place for at least 30 minutes
- For the first 24 hours, avoid eating hot and cold foods, smoking and alcohol
- Try not to disturb any blood clot which might have formed
- Don’t rinse your mouth for 24 hours after extraction. You should rinse gently with warm salt water following the first day
- Brush your teeth as you would normally to ensure your mouth stays as clean as possible, but be careful not to disturb any blood clot that has formed
- Small tooth fragments may be left in the gum, these will eventually work their way out
- There may be some discomfort for a few days following the extraction. Regular painkillers will be sufficient to deal with this
- If you feel pain a few days after the tooth has been extracted, we will be able to advise. It could be a “dry socket” or some other complication, but we’ll be able to help
Wisdom Teeth Extraction
A common reason for needing an extraction is when one of your wisdom teeth grows through at an awkward angle, pushing against the teeth beside it. Occasionally, this is because there is not enough room for the new tooth to grow through. When a wisdom tooth becomes impacted, you may feel pain or discomfort. The best solution is to book a visit to see your dentist.
The dentist will inspect your wisdom tooth and may take an x-ray of your mouth judge how the new tooth is coming through. From this, they will be able to decide whether to remove the tooth and how easy this extraction would be.
If you are at all concerned about having a tooth removed, don’t forget that extractions can also carried out under twilight sedation.
What does an Oral Surgeon do?
A common reason for needing an extraction is when one of your wisdom teeth grows through at an awkward angle, pushing against the teeth beside it. Occasionally, this is because there is not enough room for the new tooth to grow through. When a wisdom tooth becomes impacted, you may feel pain or discomfort. The best solution is to book a visit to see your dentist.
The dentist will inspect your wisdom tooth and may take an x-ray of your mouth judge how the new tooth is coming through. From this, they will be able to decide whether to remove the tooth and how easy this extraction would be.
If you are at all concerned about having a tooth removed, don’t forget that extractions can also be carried out under sedation.
Generally lower wisdom teeth extractions are usually more difficult, in this case you might be referred to an oral surgeon to carry out the extractions. An oral surgeon is a general dentist that has undertaken additional study to specialise in dentistry specifically in dealing with conditions of the mouth and/or jaw.
If you have been referred to our oral surgeon, Dr. Sinead O’Dwyer, she will talk you through the surgery process and give you options on anaesthetic; she will also give you details should you wish to have the treatment carried out under sedation.
While other extractions may be claimable under dental insurance, surgical extractions of impacted wisdom teeth may be partially covered by general health insurance. Our surgeon is registered with VHI Health, Irish Life Health and Laya Health and our team will be able to help you with the relevant paperwork.
What People Are Saying
It must be the best dental clinic in the country.
It’s at least the best I’ve ever visited. Got a Crown done, it was made in the clinic they use the most advanced technology I’ve ever seen.
From 3D scanners and programs to a mill that just makes the tooth in like 10 minutes. The staff are extremely friendly and ready to help answer any questions that you might have.
Honestly I’d give more stars but they only let me do 5.
I felt really looked after in all my dealings with this clinic, they’ve really gone above and beyond to provide the best care and clearest information. I especially appreciated the way Anne-Marie, the treatment co-ordinator, guided me through the process.
I would recommend the Portobello Dental Clinic because I felt the price was reasonable, the service was excellent, all the staff were incredibly friendly and helpful and the end result looked great.
I am so glad I found the Portobello Dental Clinic and have no hesitation in recommending them to my family and friends. Everyone at the Portobello clinic is professional and friendly and the follow up phone call after treatment, to inquire how I was feeling was much appreciated.
I recently got implants at Portobello. I am very satisfied with the results and I have confidence that if any problems do arise, that they will be dealt with. I have been going to Portobello for about nine years.
Do you have a tooth that’s causing discomfort? Are your wisdom teeth causing concern? To book an appointment at our Dublin dental clinic, call now on 01 454 2022