EXTRACTION

Your dentist will discuss your extraction and the entire process prior to your extraction, and will answer any specific questions or concerns with you.  In general, you can expect the following things to happen with your extraction procedure:

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• Your dentist will quickly re-examine your x-rays and the tooth/teeth to be extracted.

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• You will be given a local or general anaesthetic, depending upon the number of teeth being extracted and the preferences discussed with the dentist previously. A general anaesthetic will put you to sleep throughout the extraction procedure and you will be monitored the entire time. If you have requested it, this is also when you will receive any additional anxiety relief support.

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• Your tooth will be extracted through a firm, steady pull, which will only feel like pressure to you. Teeth that are or have been infected or impacted may require some small surgical actions to release the tooth from affected gum tissue.

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• The extraction site may require a few stitches, which will again only feel like small pressure - no pain.

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• Cotton gauze pads will be placed over the extraction site, which you will gently bite down on to apply pressure to reduce bleeding. This is much like when you have blood drawn and a small piece of gauze is taped over the draw site.

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• If a general anaesthesia was used, you will be monitored until fully recovered. You will need to have someone available to take you home following your extraction.

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The reasons for extraction are varied, but most often involve a tooth that cannot be healed through root canal procedures or other treatment options due to severe decay, infection or abscess. Extraction stops the infection from spreading to all gum tissues, jaw bone, and throughout the body. Extraction allows you to reclaim your oral and overall health.

If your extraction involves infection, your dentist may determine that you should take antibiotics before and after your extraction procedure. It is important that your dentist is aware of all your health conditions to ensure a safe and successful extraction.