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Surgical Tooth Extraction
Surgical tooth extraction involves the removal of teeth that are not easily accessible or visible in the mouth. This may occur when a tooth is impacted, damaged, or broken below the gumline. Unlike simple extractions, which are performed on teeth that are fully erupted, surgical extractions require a more complex approach, sometimes involving cutting into the gum tissue and removing bone around the tooth.
Reasons for a Tooth Extraction
Across our Dental Suite Group clinics in Carlow, Athy and Rathdrum, we specialise in both routine and surgical extractions to ensure your dental health is preserved and pain is minimised.
A surgical tooth extraction may be necessary for several reasons, including:
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Impacted Wisdom Teeth: When wisdom teeth don't have enough room to emerge or are growing in at an angle, they can cause pain, infections, or misalignment of other teeth.
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Severe Tooth Decay or Infection: When a tooth is too damaged for root canal treatment or other restorative measures, an extraction may be the best option to prevent further complications.
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Tooth Fractures: If a tooth has broken below the gum line or in a way that can't be repaired with a crown or filling, a surgical extraction may be required.
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Overcrowding: For patients undergoing orthodontic treatments, extractions may be necessary to create space for proper teeth alignment.
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Damage from Trauma: Accidents or injuries can sometimes lead to a tooth being broken or severely damaged, requiring surgical removal.
Surgical Tooth Extraction Procedure
1. Initial Consultation and Examination
Our expert dentist or oral surgeon examines the tooth to be extracted and may take X-rays to assess the tooth’s position, roots, and surrounding bone structure. This step helps plan the extraction, especially if the tooth is impacted or broken.
2. Incision and Accessing the Tooth
The surgeon makes a small incision in the gum tissue to access the tooth, particularly if the tooth is impacted (partially or fully beneath the gum line) or broken at the gum line. In some cases, a small amount of bone around the tooth may need to be removed to fully expose the tooth.
3. Sectioning the Tooth (if needed)
If the tooth is difficult to remove as a whole (e.g., a large molar or impacted tooth), the surgeon may cut it into smaller sections. This allows for easier removal without damaging surrounding structures.
4. Removing the Tooth
Using specialised instruments, the surgeon carefully removes the tooth or its sections. Once the tooth is extracted, the area is cleaned to remove any remaining debris or infected tissue.
5. Suturing the Incision
If an incision was made, the surgeon may place sutures (stitches) to help the gum tissue heal properly. Some stitches are dissolvable, while others may need to be removed during a follow-up appointment.
6. Post-Operative Instructions
After the extraction, the dentist or surgeon provides detailed aftercare instructions, which include managing pain, reducing swelling, and promoting healing. A gauze pad is placed over the extraction site to help form a blood clot, which is essential for healing.
Tooth Extraction Cost
Surgical tooth extraction costs start from €200, ideal for more complex procedures. Surgical extractions for wisdom teeth are also priced from €200. For routine tooth extractions, prices range between €120 - €150. Our skilled dental team ensures you are fully informed of the costs before treatment, offering high-quality care at competitive prices.
Recovery Timeline for a Surgical Tooth Extraction
First 24 Hours:
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Bleeding: It’s normal for the extraction site to bleed lightly for a few hours. The dentist will instruct the patient to bite down on gauze to help stop the bleeding.
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Pain and Swelling: Mild to moderate pain and swelling are expected. Pain can be managed with prescribed or over the counter pain medication, while swelling can be reduced by applying an ice pack to the outside of the cheek for 10-15 minutes at a time.
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Rest: Resting and avoiding strenuous activity is essential during the first 24 hours.
Days 1-3:
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Pain Management: Pain and swelling typically peak within the first 48 hours and should gradually decrease. Continue using pain medication as directed, and avoid smoking, as these can dislodge the blood clot and lead to a painful condition called dry socket.
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Diet: Stick to soft foods such as soups, mashed potatoes, and smoothies. Avoid hot, spicy, or crunchy foods that may irritate the extraction site.
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Oral Care: Do not brush near the extraction site for the first 24 hours. After that, gently rinse your mouth with a saltwater solution several times a day to keep the area clean.
Days 4-7:
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Healing and Monitoring: By the end of the first week, pain and swelling should significantly subside. Continue following aftercare instructions, and monitor the extraction site for any signs of infection (increased pain, swelling, fever, or discharge).
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Suture Removal (if needed): If non-dissolvable stitches were used, the dentist will remove them during a follow-up appointment, usually 7-10 days after the extraction.
Full Recovery (2-3 Weeks):
Most patients experience full healing within 1-2 weeks, although the gum tissue and bone will take longer to fully regenerate (several months). Follow-up appointments may be necessary to ensure proper healing.
Surgical extraction is more invasive than a simple extraction, so recovery may take a bit longer, but with proper care, healing should proceed smoothly. Avoid strenuous activity and maintain good oral hygiene to ensure successful recovery.
Do's and Don'ts After Tooth Extraction
Do’s:
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Apply an ice pack to reduce swelling.
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Stick to soft foods like soup or yoghurt for the first few days.
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Maintain oral hygiene by gently rinsing with salt water after 24 hours.
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Follow your dentist's aftercare instructions closely.
Don’ts:
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Avoid smoking, as it can delay healing.
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Do not use straws, as suction can dislodge the blood clot (dry socket risk).
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Refrain from strenuous activities for at least 24–48 hours
Why Choose Dental Suite for Surgical Tooth Extractions?
Our specialist dental teams understand that tooth extractions can feel overwhelming, but they are there to make the process as smooth as possible. We combine advanced technology with personalised care to ensure your comfort and safety throughout the procedure. Here's why patients choose us:
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Experienced Professionals: Our highly skilled dentists are experts in performing surgical extractions with precision and care.
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State-of-the-Art Facilities: We use the latest tools and techniques to minimise discomfort and expedite healing.
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Patient-Centered Care: Your well-being is our top priority. We work closely with you to create a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.
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Comprehensive Aftercare: We provide clear instructions and support to ensure a smooth recovery.
FAQs
1. How long should it take to recover from a tooth extraction?
Recovery from a standard tooth extraction typically takes about 7–10 days, depending on the complexity of the procedure and individual healing. For surgical tooth extractions, it may take up to two weeks for initial healing, with full recovery potentially requiring roughly a month.
2. Is tooth extraction very painful?
During the procedure, you should not feel pain due to local anaesthesia, which numbs the area. Some pressure or movement may be felt, especially in surgical extractions. Post-procedure, mild discomfort is common but manageable with prescribed painkillers or over-the-counter medication.
3. What are the do’s and don’ts after tooth extraction?
After a tooth extraction, it’s important to rest, maintain good oral hygiene with gentle rinsing after 24 hours, and avoid activities like smoking, using straws, or engaging in strenuous exercise, as these can disrupt healing.
4. What is the difference between a tooth extraction and a surgical tooth extraction?
A standard tooth extraction involves removing a visible tooth using simple tools. In contrast, a surgical tooth extraction is required for teeth that are impacted, broken, or not easily accessible. This involves making an incision in the gum and may require bone removal or sectioning of the tooth.
5. How long does it take for a surgical tooth extraction to heal?
Healing from a surgical tooth extraction typically takes 10–14 days for the gum to close up. However, complete healing of the underlying bone and tissues may take several months. Adhering to your dentist's aftercare instructions is crucial for a smooth recovery.