When your tooth is beyond repair, it may need to be extracted as it cannot be fixed with a filling, crown or any other dental treatment.

The majority of extractions are carried out under a local anaesthetic.

How is tooth extraction done?

There are two types of extraction – simple and surgical extraction. After the removal of your tooth, your dentist or oral surgeon will suture the area and ask you to bite down on gauze to stop the bleeding. You should then avoid alcoholic beverages and hot foods and drinks.

You might be advised to take painkillers to relieve the pain or discomfort after the extraction.

Simple extraction

The simple tooth extraction is performed to remove fully visible teeth. Your dentist will numb the affected area, then loosen the tooth and remove it. Afterwards, your dentist will advise you of good aftercare for healing.

Surgical extraction

A surgical extraction is performed when a tooth is fully or partially impacted, or when an injury has caused it to break off at the surface of the gum. Your dentist or an oral surgeon will make a small cut into your gum to extract the affected tooth.