Minor Surgical Procedures

Despite its reputation, extracting a tooth is a relatively standard procedure that many teens and adults go through. A tooth extraction can be necessary to preserve your oral health or ensure no overcrowding occurs.

We understand that many patients may feel nervous about having a tooth extracted, so we aim to provide a pain-free and calming experience.

Why tooth extractions are necessary

Wisdom tooth removal is one of the most popular reasons to perform an extraction, but there are many other cases where you may need a tooth removed.

These include:

• The tooth has become infected and cannot be saved with root canal treatment
• The teeth are overcrowded, or protruding adult teeth overlap existing baby teeth

At Winelands Dentistry, we thoroughly assess all options before recommending tooth extraction. Your oral health is our first priority, and we endeavour to save teeth where possible, as well as restore your full function.

The tooth extraction process

Tooth extraction is a minor surgical procedure that we perform at our clinic. The first step is assessing if there are no other options to save the natural tooth. Our friendly dentist will examine the impacted tooth and take X-rays before making a proper diagnosis and treatment recommendation.

During the procedure, you will be slightly sedated to ensure a comfortable and pain-free experience. This is especially beneficial for patients who have dental fear. Next, the dentist will use specialised tools to remove the tooth gently. The entire procedure can take 1-2 hours.

Once complete, we will stitch up the area and apply gauze so a blood clot forms. We will provide a complete after-care guide and prescribe pain medication and antibiotics to speed up the healing process.

Recovering after extraction

Your gum will return to normal after 2 weeks, but the bone and soft tissue can take a few more months to recover. During this time, it's essential to finish your prescribed course of medication, keep the area clean, and avoid chewing close to the area.

The next step after extraction is to fill the gap with a dental prosthetic such as a dental bridge or crown. We will discuss these options with you to determine the best option for your needs and budget.