Extracting A Tooth in Wickford

The procedure, aftercare and replacement options.

At The Cygnet Dental Practice in Wickford, our policy, whenever possible, is to try to save a natural tooth when it has become damaged.

There are many procedures, including fillings, crowns and root canal treatment that can be used for this purpose in various situations. Sometimes though, a tooth may be too badly compromised, or has too poor a prognosis, to be saved. At this stage, the tooth will need to be extracted.

Extracting a tooth

Although patients commonly refer to having a tooth ‘pulled out’, that is not quite the whole story. To remove a tooth, we will first apply a local anaesthetic to the area, and when that has taken affect, the extraction can begin. Rather than simply tugging at the tooth, as some believe, the tooth is actually rocked gently from side to side initially. This actions helps to break the bond between the tooth root and the bone that it is held in. Once this has happened, the tooth can simply be pulled away from the gum. This whole process should not be uncomfortable although a slight grinding sensation may be noticable.

This procedure will cause the area of the extraction to bleed and you will be given some gauze to bite against the area. This will cause a blood clot to form and seal the empty socket. We will give you full aftercare advice, but it is important that you do not do anything that might remove this clot. This includes brushing it, poking at it with a finger or using that area for eating. As the clot starts to heal the wound, you will gradually be able to return to your normal eating and cleaning habits.

Your missing tooth

Once your tooth has been extracted, you will be left with the decision about what to do with the gap in your teeth. Aside from any aesthetic concerns, it is always advisable to replace a missing tooth. Not doing so can lead to other teeth moving and also will lead to bone loss in that area.

There are a number of options available at our Wickford practice.

Dentures

Partial dentures can be used to replace an individual missing tooth. Modern dentures look natural and no invasive treatment is needed to provide them. Stability can be an issue for some patients though and you may wish to consider other options if this concerns you.

Bridges

A bridge is an artificial tooth that is attached to your natural teeth by means of a crown. This offers much better stability than dentures but does mean that the teeth either side of the gap have to be prepared, in order to accept the crowns.

Implants

Dental implants offer the best whole tooth replacement option. Not only do they replace the visible crown part of the tooth, but the root also. This provides excellent strength and stability and avoids bone loss in the area.

General, restorative and cosmetic dental treatments are available at the Cygnet Dental Practice. So to find out what we can offer, why not arrange a consultation at our Wickford practice by calling us on 01268 733078. We’ll be pleased to help you address any issues with your oral health, whether routine or more complex.