When extraction is the right choice
- The tooth is broken below the gum line or too decayed to repair
- Advanced gum disease has left it very loose
- A wisdom tooth keeps getting infected or is damaging its neighbour
- Space is needed for braces, where an orthodontist has advised it
Looking after the socket
The first 24 hours
- Keep biting on the gauze for 30 to 45 minutes.
- Don’t rinse, spit hard or drink through a straw. All three can dislodge the clot.
- Avoid smoking. It slows healing and makes a dry socket more likely.
- Eat soft, lukewarm food and chew on the other side.
From the next day
- Rinse gently with warm salt water (half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of water) after meals.
- Keep brushing your other teeth, and clean carefully near the socket.
Some oozing, swelling and aching for two or three days is normal. Call us if bleeding continues despite firm pressure, swelling is getting worse after the first few days, or you develop a fever.
Planning for the gap
When a back tooth is lost, the teeth next to it and opposite it can drift into the space. If the tooth will need replacing, it is better to talk about the options, a bridge or a denture, before it comes out. If you are considering an implant, mention this before the extraction so the site can be assessed and planned appropriately. We’ll refer you to a specialist for implant treatment.
What happens, visit by visit
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Step 1: Assessment
We examine the tooth and take an X-ray to see the roots and nearby nerves and sinuses. We’ll ask about your medical history and any medicines you take, including blood thinners.
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Step 2: Numbing
Local anaesthetic numbs the tooth and the gum around it. You’ll feel pressure and pushing, but not sharp pain. If you do, tell us straight away.
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Step 3: Removal
The tooth is gently loosened and lifted out. Some teeth, especially lower wisdom teeth, need a small cut in the gum or removal in sections.
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Step 4: Aftercare
You bite on gauze while a clot forms, and go home with written aftercare instructions. If stitches were used, we arrange a quick check.
Cost
An extraction is priced per tooth. Wisdom teeth and broken-down teeth that need a surgical approach cost more. The type of extraction and its cost can be confirmed after examination and X-ray.
| Treatment | Price |
|---|---|
| Extraction, per tooth | At consultation Rs X,XXX |
| Surgical or wisdom tooth extraction | At consultation from Rs XX,XXX |
| Small X-ray, per film Only when it will change the plan. | At consultation Rs X,XXX |
You’ll get a written estimate for your own treatment before anything starts. All fees and how to pay
Questions
Do wisdom teeth always need to come out?
No. Wisdom teeth that have come through straight and can be cleaned are fine to keep. Removal may be recommended if a wisdom tooth repeatedly becomes infected, has significant decay, or is damaging the tooth in front of it.
Can I have a tooth out if I take blood thinners?
Often yes, but don’t stop any medicine yourself. Tell us exactly what you take. Your medication may need to be reviewed with your doctor, and additional measures may be needed to control bleeding.
I have diabetes or high blood pressure. Is that a problem?
Usually this does not prevent an extraction if the condition is well controlled. Tell us what medicines you take and bring recent readings if available. We may postpone treatment if your blood pressure or blood sugar is not adequately controlled.
What is a dry socket?
Occasionally the blood clot is lost from the socket and the bone is left exposed. It causes a strong ache two to four days after the extraction, often spreading towards the ear. It is usually not dangerous, but it can be very painful and needs dental treatment. Call us and we’ll clean and dress it.
Awaiting clinical review by Dr Hamza Akhlaq.
