Tooth Extractions in Garran
When patients in Garran find themselves with a deeply decayed tooth, severe toothache, or other tooth damage, we advise them to seek quality dental care immediately. At Telopea Park Dental, if the tooth damage is minor and can be fixed with a filling, root canal therapy or other general dental treatment we always prefer to repair the tooth over extraction.
But in cases where tooth damage is too extensive, and your tooth cannot support any repair, your best course of action may be a tooth extraction.
Reasons We May Advocate Pulling a Tooth
Dr Kropinak may recommend extraction for many reasons, among them, being:
- Large-scale tooth decay
- Fractured or broken tooth
- Deep tooth infection
- Overlapping teeth due to crowding
- Some orthodontic treatments or tooth implants
- Painful or swollen wisdom teeth
The Two Types of Dental Extractions
If we have suggested that you need a dental extraction, we will ensure you understand the process and outcomes. Then, we prioritise your comfort by always using an anesthetic and confirming its effects before starting the procedure. In addition, we work hard to make each dental extraction efficient and effective so that you may recover as quickly as possible.
The type of damage your tooth has suffered will help determine if your extraction will be simple or surgical. In cases where your tooth is largely whole, with enough structure to grip, Dr Kropinak will perform a simple closed extraction in our clinic.
Surgical extractions are necessary where a tooth is either broken off at the gum line or has too little material for a simple extraction. Most surgical extractions can also be done at our clinic, however, if the roots lie near vital structures (sinus, nerves) we will refer you to a specialist in surgical extractions (OMFS) to ensure the best outcome.
Healing After a Dental Extraction
After Dr Kropinak has completed pulling a tooth, a blood clot will form in the socket where the tooth once was. One of your priorities is to preserve this clot to promote healing. Our further recommendations include:
- Avoid causing suction inside your mouth, so no smoking or drinking through a straw
- Only rinse your mouth gently with lukewarm clear water
- If you have swelling, apply a cold cloth or ice bag to the inflamed area
- Relieve pain with over-the-counter medication
After a few days, your empty socket should be on its way to closing up, and you may be less cautious while still not being reckless. Allow at least a week before eating any sticky food that might damage your new and still healing tissues.
Missing Tooth Replacement Options
Once a tooth has gone missing, patients in Telopea Park should know that the spaces leftover can be the genesis of a new set of problems. Even after the empty socket completely heals, the gap may cause instability among your surrounding teeth.
If your teeth shift towards the gap, your smile can fall out of balance; teeth may overlap and cause gum issues and discomfort. Additionally, missing teeth also cause deterioration in your bone health, increasing your likelihood of experiencing TMD (temporomandibular joint disorder).
One ideal replacement for a missing tooth is a dental implant. This structure replaces your entire tooth from root to crown. It is surgically placed to promote stability and longevity and support either a single tooth porcelain crown or a dental bridge that replaces multiple teeth. We can evaluate your specific circumstances and recommend various restoration options.
Dental Extractions in Garran
The Telopea Park Dental team appreciate that while no one wants a tooth extracted, the procedure is sometimes necessary. We will care for your needs throughout the process. Don’t hesitate to contact our Garran clinic to arrange a consultation and examination.
Frequently Asked Questions
Every patient is different. In some cases we are able to extract individual wisdom teeth here in the chair with local anaesthetic and nitrous oxide (if requested). However, if your wisdom teeth have not fully erupted or if you require more than two to be taken out at once, we will generally refer you to a specialist oral surgeon. Please contact us directly for further information.
Tooth removal may be necessary if you have:
- An infection
- Advanced or severe gum disease
- Dental caries or decay
- A badly broken down tooth
- Toothache
- Problems with your wisdom teeth
- Orthodontics
Generally no, despite what you may have imagined or heard from others.
You’ll feel a little pinch as the area is numbed using local anesthetic. After this, it is usually slight pressure or pulling that can be uncomfortable for some patients, especially if the tooth is infected.
Don't forget we have Nitrous Oxide which is a great adjunct to local anesthetic in providing additional pain relief and anxiolysis during the procedure.
Some patient may also choose IV sedation with an oral surgeon.
It’s normal to feel some discomfort and mild pain as the anesthetic wears off. To help minimize any discomfort, reduce the risk of infection, and promote a speedy recovery we recommend you follow our post-extraction instructions to make sure you avoid any unnecessary complications. The team will discuss these with you but will also provide you with a written copy as it can be a lot to take in immediately after treatment. The main points to include are:
- Take any painkillers or antibiotics that your dentist has recommended or prescribed.
- Bite down firmly on the gauze pad for 30min to help the blood clot form in the socket and reduce bleeding. If bleeding continues, replace with a fresh moistened gauze pad and bite firmly for an additional 45min-1 hour. If bleeding still continues freely, contact Telopea Park Dental on (02) 6106 9333.
- Avoid smoking as this can impair healing.
- Avoid drinking alcohol as this can prolong bleeding.
- Avoid vigorous rinsing or spitting for 24 hours after the extraction to avoid dislodging the blood clot. Rinse your mouth with a mouthwash or warm salt water AFTER 24 hours.
- Rest for at least 24 hours and avoid any strenuous activity for the next few days.
- On the day of extraction it is best to eat/drink soft and cool foods. A soft to normal diet may be eaten on the following day.
- Continue to brush and floss your teeth but avoid the extraction site.
It is quite normal for your mouth to be sore for up to 1 week after your extraction as it takes a few weeks for the new bone and tissue to grow into the gap. Once you’re healed and to avoid your other teeth shifting and causing bite problems we can discuss replacement options (denture, bridge, implant or nothing) to restore the gap for better appearance and function if necessary.
Meet Our Doctor:
Dr Eric Kropinak BSc., BDent. (USyd)
Dentist - Sydney Trained, Canberra Perfected!
Dr. Eric Kropinak BSc., BDent. (USyd) gained his Bachelor of Science degree in 2003. Four years later, he earned his Bachelor of Dentistry from the University of Sydney. He has practised in Canberra for over 18 years, honing his skills and expertise though numerous hours of continuing professional development per year. Dr Kropinak is focused on professional and essential dentistry for patients of all ages.
He has numerous memberships and affiliations worth noting, including:
- Australian Academy of Dento-Facial Aesthetics (AADFA)
- Australian Dental Association (ADA)
- Australian Society of Endodontics (ASE)
- Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons (RACDS)
A ...
Featured Blog Posts - Tooth Extractions
What to Expect During a Wisdom Tooth Extraction, Canberra, ACT
Wisdom Teeth Extraction Near Me
Going to the dentist can be a nerve-wracking experience, especially when a visit involves a wisdom tooth extraction.
Wisdom tooth extractions are a common dental procedure performed by our experienced emergency dentist at Telopea Park Dental, Garran, ACT. Even though we probably all know someone who ...
Tooth Extraction Aftercare Tips
What to Know About Tooth Extraction Recovery
Having a tooth extraction can be a nerve-wracking experience, but knowing what to expect during recovery can help ease your mind. At Telopea Park Dental, we prioritise oral health, including post-op care, to ensure a speedy and pain-free recovery.
Immediate Aftercare Following Tooth Extraction
After your tooth extraction in Garran, ACT, ...