Tooth extractions in Southampton
Oral surgery is required when a tooth needs to be completely removed, or extracted. Extractions fall into two categories: simple and complex. Simple extractions are relatively straightforward, involving removal of the tooth with forceps. Complex extractions deal with trickier tooth positions, often under the gum line. These require surgical removal, which in many cases can be done by your dentist at Octagon Dental Centre.
Wisdom teeth removal is one the most common situations, purely because for so many people, wisdom teeth just don’t come through properly, getting stuck or impacting on existing molars. Surgical extraction is the most efficient way to deal with wisdom teeth problems
Damaged teeth may have reached a level of decay or infection that can’t be controlled without removing the tooth, after all other options have been exhausted
Crowded mouths often prevent teeth from developing correctly; extraction creates the crucial space required for a healthy jaw
Braces sometimes necessitate extractions as part of your long-term orthodontic treatment plan, making room for teeth that will eventually move into the optimum position
The procedure itself is carried out under a local, intravenous or general anaesthetic, and will therefore be painless. As with any surgical procedure, you can expect to manage a short-term level of discomfort for a few days afterwards – typically bruising, swelling, stiffness and mild pain at the site of extraction. You will also develop a blood clot at the site of extraction, which must be left alone.
Yes. At the very least, you will need someone to drive you home after the procedure if a sedative has been used. It is also advisable to take a day or two off work to recover and get used to managing your after-care.
Your dentist will provide you with a comprehensive after-care plan that covers pain management, eating and cleaning. Follow-up appointments will also be required to check on your progress.
Damage to surrounding teeth, infection caused by food, or problems occurring if the blood clot dislodges are among the very rare occurrences of post-surgery issues – but if you follow your after-care plan correctly and attend your follow-up appointments at Octagon Dental Centre, it is highly unlikely you will experience any of these.