ORAL SURGERY
Tooth extractions in Southampton
ORAL SURGERY 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.
WHY WOULD I NEED A TOOTH EXTRACTED?
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
ORAL SURGERY: NEED TO KNOW
-
Does it hurt?
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.
-
Will I need to take time off work?
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.
-
What does after-care involve?
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.
-
Are there any risks involved?
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.
