Tooth extraction is a common dental procedure designed to safely remove teeth that are severely damaged, decayed, or impacting your oral health. At Westmount Dental, we prioritise gentle, precise extractions to protect your overall dental wellbeing and ensure your comfort throughout the process.
What Is a Tooth Extraction?
A tooth extraction involves carefully removing a tooth from its socket in the jawbone. Often referred to as “pulling a tooth,” this treatment is recommended when restorative options like fillings or crowns are no longer viable. Extraction helps eliminate infection, relieve pain, and create necessary space for orthodontic or other dental treatments.
When Is Tooth Extraction Recommended?
Your dentist may suggest tooth extraction for conditions including:
- Severe decay or damage beyond repair
- Infection that cannot be treated with root canal therapy
- Impacted teeth, such as wisdom teeth
- Overcrowded teeth needing space for orthodontics
- Advanced gum disease compromising tooth stability
- Dental trauma or tooth dislocation (luxation)
Extraction is always considered a last resort after thorough evaluation to preserve your oral health whenever possible.
What to Expect Before Your Tooth Extraction
Before the procedure, a comprehensive examination and dental X-rays will assess the tooth and surrounding bone structure. It’s essential to disclose your medical history and medications so we can recommend the safest sedation and treatment approach. Your dentist will discuss all options clearly and answer your questions, ensuring you feel informed and confident.
Tooth Extraction Procedure
We numb the area around the tooth for a comfortable, pain-free experience.
Using specialised tools, the dentist carefully loosens and extracts the tooth. For complex cases, small gum incisions may be necessary to facilitate removal.
The extraction site is cleaned and disinfected to minimise infection risk. If needed, a bone graft may be placed to preserve jawbone integrity.
Sutures may be applied to help the gum tissue heal properly.
Aftercare and Healing
Immediately after extraction, you will bite down on gauze to control bleeding and encourage blood clot formation—critical for healing and preventing dry socket. Mild bleeding or oozing within the first 24 hours is normal. We will provide detailed aftercare instructions to support your recovery and comfort.
Need a tooth extraction? Trust Westmount Dental for expert, compassionate care. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward better oral health.