Why do I need a tooth removal?
When taken care of, your permanent teeth may be able to last you a lifetime. But, for many patients we see, damage, decay, and a number of other issues can make tooth extraction necessary at any point.
Whilst some may opt for veneers or a crown to cover a severely damaged or broken tooth, others may choose to go with tooth extraction instead. This can often be the first step to replacing teeth with dental implants, too.
Many patients are also referred for tooth extractions when suffering from sever infections. When tooth decay or damage causes gaps in the tooth enamel, bacteria can enter to tooth pulp. The pulp is a mixture of tissues, blood vessels, and nerves which, when in contact with these bacteria, can become infected.
In many cases, this type of infection cannot be treated with antibiotics, leaving the patient with two options; root canal therapy or tooth extraction.
Some patients suffering from periodontal disease – or gum disease – may also be referred for tooth removal. That is because gum disease is an infection of the tissues and bones surrounding your teeth. As these structures become weakened, your teeth may lose support and become loose, so tooth extraction may be necessary.
Tooth extraction is also often recommended to prepare the mouth for orthodontic work. Overcrowding is a common problem in teeth, so tooth removal may be needed to allow space to straighten your teeth.
What to expect during your tooth extraction in Hampstead, North London
Tooth removal can be performed by both dentists and Oral Surgeons. At Dental Perfection, our consultant Oral Surgeon is Mr. Anish Shah, who prides himself on putting more nervous patients at ease.
When you come in for your tooth extraction, our highly trained team of dental professionals will do everything they can to ensure you are comfortable and to answer any questions or concerns that you may have.
Before your tooth removal begins, you’ll be given a local anaesthetic to numb the area around the tooth, so you won’t feel any sharp pains.
Once the tooth has been removed, a blood clot will form in the socket. You may be asked to bite down on gauze for up to an hour after your procedure to help stop the bleeding.
What is a complex extraction?
The process above is what is known as a “simple” tooth extraction. It involves the removal of a tooth that is in an upright position with no complicating matters.
A complex tooth extraction, on the other hand, is one where things are not so straightforward as just gently pulling the tooth out. Everyone’s teeth are unique and some are more inclined to grow differently than others. When it comes to tooth removal, this can make the process much more complicated.
In some cases, even a seemingly simple procedure can become a complex extraction; for example, if an extremely decayed tooth cracks during the tooth removal and part is left behind in the jaw.
This is the benefit of using an Oral Surgeon for your tooth removal. Whilst any well-trained dentist will be prepared to deal with these situations, Oral Surgeons undergo many additional years of education and clinical training in order to better understand the surgical implications.
Complications such as these are also the reason that your dentist will always check that the tooth has been removed completely. If part of the tooth has broken during the removal, but no tooth remains above the gum line, then it becomes a complex extraction.
In this instance, your Oral Surgeon would use a technique known as luxation to essentially push the tooth root out by applying pressure between the root and surrounding bone structure. Oral Surgeons are fully equipped to deal with any issues or complications that may arise during your tooth removal, swiftly transitioning between a simple to a complex extraction.
The removal of molars is often considered a complex extraction as they have multiple roots which sometimes need to be removed separately. Your Oral Surgeon may decide to make an incision in the gums in order to access the roots more easily.
Your complex tooth removal specialists in Hampstead, North London
Removing a tooth is an art and it requires the advanced skill and knowledge of a highly qualified oral surgeon.
If you’re feeling nervous about your tooth extraction, book a consultation at our North London practice in Hampstead to speak to our Consultant Oral Surgeon, Mr. Shah. He’ll be happy to answer any queries or concerns you may have about your tooth removal to make sure you’re happy going forward.
To book your consultation, please call us today on 020 7431 2710, or pop in and see us at our practice in Hampstead, North London to make your appointment.
We have been working with clients from all over North London (including St Johns Wood, Belsize Park, Highgate, and Swiss Cottage) from our Hampstead clinic since 1979.
Our North London premises are less than a minute's walk away from Hampstead Underground Station.