Removing Problematic Teeth: A Simple Guide to Complex Extractions
5 minute read
Dentists always try to save your teeth when they can, but sometimes removing a tooth is the better choice — especially if it’s causing issues or can’t be repaired. While most extractions are quick and simple, others can be more involved and may require a small surgical procedure.
This guide breaks down when you might need a more complex tooth removal and what the process involves. If you think you might need a tooth out, our friendly team at Kelmscott Dental is here to help.
When Might a Tooth Need to Come Out?
Dentists can usually fix a damaged or decayed tooth with a filling, root canal, crown or another type of treatment. But sometimes a tooth is too far gone or needs to be taken out for other reasons.
A 2022 study found the most common reasons people have teeth removed include:
- Tooth decay: 36% to 55%
- Advanced gum disease: 25% to 38%
- Infection near the root: 7% to 19%
- Making room for braces: 2% to 7%
- Injury: Less than 5%
Tooth removals can be more complex if they involve:
Wisdom teeth that haven’t fully come through, are stuck or located too close to nerves
- Teeth with heavy decay
- Broken or infected teeth
- Unusually shaped roots
- Crowded teeth
Your dentist will let you know whether the extraction is straightforward or more complex after checking your tooth.
Signs You Might Need a Tooth Out
Only a dentist can say for sure whether a tooth needs to be removed or if it can still be saved. But it’s worth seeing one if:
- Your tooth is badly damaged
- You’ve got ongoing tooth pain
- Your teeth feel crowded or pushed out of place
- You have swelling, pus, or signs of an infection
We’ll check your mouth and chat with you about your symptoms to figure out the best solution — whether that’s removing the tooth or going with another treatment like a filling, root canal or orthodontics. To see a dentist in Kelmscott about your symptoms and treatments, call our friendly team today on (08) 9495 7999.
How Do Dentists Remove a Problem Tooth?
Some teeth are easy to remove, while others need a bit more care. All general dentists can handle simple extractions, but complex ones may need a dentist with extra training or even a specialist oral surgeon.
Your First Appointment
At your initial visit, we’ll examine your tooth, take X-rays, and go over your medical history. This helps us understand what’s going on below the surface and work out your best treatment options.
If your tooth does need to come out, we’ll walk you through what to expect and give you a chance to ask questions. As with all surgical or invasive procedures, there’s a level of risk, you may choose to get a second opinion from a suitably qualified health professional before proceeding.
Non-Surgical Extractions
If the tooth is visible and not stuck under the gum, it can usually be taken out easily. First, we’ll numb the area with a local anaesthetic to numb any pain. Then we’ll gently rock the tooth to loosen it and remove it.
Sometimes we may use a few small stitches to help the gum heal properly.
Surgical Extractions
If the tooth is broken, stuck under the gum, or just difficult to access, a surgical approach might be needed. This means making a small cut in the gum to get to the tooth. In some cases, the tooth will need to be removed in pieces or some bone around it might need to be taken away.
In certain cases, instead of taking out the whole tooth, your dentist might suggest a coronectomy — where just the top (crown) of the tooth is removed, leaving the roots in place. This is usually done to avoid disturbing nerves wrapped around the roots. This procedure may be performed by a specialist oral surgeon rather than a general dentist.
Surgical extractions can be done in a dental clinic or hospital, depending on how involved the procedure is and what kind of sedation you choose.
Will It Hurt?
We get this question a lot — and the answer is, generally no. Your dentist will make sure you’re completely numb or sedated, depending on what you’re most comfortable with. You won’t feel pain during the procedure.
There are a few options to help keep you relaxed and pain-free:
- Local anaesthetic – numbs the area around the tooth
- Oral sedation – a pill taken before the procedure to help you feel calm
- IV sedation – given through a drip to help you feel deeply relaxed
- General anaesthetic – puts you completely to sleep (used for more complex cases)
We’ll help you decide which option is best based on your needs and comfort level.
Are There Any Risks?
Tooth extractions are low risk when done by an experienced dentist and when you follow their aftercare instructions. But, like any procedure, there are a few things to be aware of.
The most common issue is dry socket. This happens if the blood clot that forms after your tooth is pulled comes loose or doesn’t form properly. It can be very painful and needs a quick visit to the dentist to fix. It’s more common after wisdom tooth removals.
Other (less common) risks include:
- Infection
- Ongoing bleeding
- Damage to nearby teeth or bone
- Nerve damage
- Sinus issues (for upper back teeth)
- Complications linked to certain medical conditions
We’ll talk you through any potential risks and how to avoid them.
Getting Ready for the Procedure
We’ll make sure you’re fully prepared and know what to expect on the day. If you’re feeling nervous, we can suggest ways to help you stay calm — like listening to music or using a stress ball.
If you’re being sedated, we’ll provide you with pre-operative instructions that might involve avoiding food beforehand and arranging for a carer to drive you home and look after you while the effects of sedation or anaesthesia wear off.
What to Expect After the Tooth is Out
It’s normal to feel a bit sore or swollen for a few days. You might also have some bruising. Pain relief, ice packs and warm saltwater rinses can help keep you comfortable, and we’ll let you know if any medication is needed.
Most people feel back to normal within a week or two when the gum heals. During recovery:
- Don’t smoke
- Avoid using straws
- Keep your mouth clean, but be gentle
We may book a follow-up to check how you’re healing. It typically takes between three to six months for the jawbone to fully heal.
Do I Need to Replace the Tooth?
After a tooth is removed, you might be left with a gap — which can affect your smile, chewing, and speech. That’s why many people choose to replace missing teeth.
We offer a few tooth replacement options:
- Dental implants – look and function like natural teeth
- Bridges – fill the gap by anchoring to nearby teeth
- Dentures – removable replacements for multiple missing teeth
We’ll help you weigh the pros and cons and pick what works for your lifestyle and budget.
Can I Avoid an Extraction?
Sometimes a tooth just needs to come out — like in the case of impacted wisdom teeth — but in many cases, extractions can be avoided with good habits:
- Brush and floss daily
- Limit sugary or acidic foods
- Don’t smoke
- Wear a custom mouthguard for contact sports
Visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and cleans
What Our Patients Say
“Highly recommend! Dr Abraham treated my son with extracting his premolars a few weeks ago. I had my first appointment with him today regarding my teeth and my gum issues. He checked me and gave me advice, for which I am so grateful.” – Emmanuel Paul
“My 6-year-old daughter went in for extractions and Dr. Mohamed was amazing. I even got a call back to make sure she was ok. Highly recommended. And the girls at reception are fantastic too. Very happy.” – Ayesha Gleeson
“Friendly staff. I took my son for tooth extraction and everything went fine.” – Mario Gutiérrez
Book a Consultation
If you’ve got a tooth that’s causing problems, chat with our friendly team at Kelmscott Dental to explore your options. Call us on (08) 9495 7999 or book online. We welcome patients from all nearby areas, including Armadale and Gosnells.
References
- Dyonne L.M. Broers, Leander Dubois, Jan de Lange, Naichuan Su, Ad de Jongh, Reasons for Tooth Removal in Adults: A Systematic Review, International Dental Journal, Volume 72, Issue 1, 2022, Pages 52-57, ISSN 0020-6539. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.identj.2021.01.011
