YO UR COMPLETE GUI DE TO TOOTH EX TRACTI ON S
vextractions explained Tooth extraction is something we all want to avoid, including us! This is why we always try to save the tooth and address the issue with restorative treatment where possible. However, despite our best efforts, if a tooth has been irreversibly damaged or decayed to the point that it will be healthier for the mouth and remaining teeth to be removed, then we might need to perform an extraction. Knowing what to expect and how to recover can make your extraction experience less distressing and painful.
WHY do I need to have an extraction? Some of the most common factors leading to a tooth extraction include: •
Severe infection, damage or decay
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Advanced gum disease
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Abscess (pus around gums/teeth)
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Impacted wisdom teeth
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Fractured teeth
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To make room for an orthodontic appliance or dental prosthesis
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(due to overcrowding)
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Milk teeth not falling out at the proper age
WILL the procedure hurt? We understand extractions can be a stressful time for our patients. Whilst we will provide a local anaesthetic to numb the site of the extraction and eliminate pain, you will feel pressure. Our team are highly skilled in carrying out extractions and practising steady techniques to reduce discomfort and make the experience as painless as possible. We also offer IV sedation for our nervous patients.
IS the procedure safe? Tooth extractions are a common and completely safe procedure that millions of people undergo each year. Depending on the tooth’s shape, size,position and location will determinethe right type of procedure for you. •
Simple extraction – if the tooth is accessible above the gum line and can be removed in one piece.
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Complex/surgical extraction – Teeth that are stuck, broken, or haven’t emerged above the gum line will require a complex extraction. This may involve removal of the gum tissue or bone. The tooth may be removed in pieces.
HOW do I prepare? Knowing what to expect can make your extraction experience less distressing. We will undertake a complete medical history and take x-rays of the affected area. Please inform us of any allergies, illnesses or medication, as this could impact the type of anaesthetic used during treatment. We recommend you arrange transportation to and from the surgery, and unless otherwise advised, you can eat and drink as normal on the day of extraction.
WHAT are my options to fill the gap(s) after? Everybody, should be able to enjoy the ability to eat, talk and smile without having to worry about missing or “gappy” teeth. If the extracting tooth is vital to function or appearance, we offer a number of treatment options to help restore your smile, confidence and general wellbeing. Leaving a gap in your dentition can cause your existing teeth to shift, change your face shape and make eating, speaking and chewing difficult. Consult your Ascent Dental Care practice about which tooth replacement options are right for you. In the meantime, take a look through our guide to the pros and cons of our tooth replacement options – so you can make an informed decision at your next dental appointment.
Treatment Key
F
Fixed solution
R
Removable solution Adjacent teeth may need to be ground down
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Treatment cost Treatment time
dental bridge F
R
Bridge the gap naturally for form and function
Benefits •
Fixed, long-term solution
One of the most common methods to replace missing teeth is with a dental bridge, a prosthetic fitting that spans the gap between the missing tooth and two healthy adjacent teeth and is secured at each end by a crown to hold the bridge in place.
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Natural look and feel
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Restores functionality to eat and chew
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Strong and secure
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No bone grafting required
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Quick and cost-effective solution
Dental bridges are an ideal long-term solution and highly recommended for preventing potential future problems that often occur when just one tooth is missing. These can include bite distortion, caused by your remaining teeth shifting to fill the gap, and vulnerability to gum disease and jaw pain. A durable and relatively quick replacement to missing teeth, your dental bridge will be created to your exact specification of shape and shade and are an excellent fixed alternative to looking and feeling like your natural teeth.
Think a dental bridge might be right for you? Contact us for a FREE consultation today.
Considerations •
Requires removal of tooth structure of adjacent teeth
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Does not support bone in region of missing tooth
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Requires crowns to be fitted over healthy adjacent teeth
denture F
R
Dentures that look good, fit well and work for you
Benefits •
Look natural and easy to wear
We offer life-like and comfortable denture solutions that fit snugly and securely over your gums to restore your smile and counteract any problems missing teeth can cause, such as trouble eating and speaking and the unwanted movement of existing teeth.
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Restores function
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Can be removed for cleaning
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Minimally invasive
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Easy to modify and adjust
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Affordable solution
A partial denture is ideal for the loss of just one or a few teeth. Made of an acrylic or metal framework they can snap in and out of the dental arch – restoring beauty and function to your smile. A full denture replaces the entire arch of your upper and lower and are fitted onto an acrylic or metal base and crafted to look like your gums and teeth.
Think a denture might be right for you? Contact us for a FREE consultation today.
Considerations •
Less stability and support than a secured solution
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Food can collect under the denture
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Can affect speech and eating certain foods
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Requires care and maintenance, and will need replacing over time
dental implant F
R
Restore confidence and rebuild quality of life
Benefits •
Improves appearance
Enjoy a strong, long-term replacement for missing teeth with dental implants. Made from titanium or ceramic, dental implants are artificial tooth roots which are surgically inserted into the jaw to replace the missing root. Titanium implants integrate well with your jawbone providing a strong foundation for crowns to be securely attached as a replacement tooth.
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Aesthetically pleasing
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Restores quality of life and confidence
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Prevents bone shrinkage and preserves adjacent teeth
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Durable, secure and long-lasting
Dental implants look, feel and function just like your natural teeth, enabling you to speak clearly, eat with enjoyment and restore your smile for life.
Considerations
Think a dental implant might be right for you? Contact us for a FREE consultation today.
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Costly treatment, but should be considered an investment in long-term oral heath
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Not all patients may be suitable
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Surgical procedure is required
Implantsupported denture F
R
Secure your dentures and your confidence
Benefits •
Natural-looking appearance
Dentures are a traditional solution for replacing missing teeth, but if they don’t fit perfectly, they can slip or click when you eat or speak. If you are facing the prospect of losing all or some of your teeth, implant-supported dentures can provide an excellent solution. Your implant-supported denture will secure your prosthetic teeth and can either be;
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Eat and chew as normal
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Restores quality of life and confidence
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Durable and secure
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No more denture adhesives
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Fixed (hybrid) – a non-removable solution that requires 4-6 implants to secure a fixed full mouth bridge, providing a highly stable and naturallooking result. emovable (overdenture) – a removable option that requires as few as R two dental implants to provide additional stability to an upper or lower denture.
Made from titanium or ceramic, dental implants are artificial tooth roots which are surgically inserted into the jaw to replace the missing root. Titanium implants integrate well with your jawbone providing a strong foundation for the denture to be securely attached as a replacement tooth.
Considerations •
Costly treatment, but should be considered an investment in long-term oral health
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Not all patients may be suitable
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Surgical procedure is required
Think an implant-supported denture might be right for you? Contact us for a FREE consultation today.
your recovery Your aftercare routine will depend on the type of extraction procedure you have undergone, but you can expect an average healing time of approximately two weeks. All patients who undergo tooth extractions at Ascent Dental Care, will be provided with an ‘Aftercare Pack’ to help you heal and recover as quickly and painlessly as possible. Take painkillers as prescribed (not aspirin) to ease the pain and reduce inflammation. Keep the gauze in place for up to four hours and allow the clot to form on the extraction site. It’s important to keep the blood clot in place in the tooth socket, dislodging it can cause ‘dry socket’ and expose the bone which can be painful. Rest for 24 hours and limit strenuous activity for up to one week.
DO NOT rinse your mouth for at least 24 hours – this prevents the gauze from dislodging and allows the socket to heal. You must be careful not to damage the blood clot by eating on that side or letting your tongue disturb it. After 24 hours, rinse your mouth with a warm saltwater solution (1/2 teaspoon salt & 8 ounces of warm water) twice a day for one week. This will help the socket heal and keep it clean. Maintain a healthy diet and take a Vitamin C supplement to help your mouth heal.
Reduce swelling by applying an icepack on the side of your face for up to 10 minutes at a time.
Avoid smoking for at least 24 hours.
Keep your head in an upright position – when sleeping prop your head up with an extra pillow.
Continue to brush and floss but avoid the extraction site.
LOUGHBOROUGH
MALVERN
66 Park Road
143 Barnards Green Road
1 Arden Building
57 Albert Rd
Loughborough, LE11 2HH
Malvern, WR14 3LT
Dorridge, B93 9HH
Tamworth, B79 7JN
0330 9 125 135
SOLIHULL
ascentdental.co.uk
TAMWORTH