Although it can help improve our overall health and wellbeing, many would agree that a tooth extraction is not a pleasant experience.
But at Woden Dental Centre in Canberra, we strive to make the process as pain-free as possible.
There can be many reasons why a tooth might need to be extracted: tooth decay, impaction, tooth trauma, crowded teeth, infection, or periodontal and gum disease.
The longer you leave a tooth unextracted, the more damage you risk in the long term. It can lead to pain and sensitivity when biting or chewing, unstable or receding gums, a badly-aligned jaw or even sepsis.
A tooth can be extracted in one session or over several appointments. When performing a simple tooth extraction, an injection will be given, with teeth that are visible removed with forceps.
A surgical tooth extraction, meanwhile, will involve local and, in some cases, general anaesthetic, and is performed by a dentist or oral surgeon by making a small incision when a tooth has broken off at the gum line or has not broken through at all. Wisdom tooth extraction is also considered a surgical procedure, with bone-blocking access to the tooth root removed and the tooth divided into pieces.
The cost of tooth extraction will depend on how many teeth are extracted, whether the bone is removed, and how many appointments you need to attend, among other things. A simple tooth extraction can start at $275, while a surgical tooth extraction can go upto $450.
While recovering from surgery, you might experience some bruising and swelling, as well as bleeding. Manage pain with over-the-counter medication and by avoiding strenuous activity. Also remember to drink lots of water, to stick to soft foods, and to not brush your teeth, rinse your mouth or use mouthwash for the next 24 hours.
