Tooth extraction is a dental procedure that removes a tooth from its socket in the jawbone. Often called “pulling” a tooth, this process is necessary when a tooth is damaged beyond repair, poses a risk to other teeth, or contributes to oral health issues. Whether due to decay, trauma, or overcrowding, tooth extraction ensures the health and alignment of your remaining teeth.
Wisdom teeth are the last set of permanent teeth to emerge, typically between the ages of 17 and 25. While some people experience no issues as their wisdom teeth come through, many others face complications due to insufficient space in the mouth, leading to impacted wisdom teeth.
Impacted wisdom teeth fail to erupt properly due to lack of room. They can grow at various angles: towards the next tooth (the second molar), towards the back of the mouth, at a right angle to other teeth (lying down within the jawbone), or they may grow straight but remain trapped within the jawbone. These irregular growth patterns can cause pain, infection, and damage to adjacent teeth, necessitating removal.
While healthcare providers aim to preserve natural teeth whenever possible, there are situations where extraction becomes necessary. Removal may be the best option if a tooth is too damaged for restorative treatments like dental inlays or onlays and crowns. Tooth extraction might be recommended if you have:
At OptiSmile, we evaluate each case thoroughly to determine if a tooth or wisdom tooth extraction is the most suitable solution, ensuring optimal oral health for our patients and always attempting to preserve the natural tooth, where possible.
Before a wisdom tooth or standard tooth extraction, you’ll meet with your Cape Town dentist to discuss the procedure. During this consultation, you should:
For wisdom tooth extractions, the surgeon will ensure you understand the specifics of the procedure, including the potential need for cutting the gums or bone to remove the tooth.
Recovery from the wisdom tooth and standard tooth extractions varies based on the type of anaesthesia and individual response.
At OptiSmile, we leverage the best dental technology, such as the iTero® scanner, to ensure our dental treatments are highly effective and tailored for your convenience.
By employing innovative tools like the dental wand, we enhance the comfort of our procedures, alleviating the usual stress associated with dental visits.
With the precision of the Leica Microscope, our team excels at early detection and treatment of potential dental issues, ensuring your oral health remains at its best.
We believe in transparency in our financial dealings. We discuss treatment costs and offer various payment options to fit your budget, ensuring there are no surprises.
Recovery usually takes a few days. To ensure a smooth recovery:
Contact your dentist if you experience prolonged pain, fever, or signs of infection, such as pus or drainage from the incision.
Contact your dentist or oral surgeon if you experience:
Pain and swelling can be managed by:
To prevent dislodging blood clots and avoid dry sockets:
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