Restorative Dentistry
Tooth Extractions
Sometimes a tooth is too damaged, decayed, or crowded to keep, and removing it is the healthiest choice. Our team performs extractions gently and comfortably, with numbing and a calm, reassuring approach so you're at ease throughout.
At a glance
- Typical visit
- 20 to 45 minutes
- Comfort
- Local anaesthetic
- Recovery
- A few days for most people
- Aftercare
- Written instructions provided
What it is
Wisdom teeth are the third molars, the last teeth to arrive, and they usually appear in the late teens or early twenties. By then there is often not much room left at the back of the jaw. A wisdom tooth that cannot come through fully is described as impacted: it may stay buried, emerge only partly, or push in at an angle against the molar in front of it. A partly erupted one is difficult to keep clean and can become sore or infected, which is why it is worth assessing.
Not every wisdom tooth needs to come out. Some come through in good position, bite properly, and can be cleaned like any other molar, and those are simply kept under review at your checkups. We look at the X-ray with you, explain what we can see, and make the call together rather than treating removal as automatic.
After an extraction, we'll talk through your options for replacing the tooth — such as an implant or bridge — so your bite, appearance, and oral health stay protected for the long run.
Who it's for
- A tooth too damaged or decayed to repair
- Severe infection that can't be treated another way
- Crowding, or a tooth that needs to come out before orthodontics
- An impacted or partly erupted wisdom tooth that is sore, infected, or hard to clean
- A molar broken or decayed beyond what a crown could hold together
What to expect
- 1
Exam & numbing
We assess the tooth, take an X-ray if needed, and fully numb the area for your comfort.
- 2
Gentle removal
The tooth is removed carefully, preserving the surrounding bone and tissue as much as possible.
- 3
Aftercare guidance
We place gauze, help the area begin to heal, and give you clear, simple aftercare instructions.
- 4
Replacement options
We discuss whether and how to replace the tooth so your smile stays complete.
Recovery & aftercare
Some swelling and mild discomfort for a few days are normal and respond well to over-the-counter pain relief, rest, and cold compresses. Stick to soft foods and avoid using a straw or smoking, which can disrupt healing.
Follow the aftercare steps we provide and the area will steadily heal over the next week or two. We'll check on your progress and help you plan any tooth replacement when you're ready.
Common questions
- Does getting a tooth pulled hurt?
- We numb the area thoroughly, so the extraction itself is comfortable. Afterward, mild soreness is normal and usually well controlled with over-the-counter pain relief.
- How long does it take to heal?
- The initial healing of the gum typically takes about one to two weeks, though the underlying bone continues to heal for longer. We'll give you clear instructions to support recovery.
- Should I replace the tooth?
- In most cases, yes — replacing a missing tooth helps protect your bite and neighbouring teeth. That applies to molars too, even though the gap does not show when you smile: a back tooth carries a real share of the chewing. We'll walk you through options like implants or bridges so you can decide what's best.
- Do all wisdom teeth have to come out?
- No. A wisdom tooth that has come through in a good position, meets the tooth above it properly, and can be brushed and flossed like any other molar can usually be left alone and simply watched at your checkups. Removal is considered when a tooth is impacted, only partly through, repeatedly infected, decayed, or pressing on the molar in front of it.
- What does an impacted wisdom tooth mean?
- It means the tooth does not have enough room to come through fully. It may stay under the gum or bone, break through only partway, or grow in at an angle. Partly erupted wisdom teeth are the ones that most often cause trouble, because the flap of gum over them traps food and bacteria and is very hard to clean.
Sources
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for a professional evaluation. Diagnosis and treatment should always be determined by a qualified dental professional based on your individual condition.
Talk to us about tooth extractions
Have questions or ready to get started? Book a visit and we'll examine, explain your options clearly, and care for your smile from start to finish.