What is a tooth extraction?

Sometimes, you may need to have a tooth taken out. This is called a tooth extraction. This tooth extraction is usually done by a dentist or an oral surgeon. There are various reasons why you might need to have a tooth taken out. Read below to find out what to expect during and after this dental procedure.

When might I need a tooth extraction?

You might need to have a tooth taken out if you have:

• bad gum disease
• bad tooth decay (cavities)
• a deep infection in a tooth
• a broken tooth
• orthodontic reasons e.g. overcrowding of teeth
• problems with a wisdom tooth
• trauma affecting your tooth or teeth

Wisdom teeth are the last adult teeth to arrive. Sometimes they need to be removed. They can become stuck if there is not enough space for these teeth to grow into your mouth.

What does a tooth extraction involve?

Before a tooth extraction

Your dentist will:

• look at your affected tooth
• look at the gums around the tooth
• check your medical history
• take dental x-rays

During a tooth extraction

The extraction is done either under local anaesthetic at a dentist's office or general anaesthetic in hospital.

If you need a tooth removed, your dentist will usually give you a local anaesthetic. The local anaesthetic will numb your tooth and gums. This is done so you don't feel pain.

Your dentist will then use a special tool to loosen the tooth in the gum. Once the tooth is loose, the dentist will take the tooth out. Your dentist uses forceps to take the tooth out.

Sometimes a tooth extraction is more complicated. If this is the case, you might need to be given a general anaesthetic in hospital. A general anaesthetic will put you to sleep. You won't feel any pain during the procedure.

After a tooth extraction

After your tooth has been removed, your dentist will need to make sure the gum socket is clean. The socket is the hole in the jawbone where the tooth used to be. You might need a stitch to close the hole.

You will have a little bit of bleeding after the tooth extraction. Your dentist will ask you to bite down on a piece of gauze to stop the bleeding.

After 1 to 2 hours, the anaesthetic will wear off. You will probably have some pain and discomfort. Your mouth may feel swollen.

Your dentist might write you a prescription for antibiotics or pain relief medicine. They may also suggest an over-the-counter medicine from the pharmacy. You may find an ice pack can help with pain and swelling.

How long does it take to get better after a tooth extraction?

Usually, the wound takes up to 2 weeks to heal.

How do I care for myself after tooth extraction?

You'll probably be told to eat soft foods. The dentist will tell you to try and chew on the other side of your mouth for a while. Be careful not to bite your tongue, lip or cheek while it's still numb.

For the first 24 hours you should:

• rest and not play physical sports
• not smoke
• not drink alcohol

Try not to rinse your mouth — this may cause you to lose the blood clot in the wound. The clot is important for normal healing.

After 24 hours you can gently rinse your mouth after meals and before bed. You can use a mixture of half a teaspoon of salt dissolved in a glass of lukewarm water.

Try not to lie down flat. Rest with your head slightly lifted.

What are the possible problems after tooth extraction?

The most common complications of tooth extraction are:

• pain
• swelling
• infection
• bleeding
• short-term numbness

When should I speak to my dentist?

Speak to your dentist if you have:

• ongoing very bad pain — this may be caused by a complication called dry socket
• a lot of bleeding
• a fever — a temperature over 38°C
• swelling that does not go down or gets worse

Are there other options besides tooth extraction?

Ask your dentist to explain any alternatives to tooth extraction. Ask for advice about the benefits and risks of each option.

What are the costs of tooth extraction?

Before you have any treatment, ask your dentist or oral surgeon for a quote. Ask them to include item numbers for the procedure.

If you have private health insurance, check whether it covers tooth extraction. If you are having a tooth out in your dentist's dental surgery, it may be covered under general dental treatment (extras) cover. If you need surgery, it's usually considered 'major dental'. You will need to have hospital cover if the extraction is done in a hospital.

You can check with your state health department for public oral health services. Children aged from 2 to 17 years might be able to get free basic dental services — check with Services Australia.

Resources and support

Learn more about caring for your teeth and gums at Teeth.org.au which is a health information website created by the Australian Dental Association.

Find out about public dental health clinics provided by the Australian Government.

You can also call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak with you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.