Tooth Extractions

Our dentists will only recommend removing a tooth as a last resort, if treatments such as crowns or root canal therapy aren’t an option, or if a tooth is causing other problems. These situations can include:

• Extensive tooth decay or damage
• Deep cracks in the tooth
• The tooth has been loosened by gum disease
• A wisdom tooth is impacted or causing other problems

In some cases, teeth may be extracted as preparation for another dental treatment, such as removing a tooth that may cause problems with orthodontic treatment or removing any remaining teeth before fitting full dentures.

Wisdom teeth are the last teeth to erupt in the mouth, usually in a person’s late teens to early adulthood. Wisdom teeth don’t need to be removed if they’re developing normally and there’s enough space in your jaw to accommodate them, but problems are common. Our dentists recommend wisdom tooth extraction for:

• Impacted wisdom teeth trapped inside the gum
• Partially erupted wisdom teeth that can be more prone to decay
• Over-erupted wisdom teeth that may affect your bite
• Wisdom teeth likely to cause crowding or misalignment of the surrounding teeth

If a wisdom tooth is likely to cause problems in the future, our dentists may recommend extraction as a preventive measure at a younger age, when the teeth and bones are still growing and treatment is generally easier.

Extractions may be simple or complex, depending on the condition of the tooth.

• Simple extractions involve loosening a tooth by gently rocking it from side to side and pulling it loose using forceps.
• For more complex extractions, such as removing an impacted wisdom tooth or a tooth damaged by gum disease, minor oral surgery may be needed to open the gum and carefully remove the tooth, along with any pockets of bacteria.

To avoid pain and discomfort, tooth extractions are performed under local anaesthesia or other sedation methods, depending on the complexity of the procedure and your individual needs. Our dentists can also discuss your options for tooth replacement after your mouth has healed, to restore your bite and your smile.

Book an appointment

If you have a toothache or other problem with your tooth, extraction may not be the only option. The sooner you see a dentist, the greater the chance they can save a tooth. Book an appointment with our experienced dentists in Chatswood by calling 02 9412 3805 or booking online, and we’ll make sure you know all your options for relieving pain and restoring your oral health.