Frequently Asked Questions About Tooth Extractions

Tooth extraction is a common procedure to address severe tooth decay or a broken tooth that a filling or root canal cannot fix. Dentists on the Gold Coast compiled answers to the questions that our patients ask us most frequently. Read on to discover how to prepare for your tooth extraction procedure and how to care for your teeth afterwards.

How many teeth can I have extracted at once?

There is no limit to the number of teeth you can have extracted at once. While having multiple teeth extracted during the same procedure is rare, it is sometimes the only option for patients with severe tooth decay. If you do have severe tooth decay, we recommend having multiple teeth extracted during a single visit versus coming into the office for multiple procedures. This will prevent the bacteria from spreading further and affecting more teeth between visits.

What is the difference between pulling a tooth and tooth extraction?

While the terms are typically used interchangeably, technically, pulling a tooth and having a tooth extraction are different procedures. Pulling a tooth, or a simple tooth extraction involves removing a tooth above the gumline. A surgical extraction is used to remove teeth below the gumline. Your dental surgeon will make an incision and will sometimes have to break the tooth into smaller pieces to remove it.

What are the steps for proper tooth extraction aftercare?

Having multiple teeth extracted is a serious procedure. Cleaning and caring for your mouth at home is an important part of the recovery process. Dentists on the Gold Coast will provide you with aftercare instructions for your specific procedure, but generally, you should:

• Avoid eating and drinking for at least two hours after your procedure.
• Eat soft foods and fluids only for at least a few days after your procedure.
• Do not brush or rinse your teeth for at least 12 hours after your procedure.
• When you brush, avoid the extraction area and be careful not to dislodge the blood clot, which forms to help you heal.

Can a tooth extraction improve my oral health?

Both simple and surgical tooth extractions improve your oral health! We perform a tooth extraction when tooth decay is too severe to salvage the tooth otherwise. By removing the decaying tooth, we prevent the bacteria from spreading to other teeth and your gums. Furthermore, if we are removing an impacted tooth, it is typically to reduce the pressure that tooth is putting on your other teeth and gums. This pressure causes misalignment so removing the tooth gives the rest of your bite a chance to form properly.

Prepare For Your Tooth Extraction Procedure

Dentists on the Gold Coast will provide you with comprehensive instructions to prepare you before, during and after your tooth extraction procedure. Whether you need a single tooth pulled or multiple teeth extracted, our expert dentists in Queensland will make your experience as seamless as possible.

Schedule your dental cleaning appointment today and talk to us about your tooth extraction concerns. Call Dentists on the Gold Coast on 07 5689 5460.