Every Smile Deserves the Best
At Melbourne Street Dental Studio in South Brisbane, we prioritize preserving your natural teeth whenever possible. However, when a tooth is severely damaged, infected, or causing complications, a dental extraction may be necessary to protect your overall oral health.
Our experienced dentists will explain your options and aim to make your extraction as comfortable as possible. Whether it’s a damaged tooth, impacted wisdom teeth, or an orthodontic concern, we’re here to help.
What Are Dental Extractions?
A dental extraction is a surgical procedure to remove a tooth that is beyond repair or causing issues for neighboring teeth. While tooth removal is always a last resort, it is sometimes necessary to prevent pain, infection, and long-term oral health problems.
At Melbourne Street Dental Studio, we assess every case individually, exploring all possible alternatives before recommending an extraction.
When Are Tooth Extractions Necessary?
Tooth extractions are recommended in cases where the tooth cannot be saved or is negatively impacting oral health. Common reasons for extraction include:
- Severe Tooth Decay – When cavities extend deep into the tooth, making restoration impossible.
- Fractured or Broken Teeth – If the tooth structure or roots are fractured, it may need removal.
- Impacted Wisdom Teeth – Wisdom teeth that don’t fully erupt can cause pain, infection, or damage to surrounding teeth.
- Recurrent Infections or Abscesses – Persistent infections affecting the bone or gum tissue may require extraction.
- Orthodontic Reasons – Removing teeth may be necessary for proper alignment in orthodontic treatments.
- Periodontal Disease – Severe gum disease can weaken teeth, leading to necessary removal.
Types of Tooth Extractions
At Melbourne Street Dental Studio, we perform:
- Simple Extractions – Carried out on a tooth visible in the mouth, under local anaesthetic.
- Surgical Extractions – Required for impacted, broken, or deeply rooted teeth, often including minor surgical techniques.
Healing time varies. Our dentist will give you aftercare instructions.
Post-Extraction Care – Ensuring a Smooth Recovery
Most extraction sites heal over days to weeks, but healing varies between patients. Here’s what to expect after your extraction:
- Swelling & Inflammation – Mild swelling is normal and usually subsides within 48 to 72 hours.
- Bleeding – Some minor bleeding may occur but should stop with proper gauze placement.
- Bruising – You may notice slight bruising around the gums or face.
- Difficulty Opening the Mouth (Trismus) – Particularly after wisdom tooth extractions.
- General Discomfort – Contact us if you have fever, severe pain or ongoing bleeding. If swelling affects your breathing or swallowing.
- Dry Socket (Alveolitis) – can occur if the blood clot is disturbed. Contact us if pain increases a few days after extraction.
How to Speed Up Healing After a Tooth Extraction
- Bite down on gauze for 30-45 minutes to control bleeding.
- Apply an ice pack to reduce swelling.
- Avoid smoking, alcohol, and drinking through a straw for 48 hours.
- Stick to soft foods like yogurt, soups, and mashed potatoes.
- Take prescribed or recommended pain relief as needed.
- Maintain oral hygiene but avoid brushing the extraction site directly.
At Melbourne Street Dental Studio, we understand that tooth extractions can be intimidating, but our dentists will discuss comfort options and answer your questions before treatment.
Do You Need a Tooth Extraction in South Brisbane? Contact Us