Extraction may be considered when a tooth cannot reasonably be restored, or for other clinical reasons such as problematic wisdom teeth or an orthodontic plan. Your dentist will assess the tooth and explain alternatives, the procedure, risks and fees. Ask about available pain and anxiety management options.
Your dentist may recommend removing a tooth when:
Where there’s a reasonable way to keep the tooth, such as root canal therapy, we’ll explain it so you can compare the options. If you have severe pain or swelling now, see our emergency dentist page.
Wisdom teeth usually come through between about 18 and 25 years of age. Many people don’t have enough room for them, so they may come through at an angle, only partly break through the gum, or stay trapped in the jaw (impacted).
Not every wisdom tooth needs to come out. Healthy wisdom teeth that are fully through and easy to clean can often stay and be checked at your regular visits. Removal may be recommended if a wisdom tooth is impacted, keeps getting infected, is decayed, or is damaging the tooth in front.
We’ll assess your wisdom teeth with an examination and a panoramic X-ray. Many can be removed in the chair under local anaesthetic. More complex cases may be referred to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, sometimes for treatment under sedation or general anaesthetic in hospital.
Local anaesthetic is commonly used. Depending on the tooth, removal may be straightforward or may involve an opening in the gum, removing bone or dividing the tooth. Complex cases may need referral.
Risks include pain, swelling, bleeding, infection, dry socket and damage to nearby teeth or tissues. Some extractions carry a risk of nerve injury or sinus involvement. Recovery varies; follow the individual written aftercare instructions and contact your dentist about worsening symptoms.
Call 000 for difficulty breathing or swallowing, rapidly spreading swelling or another serious emergency. Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
After an extraction, options may include leaving the space, a denture, bridge or implant, depending on the tooth and your needs. Each has its own risks, maintenance requirements and costs. Bone grafting may be considered in some implant plans and adds treatment and healing time.
Ask for an itemised estimate covering the extraction, imaging, follow-up and any proposed replacement. No replacement option is suitable for everyone.
Contact Sydney CBD Dentistry on (02) 8090 1105 to ask about current fees. Your dentist can provide an individual treatment estimate after assessment.
