Tooth extractions, carefully planned
An extraction removes a tooth from its socket. It’s usually a last resort, when a tooth is badly damaged, infected or causing other problems, including impacted wisdom teeth.
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What is a tooth extraction?
An extraction means taking out a tooth that can’t be saved, or that is causing problems. We aim to keep your natural teeth where we can, so we only suggest it when it is the most suitable option for you.
Simple extraction
For teeth that are visible and can be removed whole.
Surgical extraction
For broken or impacted teeth, which may involve a small incision.
Tooth removal in pictures
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Removing a tooth. What happens on the day, from numbing to the first stage of healing.
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Step by step Extractions: how it works
Step 1 A badly damaged tooth is assessed with X-rays or a 3D scan.
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- A badly damaged tooth is assessed with X-rays or a 3D scan.
- The area is numbed, and the tooth is gently loosened.
- The tooth is removed, and gauze helps a blood clot form in the socket.
- The gum heals over the following weeks, and the bone fills in over the following months.
Wisdom teeth. Not every wisdom tooth needs to come out. Your dentist looks at its position, the room available and any symptoms first.
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Step by step Wisdom teeth: how it works
Step 1 Wisdom teeth usually come through between about 17 and 25.
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- Wisdom teeth usually come through between about 17 and 25.
- Sometimes there isn’t enough room, and the tooth is stuck at an angle (impacted).
- An X-ray or 3D scan shows its position, its roots and the nearby nerve.
- Your dentist talks with you about monitoring or removal. If it is removed, the socket heals over the following weeks.
Treatment facts
Plain-language answers to common questions. General information only: your dentist will explain your own options, risks and costs after examining you.
Is it right for me?
It may suit you if
- a tooth is badly broken or decayed and can’t be repaired
- there is severe gum disease and the tooth is loose
- a wisdom tooth is stuck and causing pain, swelling or infection
- teeth need to be removed before braces or a denture
Worth knowing first
- Tell us about all your medicines, especially blood thinners and bone medicines (such as bisphosphonates).
- Smoking raises the risk of a painful dry socket.
- A gap can let nearby teeth move, so think about whether you want to replace the tooth.
What happens
Check and X-rays
We look at the tooth, take X-rays and go through your health and medicines.
Numbing
Local anaesthetic numbs the area. You may feel pressure, but you shouldn’t feel sharp pain.
Removing the tooth
The tooth is gently loosened and removed. Some teeth are taken out in pieces, and stitches may be used.
often 30–60 minutesBite on gauze
A clot forms in the socket. This is the start of healing, so it is important to protect it.
Healing
Most discomfort settles within 3 to 7 days. The gum heals over a few weeks.
about a week to feel betterReview
We may check healing at about a week, and talk about replacing the tooth if needed.
Times are typical ranges only. Your dentist will give you your own plan.
Recovery and aftercare
The first few days
- Rest, and bite on gauze if it oozes. Some bleeding on the first day is normal.
- For the first 24 hours, don’t rinse hard, spit, smoke or drink through a straw.
- Eat soft, cool food and chew on the other side.
- Use an ice pack on the cheek for swelling, and take pain relief as advised.
Looking after it long term
- After the first day, rinse gently with warm salty water after meals.
- Keep brushing your other teeth, gently near the socket.
- Talk to us about an implant, bridge or denture if you want to fill the gap.
When to call us: ring (08) 9330 7115 if you have heavy bleeding, pain or swelling that is getting worse, or a fever. If you have trouble breathing or swallowing, call 000.
Risks to know about
Every treatment has some risks. Your dentist will talk you through the ones that apply to you.
- Dry socket: the blood clot is lost, causing pain a few days later. Smoking raises the risk.
- Bleeding, swelling or bruising for a few days.
- Infection in the socket.
- Nerve injury with lower wisdom teeth: numbness or tingling of the lip, chin or tongue, usually short term but rarely permanent.
- A sinus opening with some upper back teeth.
- Damage to nearby teeth or fillings, or a jaw that is stiff for a while.
Ways risk is lowered: X-rays and a 3D scan for difficult teeth, checking your medicines, careful technique, and following the aftercare advice.
Other options
Saving the tooth
Root canal treatment, a filling or a crown may save some teeth. Ask whether this is possible for you.
Replacing the tooth
An implant, bridge or denture can fill the gap afterwards.
Cost and paying
What affects the cost
- how difficult the tooth is to remove
- whether it is a wisdom tooth
- X-rays or a 3D scan
- sedation, if used
- stitches and follow-up visits
We can’t give an exact price before we examine you. You’ll get a written, itemised plan and estimate before any treatment starts. Health fund rebates depend on your fund and level of cover.
Paying for an extraction
- Estimate first. For planned treatment you get a written estimate with item numbers before you start.
- Claim on the day. Bring your health fund card. We claim on the spot with Tyro, so you pay only the gap.
- Check your cover. Use the health fund checker to see which item numbers to ask your fund about.
- Ways to pay. EFTPOS and card, including tap and pay. Payment plans are available through Tyro and are tailored to each patient. Ask us about eligibility, terms and any fees before you start. Fees and payments
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner. Suitability, treatment time and results vary from person to person.
Common questions
What is the difference between a simple and a surgical extraction?
A simple extraction removes a visible tooth. A surgical extraction is used for teeth that are broken at the gum line or not fully erupted, like some wisdom teeth.
What can I do to help healing?
Protect the blood clot: bite on gauze as advised, avoid rinsing hard, spitting, straws and smoking, and eat soft foods. See our aftercare guide.
Should the gap be replaced?
It depends on the tooth. Options include implants, bridges and dentures, and your dentist will talk them through with you.
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Information adapted from our main website, myareedental.com. General information only; it isn’t a substitute for advice from your dentist. Fees are confirmed in a written treatment plan after your examination.
Your next step
Request an appointment online, call or text our team.