How can we help you?
At Northside Dental Solutions, we're dedicated to providing exceptional dental care to our Clayfield community and beyond. We understand that patients often have questions about treatments, costs and what to expect during their visit. This comprehensive FAQ page addresses the most common queries we receive.
Our team believes in transparent communication and patient education. If you can't find the answer you're looking for, please don't hesitate to ring our friendly reception team. We're here to ensure you feel informed and comfortable with all aspects of your dental care journey with us.
Tooth Extraction
A tooth extraction should not be a painful procedure. Before we remove a tooth, the entire area is thoroughly anaesthetised, or numbed, using a local anaesthetic. It is possible to numb any tooth sufficiently to ensure that no pain is felt during the extraction process.
However, one sensation that cannot be completely eliminated by the anaesthetic is pressure. The nerve fibres that detect pressure are different from those that transmit pain. While we can effectively block the pain nerve fibres, the pressure-sensing nerve fibres are not affected in the same way. Therefore, during a tooth removal, you may feel sensations of pushing or pressure, but you should not experience any actual pain.
There are several options for wisdom teeth removal, each with different levels of sedation. The first option is using a local anaesthetic. With this method, you are fully awake, but the area is completely numb. You will not experience pain, but you will feel pressure. This is the most straightforward and cost-effective approach, though it may not be the most comfortable experience for everyone.
A second option is intravenous (IV) or "twilight" sedation. This is administered at our practice by a qualified anaesthetist. You will be in a sleep-like state and will not have any memory of the procedure. This option typically involves an additional cost of around $1,500.
The third option is removal under a general anaesthetic in a hospital setting with a surgeon. This is generally reserved for more complex cases, such as when wisdom teeth are deeply impacted in the jaw or are positioned close to important nerves or the sinus cavity. An anaesthetist will put you completely to sleep for the procedure. While this is the most expensive option, having private health insurance may help reduce the cost.
Not every person requires wisdom teeth extraction, but many benefit from the procedure. The decision depends on several factors that our dental professionals carefully evaluate during your comprehensive examination.
Understanding Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom teeth typically emerge in the late teens or early twenties and can cause complications due to limited space in the jaw. Some people have sufficient room, and their wisdom teeth come through without issues. However, many experience problems such as impaction, where teeth become trapped beneath the gum line or grow at awkward angles.
Common reasons for extraction include:
- Overcrowding, which can misalign your existing teeth
- Partial eruption, creating hard-to-clean areas prone to infection
- Potential damage to adjacent teeth
- Development of cysts or tumours around impacted teeth
- Persistent pain or discomfort
Your Comfort Is Our Top Priority
Our team uses advanced imaging techniques like x-rays to assess your specific situation. We'll examine the position of your wisdom teeth, jaw structure and potential future complications. We'll only recommend extraction if it's necessary for oral health.
Some patients might need all four wisdom teeth removed, while others might require only selective extraction. Each case is unique and requires a personalised professional assessment.
Don't worry about making this decision alone. We'll thoroughly explain our recommendations, ensuring you feel informed and comfortable with tooth extraction in Clayfield or any proposed treatment plan.
There are several key indicators that suggest wisdom teeth may require removal. The primary reason for extraction is often pain. This discomfort can arise when wisdom teeth become difficult to clean due to their position at the back of the mouth, leading to tooth decay. Pain can also originate from the gum tissue surrounding a partially erupted wisdom tooth, as this area is prone to inflammation and infection due to cleaning difficulties.
Another common reason for removal is when wisdom teeth cause irritation by pushing against the cheeks or gums. Furthermore, extraction may be necessary if their inaccessibility for proper cleaning poses a risk to the adjacent teeth, potentially causing them to develop decay.
It is important to understand that not all wisdom teeth need to be removed. The decision is based on a careful assessment of the risks and benefits. We typically recommend extraction only for teeth that are currently causing problems or are highly likely to cause issues in the future. To determine if your wisdom teeth require removal, a professional evaluation is essential. It is best to schedule a consultation with one of the dentists at Northside Dental Solutions for a thorough examination and personalised advice.
Recovery after a tooth removal varies depending on several factors. Generally, younger individuals tend to heal faster. Your overall medical condition also plays a significant role; for instance, conditions like diabetes or any state that compromises the immune system can delay the healing process. The complexity of the procedure is another key factor. The recovery period is influenced by the type and number of teeth extracted. Larger teeth or multiple extractions will naturally require a longer time to heal. Top teeth typically heal more quickly than bottom teeth, with lower wisdom teeth having the longest recovery time.
For a simple, single tooth extraction, one day off work is usually sufficient. Most daily activities can be resumed shortly after, though pain medication might be necessary for comfort. However, for more complex procedures like surgical extractions or the removal of certain wisdom teeth, a few extra days of rest will be required to ensure proper healing.
Following a tooth removal, it is crucial to refrain from eating or drinking anything, including water, for a period of four hours. This allows the blood clot, which is fundamental for healing, to properly form and stabilise, thereby initiating the healing process. Disturbing this clot can result in a painful condition known as a dry socket, which significantly delays recovery. Therefore, it is highly recommended to ensure you are well-nourished and hydrated before your tooth extraction appointment to support optimal healing post-procedure.
The primary goal in dentistry is to preserve natural teeth whenever feasible, as they are essential for functions like chewing and for aesthetics, such as smiling. However, there are specific circumstances where a tooth extraction becomes the necessary course of action.
A tooth extraction is typically recommended when a tooth is severely compromised by extensive decay or infection to the point where restoration is not viable. This also applies if a proposed treatment has a poor or uncertain long-term prognosis. In such cases, investing significant resources into saving a tooth that is unlikely to last for a reasonable period may not be the most practical or beneficial option for the patient. Therefore, the decision to extract a tooth is made when its condition is too advanced for successful treatment or when the outlook for its longevity is very low.