Even if you follow a good oral hygiene routine and visit your dentist regularly, there might still be times when a tooth, or teeth, need to be pulled.
Usually, we need to extract a tooth because it is badly damaged from decay or other trauma and can no longer be repaired. Other times you may need teeth pulled because of overcrowding, infection or risk of infection.
Rest assured, our dentists will explore every other possible treatment before recommending an extraction.
The dentists at North Hill Dental are highly trained in many areas, including extractions. Before pulling your tooth, they will numb the area with a local anaesthetic.
Once the tooth is fully removed, your dentist will pack gauze into the socket to help stop any bleeding. Occasionally, self-dissolving stitches are used to close up the gum over the extraction site.
Keep in mind that swelling or discomfort is common for a few days after the extraction. However, if any pain, swelling or bleeding persists, contact your dentist on 01206 577912.
If you cannot reach your dentist you will need to go to A and E.
Avoid excessive exercise for several hours, rest by sitting in a chair and use an extra pillow the first night to keep your head elevated
Use the clean bite pack provided or a spare handkerchief and bite down firmly for 10-15mins while sitting upright.
If the bleeding does not stop on its own, keep sitting up and clear your mouth of loose blood clots with a clean linen square or tissue so that you can find where the socket is bleeding- this is important- and place the pad directly on it.
Compress the pad on the bleeding socket by biting down on it for 30-40 minutes. Avoid lying down.
If it continues to bleed, inspect the socket again and replace the pad.
If your efforts are unsuccessful after an hour or two contact your dentist.
North Hill Dental
46 North Hill
Colchester
Essex, CO1 1PY
North Hill Dental Layer Road 172 Layer Road. Colchester, CO2 9LA
