Impacted Tooth Extraction
Safe and Effective Impacted Tooth Removal at Newtown Dental

An impacted tooth is one that fails to fully emerge through the gums or gets stuck beneath the gum line, often due to a lack of space in the mouth. This commonly happens with wisdom teeth, but it can also affect other teeth. When a tooth becomes impacted, it can cause pain, swelling, and infections if left untreated.

Impacted teeth may also push against neighboring teeth, leading to alignment issues or damage to the surrounding bone structure.

Not all impacted teeth cause symptoms right away, but common signs that you may have an impacted tooth include:

• Pain or Discomfort
  You may feel pain or tenderness in the area of the impacted tooth, especially when chewing or applying pressure.
• Swelling and Redness
  The gums around the impacted tooth may become swollen, inflamed, or tender to the touch.
• Jaw Pain or Stiffness
  Impacted teeth can cause discomfort in the jaw, making it difficult to open your mouth fully or chew comfortably.
• Infection
  Infections can develop around impacted teeth, causing bad breath, an unpleasant taste in your mouth, or a pus-like discharge near the tooth.
• Crowding
  If the impacted tooth is pushing against neighboring teeth, you may notice crowding or shifting of your teeth, especially if orthodontic work has already been done.

If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to schedule a consultation to determine if extraction is necessary.

At Newtown Dental, we use the latest techniques to ensure that your impacted tooth extraction is as comfortable and efficient as possible. Here’s what you can expect during the procedure:

1. Consultation and X-Rays
   Your dentist will begin with a thorough examination and digital X-rays to determine the position and severity of the impacted tooth. Based on these findings, we’ll create a personalised treatment plan for your extraction.
2. Local Anesthesia and Sedation Options
   To ensure you remain comfortable, we’ll administer local anesthesia to numb the area around the impacted tooth. For more complex extractions or for patients who feel anxious, we also offer sedation options, including IV sedation or nitrous oxide (laughing gas), to help you relax during the procedure.
3. Surgical Removal
   For most impacted teeth, a surgical extraction is necessary. This involves making a small incision in the gum to access the tooth. In some cases, bone around the tooth may need to be removed, or the tooth may need to be sectioned (cut into smaller pieces) to facilitate removal.
4. Stitches and Aftercare
   After the tooth is removed, the incision will be stitched up, and you’ll be provided with detailed aftercare instructions to promote healing and reduce the risk of complications.

Recovery from an impacted tooth extraction can take a few days to a week, depending on the complexity of the extraction. Here are some tips to help you recover smoothly:

• Manage Swelling and Pain
  Apply cold compresses to reduce swelling in the first 24 hours. Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen can help manage discomfort.
• Soft Diet
  Stick to soft foods like yogurt, soup, mashed potatoes, and smoothies in the days following your extraction to avoid irritating the site.
• Avoid Straws and Smoking
  Refrain from using straws or smoking for at least 48 hours after the procedure, as this can dislodge the blood clot and lead to dry socket, a painful condition that can delay healing.
• Keep the Area Clean
  After 24 hours, gently rinse your mouth with warm salt water to keep the extraction site clean. Be careful not to brush directly over the site.
• Follow Up With Your Dentist
  Attend any follow-up appointments scheduled to ensure your healing is on track and there are no complications.

We’ll provide full aftercare instructions before you leave the clinic and are always available to answer any questions during your recovery.