Extractions & Wisdom Teeth Removal in Newcastle
Graham Johnson Dental Surgery provides professional dental care offering a range of treatments to support long-term oral health.
Extractions Prevent Discomfort & Offer Protection
Tooth extractions, including wisdom teeth removal, may be required if a tooth is damaged, decayed or causing overcrowding. When a tooth is beyond repair, removing it can help prevent discomfort and protect surrounding teeth. Wisdom teeth, located at the back of the mouth, sometimes emerge without enough space, leading to pain, swelling or alignment issues. In these cases, removal may be recommended to maintain oral health.
At Graham Johnson Dental Surgery, extractions are performed with care to ensure the procedure is managed professionally. Whether removing a damaged tooth or addressing wisdom teeth concerns, each step is planned to suit individual needs. With clinics in Newcastle, Beresfield and Jesmond, professional care is available to discuss treatment options.
We also provide dental check-ups, white fillings, cosmetic dentistry, root canal treatment, gum disease treatment, TMJ treatment and dentures. To enquire about extractions or book an appointment, call 0408 665 161.
When Is a Tooth Extraction Needed?
Extractions are considered when a tooth is causing discomfort, affecting surrounding teeth or at risk of further damage. Some of the most common reasons for removal include:
- Severe decay where the tooth is too damaged for a filling or root canal treatment to restore it.
- Wisdom teeth complications, such as impaction, crowding or infection, which may affect neighbouring teeth.
- Infection risk, where a weakened or damaged tooth increases the chance of bacteria spreading.
- Overcrowding, when removing a tooth helps improve spacing and supports overall dental alignment.
- Fractured teeth, where the damage extends beyond what can be repaired with a filling or crown.
Each case is assessed carefully to determine the most appropriate approach. After extraction, aftercare guidance is provided to support healing and protect the surrounding teeth and gums.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is wisdom teeth removal painful?
The procedure itself is not painful, as local anaesthetic or sedation is used to numb the area. Some pressure may be felt during the extraction, but there should not be any discomfort. After the procedure, mild swelling, tenderness or bruising is common, but this can be managed with pain relief and aftercare instructions. Most patients recover within a few days to a week, depending on the complexity of the extraction.
What is the recovery time after a tooth extraction?
Recovery time varies depending on the complexity of the extraction. For a simple extraction, healing usually takes a few days, while wisdom teeth removal may require up to two weeks for full recovery. Following proper aftercare can help speed up healing:
- Rest and avoid strenuous activity for the first 24 hours.
- Apply an ice pack to reduce swelling.
- Eat soft foods and avoid hard, crunchy or spicy foods.
- Avoid smoking or drinking through a straw, as this can dislodge the blood clot and cause dry socket.
- Keep the area clean, following the dentist’s instructions for rinsing and brushing.
What is dry socket and how can it be prevented?
Dry socket occurs when the blood clot that forms after an extraction is dislodged, exposing the underlying bone and nerves. This can cause severe pain and slow down healing. It is more common after wisdom teeth removal and can be prevented by:
- Avoiding smoking, as it increases the risk of clot dislodgement.
- Not using straws, as the suction can remove the clot.
- Eating soft foods and avoiding anything that requires excessive chewing.
- Following proper oral hygiene, gently rinsing as directed by the dentist.
- If dry socket occurs, a dentist can provide treatment to relieve discomfort and promote healing.