“Does My Tooth Need to Be Pulled?”
In our modern times, the need for tooth extractions has significantly reduced. As dentists, we always try to find ways to protect your natural teeth, as they are much more valuable than any artificial replacements. Nevertheless, there are instances where tooth extraction becomes a necessary step to facilitate treatment and protect your overall health. These situations may include:
- Impacted Wisdom Teeth: When a tooth is unable to erupt properly.
- Severely Damaged or Infected Teeth: Addressing issues that go beyond conventional repair.
- Orthodontic Considerations: Extracting teeth to alleviate overcrowding and aid in orthodontic treatment.
- Health Risks: When overall health is jeopardised due to an infected tooth.
- Decayed Teeth in Preparation for Replacement: Making way for a healthier replacement.
If you’re experiencing pain or observing signs of decay, this does not automatically translate to the need for extraction. The best thing you can do is visit our dental team for a thorough examination. Early detection allows us to preserve your teeth more effectively, offering a range of solutions such as white fillings, root canals or deep cleaning to address issues like tooth pain or infection. Don’t hesitate to contact us today and schedule an appointment with our dental practice in Bristol.
Preventive Care
Investing in preventive care is a key step towards maintaining the longevity of your natural teeth. We strongly recommend regular visits to our practice, ideally at least once a year, for a comprehensive check-up. Additionally, booking an appointment with our skilled hygienist adds an extra layer of care. These routine visits not only enhance your oral well-being but also allow us to identify and address any potential issues at an early stage while they are still treatable.
We offer a convenient monthly payment plan designed to simplify the process of caring for your dental health. By choosing this plan, you not only make it easier to stay consistent with your preventive care, but you will also receive cost savings on routine visits, especially if ongoing monitoring is necessary.
Wisdom Teeth Removal
Wisdom teeth, the last set of molars to develop, typically make their appearance between the ages of 17 and 25. However, their late arrival often brings along a host of challenges. Being the final set of teeth to emerge, wisdom teeth are susceptible to complications such as impaction, decay and gum disease. Furthermore, they can exert pressure on existing teeth, leading to overcrowding and can even contribute to cysts and tumours.
Given these potential issues and the vestigial nature of wisdom teeth in our modern lifestyle, removal becomes prudent when complications arise.
If you find yourself on a waiting list for wisdom teeth removal or are experiencing discomfort possibly linked to your wisdom teeth, our Bristol-based dental practice is here to help. With rising demands and extended waiting times, securing appointments for wisdom tooth removal through NHS services can be difficult, often exceeding 12 months for wisdom teeth removal with sedation.
At The Bristol Dental Practice, our dedicated team strives to provide a prompt solution. We offer appointments within one week, and you can expect to undergo treatment within a month so that you can start feeling like yourself again in no time.
To learn more about wisdom tooth removal at our practice, read our blog on “Where Can I Find Painless Wisdom Tooth Removal?”.
What to Expect During an Extraction
Curious about what to expect during a tooth extraction? Let us walk you through the process:
1) Check-Up:
We initiate the procedure by thoroughly examining your teeth, delving into your dental history, and conducting X-rays and digital scans to assess the precise positioning of the tooth in question.
2) Comfort Measures:
Next, we administer a local anaesthetic to numb the surrounding area, ensuring a pain-free experience. For those who choose sedation, this is the point at which it will be introduced to make you feel relaxed and comfortable.
3) Tooth Removal:
With meticulous care, we will extract the identified tooth. In some cases, a small incision may be necessary to reach the tooth, followed by the use of dissolvable stitches for closure.
4) Discussing Replacements:
If the tooth isn’t a wisdom tooth or needs removal for orthodontic reasons, we’ll talk about options for replacing it. At The Bristol Dental Practice, we offer many solutions for replacing missing teeth, including dental implants, bridges and dentures, ensuring you have choices that align with your needs.
5) Aftercare
Post-extraction, we will provide detailed aftercare instructions to support proper healing and ensure your comfort during recovery.
Anaesthesia & Sedation
A common question we frequently get asked at our practice, particularly from nervous patients, is whether a general anaesthetic is an option for their dental procedure. While the desire to be asleep during dental work is understandable, it’s crucial to acknowledge that general anaesthesia is typically reserved for only hospital settings due to its higher risk profile, necessitating constant vital monitoring.
In the interest of your safety, most dentists, including ours, do not offer general anaesthesia for dental procedures. Instead, we provide a safe and effective alternative known as conscious sedation, specifically through Intravenous (IV) sedation. Administered through an IV line into the back of your hand, this technique lets you stay awake and responsive throughout the procedure. While conscious, you will experience a deep sense of relaxation, and time will pass quickly. Remarkably, some patients even have limited recollection of the procedure, making this method an excellent choice for individuals dealing with dental phobia.
Our Team
We are a trusted and experienced dental practice with a highly skilled team that can handle even the most complex dental cases, including those typically treated in a hospital. As a result, we receive referrals from dentists all over the South West who attest to our expertise and professionalism.
Meet our team to learn more about us.
Final Thoughts
If you’re grappling with dental discomfort and questioning whether your tooth needs extraction, don’t hesitate to contact us. At our practice, preserving your natural teeth is our top priority, and we’re dedicated to exploring every possible avenue to ensure your best smile.
In cases where extraction, especially wisdom tooth removal, becomes necessary, rest assured that our experienced team is proficient at performing these procedures with a focus on simplicity and pain-free outcomes.
We understand that dental anxiety can be a real barrier to seeking care, which is why we offer sedation options. This ensures your relaxation throughout the entire process, dispelling any fears of pain or stress.
Reach out to our team today at 0117 405 4362 or book an appointment online. We look forward to hearing from you.