Gentle
Emergency Extractions
You Can Rely On

• Local anaesthesia is applied to numb the extraction site thoroughly. This means you won’t experience any pain during the procedure, allowing for a more comfortable experience.


• During the emergency tooth extraction, the most you’ll feel is some pressure as the tooth is carefully removed. However, this sensation is usually not painful and is well-tolerated by most patients.


• After the extraction, any discomfort you may experience is usually mild and can be effectively managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. The pain usually subsides within a few days.

No, tooth extraction does not usually provide immediate relief. While removing a problematic tooth often relieves pain from infection or decay, the process can cause some discomfort. This is normal and usually fades as healing progresses.

• Immediately After Extraction:
  Pain can be moderate to severe depending on your pain tolerance as the anaesthetic wears off. Swelling and bruising may occur, with discomfort often peaking within the first 24 to 48 hours.
• First 48 Hours:
  Discomfort from the extraction is generally at its worst. Pain intensity and swelling are particularly noticeable during this period.
• 3-7 Days:
  Pain should begin to diminish significantly. Most patients experience a substantial reduction in discomfort, with only minor soreness possibly lingering.
• 1-2 Weeks:
  Most residual soreness will continue to decrease. Healing is ongoing, with any remaining pain being minimal.
• 2-4 Weeks:
  The extraction site should be healing well, and any remaining discomfort should be minimal to none. Complete healing of the extraction site continues during this time.

Yes, a dentist can pull a tooth that is broken off at the gum line. However, the procedure may be more complex than removing a whole tooth. Below are the factors that can influence the process:

• Tooth Structure:
  If a significant portion of the tooth is broken off, removing the remaining fragments can be more challenging. The dentist may need to use special instruments like a surgical drill. This breaks the tooth into smaller pieces and removes bone safely.
• Location:
  Front teeth are generally easier to access and remove compared to back teeth, which may be harder to reach. Additionally, back teeth often have multiple roots, making extraction more complex. The dentist may need to make incisions in the gum or remove bone to access and extract the tooth.
• Infection or Decay:
  Infection or decay can make the extraction more complicated because the affected tissues may be inflamed or infected. The dentist may need to clean the area thoroughly and prescribe antibiotics to address the problem.
• Root Condition:
  Teeth with curved or multi-branched roots are more challenging to remove. This is due to their complex structure and higher risk of breaking into fragments. The dentist may section the tooth into smaller pieces to facilitate its removal. Alternatively, a surgical extraction may be performed to carefully remove the roots and avoid leaving any fragments behind.
• Patient’s Overall Health:
  Certain medical conditions can affect the extraction procedure. For instance, diabetes can impair wound healing and increase the risk of infection due to high blood sugar levels. Thus, the dentist may take additional precautions or modify the procedure for a safe and effective extraction.

Your safety and comfort come first at Huntingdale-Thornlie Dental. Our team will properly assess your situation and handle your tooth extraction with precision for a smooth and positive experience.

Yes, a dentist can pull a tooth if it’s infected. However, they will consider the following factors before proceeding with the extraction:

• Severe Infection:
  If the infection has extensively damaged the tooth or surrounding tissues, extraction may be necessary. This is to remove the source of infection and prevent it from spreading. Depending on the severity of the infection, the dentist may prescribe antibiotics first.
• Ineffectiveness of Root Canal Treatment:
  If a root canal treatment is not feasible or has failed, extraction might be necessary to address the infection.
• Prevention of Further Complications:
  Extracting the infected tooth can prevent the infection from affecting adjacent teeth or other areas of the mouth.

Through proper evaluation, we can determine if immediate tooth removal is necessary for your infected tooth. Our dedicated dentists will develop a customised treatment plan tailored to your specific needs so you receive high-quality dental care.

Tooth extraction healing time usually ranges from one to two weeks for initial healing. However, complete healing of the bone on the extraction site can take three to six months. Below are the factors that can influence it:

Complexity of the Extraction:

• Simple Extractions:
  For straightforward extractions of a visible tooth, healing usually takes about one to two weeks. This involves basic removal with minimal disruption to surrounding tissues.
• Complex Extractions:
  For teeth with multiple roots or those that are impacted, healing can take longer, generally two to four weeks for initial recovery. These extractions may require more extensive surgical techniques, which can extend the healing time.

Overall Health:

• Chronic Conditions:
  Certain health issues can slow down healing. For example, diabetes patients may experience prolonged tooth extraction healing time, extending to six weeks or more. This is due to impaired blood sugar control.
• Healthy Individuals:
  For those in good health, the healing process might be faster. They may complete initial recovery within one to two weeks, with full healing taking up to three months.

Aftercare Compliance:

• Adhering to Instructions:
  Proper aftercare, such as maintaining oral hygiene and following dietary restrictions, can lead to a smoother recovery. This helps reduce complications and may keep the healing time closer to the lower end of the expected range.
• Neglecting Care:
  Failing to follow aftercare instructions, such as avoiding the surgical site or eating hard or sticky foods like candies and gum, can prolong healing. It can also increase the risk of infection, potentially extending the tooth extraction healing time beyond the usual range.

By understanding these factors, you can better manage your recovery for a more efficient healing process.

After a tooth extraction, you can usually resume eating soft foods within 24 to 48 hours. However, it’s important to avoid hard, chewy, or hot foods for at least a week for proper healing.

• First 24-48 Hours:
  Stick to soft, cold foods that require minimal chewing, such as yoghurt, applesauce, and smoothies. Don’t use a straw, as the suction motion might disturb the blood clot that forms to protect the extraction site.
• 3-7 Days:
  Gradually introduce more soft foods like mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, and well-cooked pasta. Continue to avoid hard, crunchy, or sticky foods, such as nuts, chips, and caramel, which could irritate the extraction site.
• 1 Week and Beyond:
  As healing progresses, you can start reintroducing more solid foods, but continue to avoid very hard or chewy items. Tender meats, cooked vegetables, and soft fruits can be included as long as they don’t cause discomfort.

If tooth pain becomes unbearable, contact an emergency dentist immediately. They will evaluate your situation to determine the appropriate treatment. While waiting for your dental appointment, you can do the following to manage the discomfort:

• Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers:
  Use non-prescription pain relief medications to help reduce pain.
• Cold Compress:
  Apply a cold compress or ice pack to the outside of your cheek to numb the area and reduce swelling.
• Salt Water Rinse:
  Rinse your mouth with warm salt water to soothe the pain and reduce inflammation.
• Clove Oil:
  Apply clove oil to the affected area with a cotton ball for temporary pain relief.

These measures can help manage the discomfort until you receive professional dental care. Book an appointment with Huntingdale-Thornlie Dental today to receive prompt and effective treatment for your tooth pain.

Yes, you can go to the ER for extreme dental pain and other dental emergencies if you cannot access immediate dental care. Here are the benefits of going to the ER:

• Immediate Pain Relief:
  The ER can administer strong pain medications or prescribe pain relievers to help manage severe discomfort.
• Infection Control:
  If there’s an infection causing the pain, the ER can provide antibiotics and treatment to control the infection and prevent it from spreading.
• Emergency Evaluation:
  The ER staff can assess the severity of the dental issue and provide initial treatment. They can advise on the next steps, which may include immediate tooth removal if necessary. They will also guide you on how to manage the pain.

While the ER is equipped to handle emergency dental issues, follow-up with your dentist is still essential. Consult with us today so we can provide comprehensive treatment for your tooth pain.