- Impacted: The tooth doesn’t fully emerge from the gum. Can grow at an angle, sideways, or stay trapped under the gum or bone. There may not be enough room for the tooth to come in properly which can cause food trapping, gum disease decay and infections
- Infected or Decayed: Hard to clean properly, leading to cavities or gum infections.
- Painful or Swollen: Can cause pressure, discomfort, or even jaw stiffness.
- Preventative Removal: Sometimes removed early to avoid future issues, especially if X-rays show they will become problematic.
At Geans Clinic we are fortunate to have our Consultant Oral Surgeon, Dr Shrina Nathwani who will invite you for a consultation where you will examined and have, if appropriate X-rays and or 3D imaging (CBCT) to assess the tooth’s position to neighboring structures.
Your dentist or oral surgeon will explain the risks, benefits, and options.
You may be asked to follow certain instructions if sedation is used.
Types of Anesthesia
- Local anesthesia: Numbs the mouth; you’re awake.
- Sedation anesthesia: You’re awake but relaxed and drowsy.
- General anesthesia: You’re completely asleep.
During the Procedure, the area is numbed. A small incision is made if the tooth is impacted. The tooth may be broken into smaller pieces for easier removal. Stitches may be placed to close the gums (some dissolve on their own) The process usually takes 30–60 minutes.
What Happens After Surgery?
Right After: You’ll rest until the anesthesia wears off. You’ll be given gauze pads to bite down on to stop bleeding.
You’ll receive aftercare instructions, medications, and possibly a follow-up appointment.
Recovery & Aftercare
Healing Timeline
- Day 1–2: Bleeding, swelling, and discomfort are normal.
- Day 3–4: Swelling may peak, then start to improve.
- Day 5–7: Most major symptoms subside.
- 2 weeks: Healing mostly complete (longer if bone was removed).
Do’s
- Rest and take it easy for a couple of days.
- Use ice packs on the cheeks (20 mins on/off).
- Eat soft foods: yogurt, soup, smoothies, eggs, mashed potatoes.
- Drink plenty of fluids
- Salt water mouth baths for 5 minutes three times a day after 24 hours to help healing.
- Keep your mouth clean but avoid brushing near the site for a day.
Don’ts
- Don’t smoke or vape (slows healing and increases risk of dry socket).
- Don’t rinse (can dislodge blood clot).
- Avoid hard, crunchy, spicy, or hot foods for a few days.
- Don’t do intense physical activity for a few days.
Managing Pain and Swelling
- Use prescribed or over-the-counter pain relievers as directed.
- Apply cold compresses during the first 24–48 hours.
- After 48 hours, you can switch to warm compresses to reduce stiffness.
- Stay hydrated and get plenty of rest.
Complications
Dry Socket can occur when the blood clot at the extraction site is dislodged. Symptoms: Severe pain, bad breath, and bad taste in the mouth. Call your dentist if you suspect dry socket. It’s treatable.
Infection Signs: Fever, swelling that worsens, pus, or persistent pain.
Nerve Damage (Rare): Temporary/permanent numbness, altered sensation, pain to the lower lip, tongue, or chin.
