Extractions and Wisdom Teeth
Teeth are not expendable, and removing them is a decision we never take lightly. At Dr Ben Dunster’s dental clinic, located in Hornsby, both Dr Ben and Dr Clint will provide all available treatment alternatives first.
Sometimes, the only solution is to remove a troublesome or symptomatic tooth to protect your oral health and your overall health. If this occasion arises, our team will be here to provide comfortable and compassionate dental extractions along with any tooth-replacement options available.
When an Extraction Becomes Necessary
Certain circumstances may lead to a recommendation for an extraction.
- Advanced infection
- Periodontal disease
- Teeth broken at or below the gumline
- Symptomatic wisdom teeth
- Overcrowding
- Damaged root canal teeth
- Advanced decay
- Preparation for complete dentures
We perform both standard and surgical extractions here in our clinic. Our dentists understand that this can be an emotional decision to make. We will guide you through the process and offer ways for you to enjoy a complete smile again.
Wisdom Teeth Extractions
The removal of wisdom teeth, also called third molars, is almost considered a rite of passage for young adults. The most common problem with wisdom teeth is that overcrowding makes it impossible for wisdom teeth to erupt entirely and become a part of normal occlusion (the way your bite comes together).
As a result, wisdom teeth may never fully emerge, which presents a risk of pain or infection. They may also erupt at angles that put pressure on adjacent teeth or their roots, causing a misaligned bite or even tooth loss.
Not all wisdom teeth require removal. If yours are giving you problems or a toothache, we will be happy to take a digital x-ray of the area and make a recommendation for treatment.
Post-Operative Care
The mouth tends to heal quickly with the proper care. Here are a few steps you can take to promote complete and efficient healing:
Avoid smoking cigarettes or drinking through a straw. Once your extraction is complete, the healing process begins with the formation of healing tissue within the socket. The suction from smoking or drinking through a straw can dislodge this tissue and cause a painful dry socket.
Be gentle when cleaning. Avoid brushing directly on the extraction site. Instead, gently swish warm salt water to clear away any food particles. You can brush directly again once new skin forms over the extraction.
Avoid chewing on the area. You will likely want to avoid this since you might feel sensitive for a few days, but it also makes good sense to help keep the area protected and clean.
We Welcome New Patients
Do you have a tooth that is giving you trouble? Hornsby dentists Dr Ben and Dr Clint will find the answers you need to make a good choice regarding the health of your smile. We invite you to contact our clinic to arrange an appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
When it comes to oral health, pain is typically a sign that something is wrong and requires your immediate attention. Most dental conditions do not present symptoms until they are well advanced, making your routine dental visits an essential part of your health regimen.
Third molars, or wisdom teeth, are the last permanent teeth to erupt. While most people have four, it is not uncommon to have three or fewer.
Wisdom teeth usually become painful when they are impacted, or growing in at an atypical angle. This occurs because there is often limited space at the back of the mouth for them to erupt normally. Sometimes, wisdom teeth become painful yet erupt without incident, but since they are more prone to decay and periodontal disease due to their location at the back of the mouth, they become problematic.
If you experience painful wisdom teeth or any other pain inside your mouth, we invite you to call and arrange a booking so that Hornsby dentists Dr Ben and Dr Clint will have the opportunity to evaluate your condition, make an accurate diagnosis and provide all of your treatment options.
We prioritise patient comfort and will provide gentle treatment to solve your problem so you can get back to your routine and eat comfortably.
Meet Our Doctor:
Dr Ben Dunster BSc BDS (Otago)
Principal Dentist
Ben was born in Christchurch, NZ and grew up on a farm in North Canterbury before moving to the hustle and bustle of Sydney in 1995.
As a New Zealand native, Dr Ben earned his Bachelor of Science degree at Christchurch University before attending Otago University for his Bachelor of Dentistry degree.
Dr Ben has worked in the Hornsby area since 1996 and enjoys being a part of this community. He purchased this dental practice in 2002 and recently welcomed an associate.
‘I love creating amazing smiles, treating children, relieving patients from pain ...