Tooth Extraction Risks

What are the Risks Associated with Tooth Extractions?

At Smile Cliniq, we strive to ensure the techniques, instruments and materials we use will minimise any tooth extraction risks to our patients. Please note, any side effects and complications are uncommon to rare with tooth extraction. Also, some of the complications associated with tooth extraction risks are no different to any other extractions or oral surgery that you may have experienced previously, the difference being you are now more aware of them.

There may be some pain or discomfort as well as swelling that follows a tooth extraction procedure and this may require pain killers to be administered. There may also be some bleeding of the socket following the procedure. This is usually minor and is easily controlled by applying pressure to the area with a pack given at the time of the extraction.

Occasional to Rare Tooth Extraction Risks:

There are some tooth extraction risks and potential complications when undertaking the procedure. This can include:

• Infection of the extraction socket (dry socket); this may cause some pain and discomfort but is usually easily managed by the oral surgeon/dentist.
• Biting of the numb lip which may cause trauma to the lip after the teeth have been extracted.
• Bruising to the area of the injection and or overlying skin in the area of tooth extraction.
• For the lower wisdom teeth, damage to the Inferior Dental Nerve of the Mandible (lower jaw) is possible. This nerve passes very close to the root of the lower wisdom tooth and occasionally comes into contact with it. The nerve gives feeling to the lower teeth, lower lip, and chin on that side of the jaw. If this nerve is very close to the area of tooth extraction surgery, there is a slight risk of some damage to the nerve. This may cause some numbness of the lower teeth, lower lip and chin and may be temporary (6–12 months) or permanent (in only 1% of cases).
• Damage to other teeth growing tightly against the wisdom tooth during the removal of the wisdom teeth.
• The weakness of the jaw due to the removal of the wisdom teeth.
• The tooth root tip may break off in small pieces when the tooth is extracted. The oral surgeon/ dentist may or may not remove these pieces depending on the clinical picture. If there is a chance that the nerves or other structures may be damaged during tooth extraction, they may be left alone.
• If the upper teeth are close to the sinuses, tooth extraction may cause a hole (oral- antral communication) between the mouth and the sinus. This may require further surgery to correct.
• Rarely, it is possible that the root (normally of an upper molar tooth) may dislodge and go into the maxillary sinus. This may need further surgery to remove it and resolve.
• Possible muscle stiffness (trismus) after extraction.

Smile Cliniq Approach to Tooth Extraction Risks

We want to ensure that all patients that we provide treatment for feel comfortable at all times and are aware of the complications involved with dental surgery. Tooth extraction risks are at a minimum and we want you to feel confident in undergoing this type of surgery if you require it.

If you have any queries surrounding the tooth extraction risks that you read here, please don’t hesitate to contact us to find out more and we’ll be happy to explain further.