At Renew Dental Lounge in Mt Gravatt, we believe dentistry should always focus on preserving your natural teeth whenever possible. Regular check-ups, early diagnosis, and advanced treatments like fillings, crowns, or root canal therapy often mean teeth can be saved rather than removed.
But sometimes, despite everyone’s best efforts, a tooth extraction becomes the best choice for your overall health. When that happens, it’s important to understand why extractions are needed, what the process involves, and how to protect your oral health afterwards.
In this blog, we’ll guide you through:
- The most common reasons for tooth extractions
- What happens to your bone and gums after an extraction
- Why replacing missing teeth is often recommended
- The risks of ignoring broken or infected teeth
- How Renew Dental Lounge provides gentle, supportive care
Why Tooth Extractions Are Sometimes Necessary
Here are some of the most common dental conditions where extraction may be the healthiest option:
1. Severe Tooth Decay
If decay destroys too much of the natural tooth structure and a filling, crown, or root canal can’t restore it, extraction may be unavoidable. Leaving the decayed tooth in place risks spreading infection to neighbouring teeth and gums.
2. Gum Disease (Periodontal Disease)
Advanced gum disease causes bone loss around the teeth. When teeth become loose or unstable, extraction may be necessary. This is especially important because the bone surrounding the extracted tooth will naturally shrink and contract over time, potentially leaving adjacent teeth vulnerable as their roots become exposed.
3. Infected or Abscessed Teeth
Dental abscesses are serious infections that form around the root of a tooth. If untreated, they can spread to the jawbone or bloodstream. We recently saw a patient who delayed treatment for broken teeth — the infection became chronic, weakening her lower jaw and requiring urgent surgery from an oral maxillofacial surgeon. Broken or abscessed teeth should never be ignored; removal is often the only way to stop the infection and prevent life-altering complications.
4. Impacted Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom teeth often grow at awkward angles, become trapped under the gum, or push against other teeth. This can cause pain, infection, or damage to neighbouring molars. Extraction prevents these issues from escalating.
5. Orthodontic Treatment
When teeth are crowded, strategic extractions may create the necessary space for straightening with braces or Invisalign®.
6. Failed Root Canal Therapy
Sometimes, even after treatment, infection persists or returns. Extraction is often the safest solution to stop ongoing problems.
7. Fractured or Broken Teeth
Teeth broken below the gumline or beyond repair may need removal. If left untreated, fragments can harbour bacteria and cause chronic infection — as in the urgent case mentioned above.
8. Malpositioned or Extra Teeth
Sometimes teeth develop in the wrong place, blocking other teeth from erupting properly. Extraction can restore normal function and alignment.
9. Trauma
Sports injuries, accidents, or falls can cause teeth to crack or shatter beyond repair, requiring removal.
10. Medical Conditions
Patients undergoing treatments like chemotherapy or organ transplantation may need at-risk teeth removed to avoid infection during recovery.
What Happens After a Tooth Extraction?
Many people don’t realise that the effects of an extraction don’t stop once the tooth is gone.
- Bone Shrinkage: The jawbone that once supported the tooth will gradually shrink (resorb) after extraction. This is a natural process, but it can leave a visible gap and affect the stability of nearby teeth.
- Shifting Teeth: Adjacent teeth can drift into the space, leading to bite misalignment and uneven wear.
- Exposed Roots: If the extracted tooth was removed due to gum disease, bone loss may worsen, leaving neighbouring teeth with exposed roots. These roots are more prone to decay and sensitivity.
- Facial Changes: Multiple missing teeth can eventually cause sunken cheeks or changes to facial structure due to bone loss.
Why Replace Extracted Teeth?
Replacing missing teeth helps protect both your oral health and confidence. Options include:
- Dental Implants: These act like natural tooth roots, preventing bone shrinkage and providing a permanent, natural-looking replacement.
- Bridges: A fixed replacement that uses surrounding teeth for support.
- Dentures: A removable solution that can replace one or multiple teeth.
Whenever possible, we recommend dental implants because they help preserve bone and provide the most natural function.
The Risks of Ignoring Damaged or Infected Teeth
Delaying an extraction can lead to:
- Ongoing pain and swelling
- Chronic abscesses that weaken the jawbone
- Increased risk of bone infection (osteomyelitis)
- Potential jaw fractures from long-term infection
- Higher treatment costs and more complex surgery later
Key message: If your dentist recommends an extraction, don’t put it off. Acting early protects your health and saves you from more invasive treatments later.
Tooth Extraction Aftercare: What to Expect
Healing well after an extraction is just as important as the procedure itself. Here are some key aftercare tips:
- Control bleeding: Bite gently on the gauze provided for the first hour to help form a blood clot.
- Protect the clot: Avoid rinsing, spitting, smoking, or drinking through a straw for the first 24 hours, as these can dislodge the clot and cause a painful condition called dry socket.
- Manage swelling: Apply a cold pack to the cheek near the extraction site for 10–15 minutes at a time during the first 24 hours.
- Pain relief: Take any prescribed or recommended painkillers as directed.
- Diet: Stick to soft foods (yoghurt, soup, mashed vegetables) for the first day or two. Avoid hot, crunchy, or spicy foods until healing progresses.
- Oral hygiene: Brush your other teeth as normal, but be gentle around the extraction site. After 24 hours, rinse gently with warm salt water to keep the area clean.
- Rest: Take it easy for the first day or two. Avoid strenuous exercise which can increase bleeding.
Healing usually takes one to two weeks, depending on the size of the tooth and your overall health. If you notice excessive bleeding, swelling, severe pain, or signs of infection (such as fever or pus), contact us immediately.
For patients in Mt Gravatt and surrounding suburbs like Upper Mount Gravatt, Wishart, Mansfield, Holland Park, and MacGregor, follow-up care is simple and convenient. Our clinic is located in the Mt Gravatt Medical Precinct with easy lift access and off-street parking, so you can quickly return if you need reassurance or an aftercare check-up.
Gentle, Supportive Care at Renew Dental Lounge
At Renew Dental Lounge in Mt Gravatt, we know the idea of a tooth extraction can feel overwhelming. That’s why we offer:
- A calm, supportive environment where your concerns are heard
- Modern pain management, including local anaesthetic and nitrous oxide (“happy gas”)
- Detailed aftercare instructions to promote smooth healing
- Comprehensive treatment planning, including options to replace your tooth if needed
Our goal is always to make sure you feel safe, supported, and informed throughout the process.
Final Thoughts
While extractions are sometimes necessary, they should never be taken lightly. Removing a tooth affects your bone, gums, and long-term oral health — which is why careful planning, aftercare, and replacement solutions are so important.
If you’re experiencing pain, swelling, or broken teeth, don’t delay. The team at Renew Dental Lounge, Mt Gravatt, is here to provide gentle care and guide you through every step of your treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tooth Extractions
Q. Does a tooth extraction hurt?
With modern dentistry, tooth extractions are much more comfortable than many people expect. At Renew Dental Lounge, we use local anaesthetic to numb the area completely, and nitrous oxide (“happy gas”) is available if you feel anxious. You may feel some pressure during the procedure, but you shouldn’t feel pain.
Q. How long does it take to heal after an extraction?
Most patients feel significantly better within one to two weeks, although the initial healing of the gum occurs in the first few days. Larger teeth (like molars) or multiple extractions may take longer to fully heal.
Q. Can I drive home after a tooth extraction?
Yes, if you only have local anaesthetic. If you choose sedation (such as happy gas), you should arrange for someone to drive you home as a precaution.
Q. What should I eat after a tooth extraction?
Stick to soft foods like yoghurt, smoothies, mashed vegetables, and soup for the first day or two. Avoid hot, crunchy, or spicy foods, as well as alcohol, until your dentist advises it’s safe.
Q. What happens if I don’t replace a missing tooth?
If a tooth is not replaced, the surrounding bone begins to shrink, and nearby teeth can drift out of position. This may cause bite problems, sensitivity, or difficulties with chewing. Long-term, missing teeth can also change your facial structure. Dental implants are the best option to prevent these issues, though bridges and dentures may also be suitable.
Q. When should I call my dentist after an extraction?
Contact us immediately if you experience:
- Severe or worsening pain
- Heavy or prolonged bleeding
- Signs of infection (swelling, pus, fever)
- A bad taste in your mouth that doesn’t improve with rinsing
At Renew Dental Lounge, we’re always here to provide support and peace of mind for our patients in Mt Gravatt and nearby suburbs.
Book an appointment today
At Renew Dental Lounge in Upper Mount Gravatt, we're redefining what it feels like to visit the dentist. If you're searching for a dentist in Mt Gravatt, we're here to help you feel at home in your smile. From gentle family dental check-ups, emergency dentist treatment, through to cosmetic dentistry like teeth whitening, veneers and dental implants, every visit is built on trust, compassion and excellence.
Patients looking for a dentist in Brisbane southside (Upper Mt Gravatt, Mount Gravatt, Mansfield and Mount Gravatt East) choose us for our spa-like environment, advanced technology and human-centred care that eases anxiety and transforms confidence. No matter where you're starting from, we'll meet you exactly where you are, supporting you with clear advice and personalised treatment options. Book an appointment today.
