TOOTH EXTRACTION (TOOTH REMOVAL)

Tooth Extraction

Sometimes a tooth extraction may be necessary if the tooth is beyond repair or there is a severe infection.

Reasons for needing a tooth extraction include: Crowding, Excessive tooth decay, Tooth infection, or if your wisdom teeth are causing problems

​Our dentists will discuss your options and gently handle the procedure to ensure the process is as easy and comfortable for you as possible.

What You Need to Know

  • Severe decay that cannot be repaired with a filling or crown
  • Infection or abscess that cannot be treated with root canal therapy
  • A crack or fracture extending below the gum line or deep into the root
  • Advanced gum disease causing loose teeth
  • Impacted or painful wisdom teeth
  • To create space for orthodontic treatment
  • The area is numbed with local anaesthetic so you should not feel pain
  • Your dentist uses specialised instruments to gently loosen and remove the tooth
  • For more complex cases (e.g. impacted wisdom teeth), a minor surgical approach may be needed, which can involve removing a small amount of bone or dividing the tooth into sections
  • Gauze is placed over the socket to control bleeding; stitches may be placed if needed
    • Bite on gauze for 20 to 30 minutes after the procedure
    • Avoid rinsing, spitting for the first 24 hours
    • After 24 hours, rinse gently with warm salty water
    • Eat soft foods, avoid smoking
    • Take paracetamol and/or ibuprofen as directed

Leaving a gap (other than wisdom teeth) can lead to:

  • Drifting and tilting of neighbouring teeth into the space
  • Over-eruption of the opposing tooth
  • Bone loss in the jaw where the tooth was removed
  • Bite and chewing problems from shifting teeth
  • Increased risk of further tooth loss over time

The longer a gap is left, the harder replacement can become.

 

Dental Implant

Bridge

Removable Denture

What is it?

Titanium post placed in jawbone with a crown on top

False tooth fixed to crowns on the teeth either side

Removable plate clipping onto remaining teeth

Fixed in place

Yes

Yes

No

Preserves bone

Yes

No

No

Affects adjacent teeth

No

Yes (requires shaping)

Minimal

Treatment time

Longer (months)

Shorter (weeks)

Shortest

Cost

Higher

Moderate

Lower

At MedCentral Dental, we will discuss replacement options with you based on your specific needs, budget, and the location of the missing tooth. In some cases, replacement can be planned before the tooth is even removed. The most important thing is not to leave the decision too long, as changes to the neighbouring teeth and bone can make replacement more difficult over time.

At MedCentral Dental, We Accept All Health Funds!

We Are Preferred Providers for

Get in touch

Dr Raymond AU

Principal Dentist

Speaks English and Vietnamese

Born and raised in Melbourne, Dr Raymond has spent several years working across both private and public practices in metropolitan Melbourne and rural Victoria. This diverse experience has strengthened his ability to connect with individuals and families from all walks of life, allowing him to deliver care that feels both personalised and accessible.

With a strong focus on family dentistry, Dr Raymond is experienced in both general and cosmetic dentistry, supporting patients at every stage of life. He is particularly proficient in wisdom teeth extractions, and has a special interest in clear aligner treatment and smile makeovers – including porcelain veneers, crowns and bridges.

Known for his calm and reassuring manner, Dr Raymond is especially attentive to patients who may feel anxious about dental visits. He creates a relaxed, supportive environment designed to ease concerns and build trust over time. His goal is to make every appointment a positive experience and believes that visiting the dentist should feel comfortable, not confronting.

Outside the practice, he enjoys travelling, playing tennis, and spending quality time with family and friends.

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Dr Emily Pow

Dr Emily was born in Melbourne and was raised in the local Knox area. She previously worked in private practices across Melbourne, and has worked for the public sector at the Royal Dental Hospital of Melbourne.

She also gained a significant amount of experience working previously as the Hospital Dental Officer at Monash Medical Centre where she treated medically compromised, special needs and cancer patients.

She enjoys most aspects of dentistry including cosmetic dentistry and working with children. She has a special interest in the area of orthodontics (braces, clear aligners and early intervention) and can provide Myobrace treatment.

Dr Emily is currently undergoing a Post Graduate Diploma in Orthodontics to further her passion in this area.

She loves helping her patients with clear aligner treatment so that they can smile confidently.

In her spare time, Dr Emily enjoys going out for good food, spending time with family and going on nature walks with her dog Chino.

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Dr Lilian Phu

Dr Lilian Phu graduated from the University of Melbourne with a Bachelor of Biomedicine (Honours) and Doctor of Dental Surgery. Her passion for helping people achieve their dental and oral health goals is reflected by the quality, care and attention she gives to each patient she encounters. Additionally, her friendly and bubbly nature will be sure to bring a smile on anyone’s face.

Dr Lilian is also a preclinical supervisor for dental students at Melbourne University, sharing her knowledge with the future generation of dentists.

In order to deliver the best dental care to her patients, she regularly attends continuing education courses and is currently undertaking a two-year postgraduate course in orthodontics. Dr Lilian has a special interest in implants and clear aligner treatment, and can talk to you about how you can improve your smile.

Outside of dentistry, she enjoys digital drawing and spending time with her loved ones including a dog and three cats.

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Dr Edward Wang

Speaks English

Education:

Edward is a kind and caring dentist who is dedicated to providing his patients with high quality dental care while prioritizing patient comfort to ensure that his patients have a positive experience.

Edward believes in taking a more patient-centered approach to dental care, whether it be by providing information to patients about prevention of dental disease, or by providing and explaining all available treatment options so that patients can be fully informed about their oral healthcare.

Outside of work, you’ll find Edward playing volleyball or in the kitchen as he enjoys cooking dishes from many different cuisines from around the world.

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