Tooth extractions are sometimes necessary to protect your oral health, relieve pain, or prepare for further treatment. Dr Mark Irving provides expert care in all types of dental extractions, from routine to complex.
As an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon with over 25 years of experience, Dr Irving specialises in dento-alveolar surgery: procedures affecting the teeth, jawbone and surrounding tissues, including the removal of impacted teeth, exposure of unerupted teeth, and bone reshaping for dentures or implants. He also treats oral pathology, such as cysts and tumours, and manages facial trauma including jaw and cheekbone fractures.
Extraction may be recommended for several reasons, all aimed at protecting your overall oral health. Common reasons include severe tooth decay that cannot be restored with a filling or crown, advanced gum disease that has loosened the tooth, or extensive damage from trauma or fractures. Teeth may also be removed to relieve pain from infection or abscesses, or as part of an orthodontic treatment plan to create space for proper alignment.
Every recommendation for extraction is made only after careful assessment, and only when no other option for saving the tooth is suitable. Reasons include:
Book an appointment and we'll conduct a thorough clinical examination of your teeth, supplemented by X-rays if necessary. This helps us determine whether an extraction is necessary and lets us plan the safest, most effective approach for your situation. Dr Irving will explain the reason for extraction and answer any questions you have.
Your extraction is carried out as a day procedure under general anaesthesia. For routine teeth, removal can be straightforward; more complex cases may require a surgical approach, including a small incision in the gum or bone. Once the tooth is removed, you'll be given clear aftercare instructions.
We'll arrange a follow-up visit to check your healing, address any questions, and make sure your mouth is recovering as expected. Most patients get back to their usual activities within a few days by following our care advice.
The procedure is carefully planned and tailored to your needs. Before any tooth is removed, a comprehensive clinical examination and X-rays are performed to assess the tooth's condition and the surrounding structures. Dr Irving explains the process and ensures you are comfortable and informed. During the procedure, every effort is made to minimise trauma, using gentle, precise techniques to remove the tooth safely and efficiently.
Wisdom teeth are the last adult teeth to emerge, usually during the late teens or early twenties. For many people there is insufficient room in the jaw for these teeth to erupt normally, resulting in impaction, pain or infection. Sometimes wisdom teeth grow at an angle, press against neighbouring teeth, or remain trapped beneath the gums. Dr Irving specialises in the assessment and removal of problematic wisdom teeth.
Proper care after an extraction is essential to a smooth, comfortable recovery. You will receive clear instructions on how to care for the extraction site, including how to manage swelling or discomfort, what foods to avoid, and signs to look out for. Following these instructions reduces the risk of complications such as dry socket or infection. Most patients recover quickly and resume normal activities within a few days, and Dr Irving and his team are always available to answer questions throughout the healing process.
Losing a tooth does not mean you have to live with a gap in your smile. Several options are available to replace missing teeth, including dental implants, bridges or partial dentures. Dr Irving will discuss the best options for your needs, taking into account your oral health, lifestyle and long-term goals. Replacing missing teeth can help restore your ability to chew and speak, maintain the shape of your face, and prevent other teeth from shifting out of position.
Please use the following information as a general guideline. If you have any concerns after surgery, please get in touch with Dr Irving's office on (02) 9890 1822. Full instructions are on the post-operative care page.
You should reach out to your surgeon, general practitioner, or the nearest accident and emergency department if you experience any of the following:
Over 25 years in private practice, and a member of the professions that set the standard for oral & maxillofacial surgery.
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