Difficult Teeth

Teeth can develop problems that cause difficulty. Often the best solution can be to remove the tooth.

What is a difficult tooth?

A difficult tooth is one that causes a great deal of problems for a patient. These problems can include curved roots, hypercementosed roots, roots which are too close to the sinus or nerve, or patients who are medically compromised.

What causes difficult teeth?

Curved roots (Dilaceration)
As the name suggests, this issue is distinguished by the curvature of teeth roots. When you look at teeth in a mouth, you only see the part of the tooth that emerges above the gum line; this is called the crown. However, your teeth extend below the surface of the gum line. This portion of the tooth is called the root, and this is the part of the tooth which is embedded into the jawbone. Sometimes these roots can develop sharps bends. It is thought that this occurs due to a trauma sustained during the tooth’s development. As these roots are connected to your bone, malformation can cause a variety of issues. Removing a tooth with curved roots is recommended.

Hypercementosis
The roots of your teeth are covered in a hard protective shell of calcified tissue called the cementum. Cementum is needed to both protect your tooth and keep it in place. Hypercementosis occurs when there is an excessive build up of cementum on your roots. Though there is currently no definitive explanation as to why this occurs, there are a number of possibilities. These include: abscesses, misaligned teeth and trauma. It is also suspected that Hypercementosis can be caused by other health issues. In some cases, this can cause severe pain for patients and the tooth will need to be removed.

Teeth too close to sinuses/nerves
Your teeth and nerves are very close to your sinuses. If they are too close, this can cause issues if you have a sinus infection as you may incur an extreme tooth ache. In fact, in some circumstances, the tooth can cause a sinus infection. Of course, this can lead to a great deal of pain therefore removing the tooth in question may be recommended.

Medically compromised patients
If you are in a position where teeth removal is a medical necessity, we are able to help.

Removal process

When your tooth is removed and replaced with an implant there are special precautions we must take in order to ensure that the extraction and input run smoothly. We aim to extract your tooth with bone preservation techniques so any bone loss is reduced, which is helpful for the future implant. Healing time can vary between 8 weeks to 6 months depending on the tooth and type of removal necessary.

Tooth removal care

When removing a tooth we may use a sedative or general anaesthetic, so you are likely to be drowsy afterwards. As such, it’s important you have someone pick you up and take care of you in the following 48 hours. After a tooth extraction you should not drive or operate heavy machinery until specified by your practitioner.

Book an appointment

Feel free to contact us with any questions, queries, or booking appointments.

  • Phone 02 8814 7474
  • Email reception@norwestomfs.com.au
  • Address 10 Norbrik Drive
    Suite 310, Level 3, Q Central

    Bella Vista NSW 2153
  • Hours
    Monday 9:00am to 5:00pm
    Tuesday 9:00am to 5:00pm
    Wednesday 9:00am to 5:00pm
    Thursday 9:00am to 5:00pm
    Friday 9:00am to 5:00pm