Dental Extractions
Dental extractions in Dubai performed by Dr Marc-Kevin Le Roux, French board-certified Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon. Routine, surgical and wisdom teeth extractions under local anaesthesia or IV sedation — same-day procedure, fast recovery, minimal swelling.
What dental extraction can (and can not) do
Can help with:
- Painful, decayed or fractured teeth beyond restorative repair
- Impacted or partially erupted wisdom teeth
- Recurrent infection or pericoronitis
- Orthodontic crowding requiring space
- Pre-implant or pre-orthognathic preparation
Cannot replace:
- Saving teeth that can still be restored — every case starts with a thorough clinical and radiographic assessment
- Treating gum disease alone (periodontal therapy first)
When is extraction needed?
- Severe decay or fracture beyond restorative repair
- Advanced periodontal (gum) disease compromising tooth stability
- Impacted or partially erupted wisdom teeth
- Orthodontic crowding requiring space
- Pre-implant or pre-orthognathic preparation
- Recurrent pericoronitis or cyst formation around impacted teeth
- Non-restorable trauma
Some indications are urgent (infection, fracture); others elective (orthodontic crowding, prophylactic wisdom teeth).
Wisdom Teeth Extraction
Wisdom teeth (third molars) are the most common indication for surgical extraction. They often lack space to erupt correctly and become impacted against the second molar, the jawbone or soft tissue — causing pain, infection, cyst formation or damage to neighbouring teeth.
Simple vs Surgical Extraction
A simple extraction is possible when the tooth is fully erupted and accessible. A surgical extraction is required when the tooth is impacted within bone or under gum — involving a small mucosal incision and bone removal under local anaesthesia or IV sedation.
Best age window
The late teens to early twenties is the ideal time: roots are not yet fully formed, healing is faster, and the risk of nerve injury is lower. Later extractions remain feasible but recovery may take longer.
Routine and Surgical Extractions
Routine extractions are performed when the tooth is accessible and intact roots allow simple removal. Surgical extractions are used for impacted, broken or root-fractured teeth — they involve a small mucosal incision, bone removal where needed, and meticulous closure.
The procedure, step by step
- Consultation — clinical exam, panoramic X-ray, CBCT for impacted lower wisdom teeth.
- Anaesthesia — local, IV sedation, or general anaesthesia depending on complexity.
- Atraumatic extraction — gentle techniques to preserve surrounding bone.
- Socket preservation — bone grafting at the same visit when implant placement is planned.
- Sutures and post-op — written aftercare, pain protocol and emergency contact.
Anaesthesia and comfort
- Local anaesthesia — most simple extractions.
- IV sedation — recommended for anxious patients or surgical wisdom teeth.
- General anaesthesia — reserved for complex full-mouth extractions.
Recovery and timeline
- First 24 hours — bleeding control, ice packs, soft cold food.
- Days 2 to 7 — swelling peaks at 48 to 72h then resolves; soft diet.
- Day 7 to 10 — suture removal if non-resorbable.
- Weeks 2 to 4 — full soft tissue healing.
- Weeks 8 to 12 — full bone healing; ready for implant if planned.
You will receive written aftercare instructions (rinsing protocol, pain management, suture care) and a scheduled follow-up review.
Socket preservation and implants
If a dental implant is planned, socket preservation grafting at the same visit prevents bone volume loss and simplifies later implant placement.
Safety and transparency
Possible risks — explained at consultation — include transient nerve sensitivity (rare with 3D planning for lower wisdom teeth), dry socket, and post-operative infection. Antibiotic prophylaxis is prescribed when clinically indicated.
FAQs
Does the extraction hurt?
Local anaesthesia ensures the procedure itself is painless. Mild post-operative discomfort during the first 24 to 48 hours is managed with paracetamol and ibuprofen.
How long is recovery after wisdom teeth removal?
Soft diet for 5 to 7 days, social downtime 2 to 3 days, and full healing within 2 to 3 weeks.
Will I need a bone graft?
If a dental implant is planned, socket preservation grafting at the same visit prevents bone loss and simplifies later implant placement.
Can I drive home after IV sedation?
No — an adult companion is required to accompany you home and supervise the first 12 hours.
When can I exercise after extraction?
Light activity from day 3, full exercise from day 7. Avoid heavy lifting and contact sports during the first week.
What is the best age for wisdom teeth extraction?
Late teens to early twenties is ideal: roots are not yet fully formed, healing is faster, and the risk of nerve injury is lower.
What to expect from your wisdom teeth consultation
- Step 1 — Clinical assessment. Examination of the wisdom teeth and surrounding structures (gums, second molars, jaw movement, mouth opening). Pre-existing pericoronitis, decay or cyst formation is noted.
- Step 2 — Imaging. A panoramic X-ray maps all four wisdom teeth and their roots. For impacted lower wisdom teeth, a CBCT 3D scan is added to map the position of the inferior alveolar nerve and minimise the risk of nerve injury.
- Step 3 — Treatment plan and anaesthesia. We decide which teeth to remove and whether to do it under local, IV sedation or general anaesthesia. Timing (one side at a time or all four together) is based on your schedule and comfort.
- Step 4 — Risks, recovery and quotation. Written explanation of risks (dry socket, transient nerve sensitivity, swelling), day-by-day recovery timeline, and a transparent quotation.
- Step 5 — No pressure. You leave with a clear roadmap and book whenever you are ready. International patients can do the consultation by secure video.
