If you need a tooth removed, we offer a worry-free experience at St Anthony Dental.

Tooth Extraction

At St Anthony Dental, our priority is to help you keep your natural teeth for as long as possible. However, there are circumstances in which a tooth extraction is the best way to protect your health.

When this happens, Dr Li and his team can help. We perform most tooth extraction procedures here at our Five Dock dental clinic, so you can feel comfortable working with the team you know.

Do My Wisdom Teeth Need to Be Extracted?

Not everyone needs their wisdom teeth extracted. However, in many cases it would be beneficial for your dental health and overall well-being. Here are some of the circumstances in which Dr Li would recommend extracting wisdom teeth:

Cleanliness — Wisdom teeth come through at the very back in the mouth behind second molars, making them hard to reach for brushing and flossing. If you can’t clean them properly, you’re more susceptible to developing problems like tooth decay and gum disease.
Damage — Wisdom teeth that are positioned at odd angles may put neighbouring teeth at risk of damage.
Impaction — Wisdom teeth that are impacted, or stuck beneath the gumline, can cause an infection.

When Do We Recommend Tooth Extraction?

Dr Li will exhaust all other treatment options before recommending a tooth extraction. Here are some of the circumstances that may require removing a tooth:

Broken Teeth

A tooth that’s broken to the gumline and is beyond repair may need to be removed.

Wisdom Teeth

It may protect your health and well-being to have wisdom teeth, or third molars, removed.

Severe Crowding

Sometimes we need to eliminate tooth crowding to accommodate orthodontic treatment.

Tooth Infection

A tooth infection that’s reached the root and can’t be treated with a root canal renders the tooth unsalvageable.

Tooth Decay

Severe decay that hasn’t been treated may leave no other option than tooth extraction.

Frequently Asked Questions

Recovery after a tooth extraction varies from person to person, though most patients heal well within a week or two. At St Anthony Dental, Dr Li provides clear aftercare instructions to help your recovery go as smoothly as possible.

Here's What to Expect

In the first 24 hours, a blood clot forms in the socket and this plays an important role in healing. Some swelling, mild discomfort and minor bleeding are normal during this time. Dr Li will explain how to manage these symptoms and what to watch for.

To support healing, we generally recommend:

Biting gently on gauze for the first few hours to help clotting
Applying an ice pack to reduce swelling on the first day
Avoiding rinsing, spitting or using a straw for at least 24 hours
Eating soft foods and avoiding the extraction site while chewing
Keeping your head elevated when resting
Avoiding smoking, since this can slow healing and increase complication risk

Most people feel back to normal within a few days, though full healing of the bone and gum can take several weeks. Dr Li will let you know if any follow-up care is needed, such as monitoring the site or discussing options for replacing the missing tooth.

When to Contact Your Five Dock Dentist

If you experience severe pain, excessive bleeding or signs of infection after your extraction, please contact us straight away on (02) 9055 5441 so Dr Li can assess the situation and provide the right care.

Talk with Our Team

Scheduling an evaluation with Dr Li is the first step in learning more about whether tooth extraction in Five Dock is the right treatment for your needs. Dr Li also thoroughly explains the procedure to ensure you feel comfortable and know exactly what’s happening on the day of your surgery, which can help to ease anxiety.

After your extraction, Dr Li and our team will give you clear aftercare instructions to support a smooth recovery. Most patients return to their normal daily activities within a few days. We’re here to answer any questions and monitor your recovery, so you always have support throughout the process.

You can talk with our team by calling us at (02) 9055 5441 or by requesting a visit online.

Our Team

Meet More of Our Team

Dr Jason Li BDSc Hons

Dr Jason Li (BDSc Hons) is the principal dentist and proud owner of St Anthony Dental. He completed his Bachelor of Dental Science with honours at the University of Queensland in 2024, before gaining valuable hands-on experience in Toowoomba, regional Queensland. In June 2026, Dr Li took over St Anthony Dental, bringing fresh energy and a genuine commitment to patient care to the practice.

Growing up with a father who is a GP, Dr Li always knew he wanted a career in healthcare—he just wanted to forge his own path. …

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