Tooth Extraction

Tooth extraction is necessary when a tooth is severely damaged by decay, trauma, or infection that cannot be repaired, or if it is causing overcrowding in the mouth. Impacted or painful wisdom teeth may also require extraction.

The most common reasons include severe decay, infection, trauma, overcrowding, or impacted wisdom teeth. Extraction may also be recommended if other treatments cannot save the tooth.

Your dentist will numb the area with local anaesthetic, gently loosen the tooth, and remove it from its socket. For complex cases such as impacted wisdom teeth, minor surgery may be required. The procedure is performed with care, and your dentist will explain each step beforehand for your comfort.

The area is fully numbed with local anaesthetic before extraction, so you should not feel pain during the procedure, only pressure or movement. Most patients describe the process as comfortable. Any post-procedure discomfort can usually be managed with pain relievers.

Yes, sedation options are available for patients who are anxious or require complex extractions, ensuring you feel relaxed during the procedure.

Follow your dentist’s instructions carefully: rest, avoid disturbing the site, and rinse gently with salt water after 24 hours. Don’t smoke, use straws, or eat hard foods for the first few days. Your dental team will check in with you the next day and answer any questions.

Once numbness wears off, stick to soft foods like yoghurt, soup, or mashed potatoes for the first 24–48 hours. Avoid hot, spicy, or crunchy foods and chew away from the extraction site.

Initial healing usually takes 7 to 10 days, but full healing of the bone and gums can take several weeks to months, depending on the complexity and location of the extraction.

A dry socket occurs when the blood clot at the extraction site dislodges, exposing the bone. Prevent it by avoiding smoking, drinking with a straw, spitting forcefully, or vigorous rinsing in the first days after extraction.

You can carefully brush your teeth, avoiding the extraction site for the first day. After 24 hours, gently brush, but be cautious around the area and use a saltwater rinse to keep it clean.

Often, you can replace a tooth immediately after extraction with options like temporary dentures or a bridge. Your dentist will advise on the best timing for permanent solutions based on your healing.

Yes, wisdom tooth removals are often more complex, especially if the teeth are impacted, and may require minor surgery and a longer recovery time compared to routine extractions.

Antibiotics are not routinely required but may be prescribed if there is a pre-existing infection, compromised healing, or a higher risk of complications. Your dentist will decide if they are needed.

Warning signs include persistent bleeding, increasing pain or swelling after a few days, foul taste, fever, or pus. If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your dentist right away.

Full gum healing can take several weeks to months, depending on which tooth was removed and the condition of the tooth and the surrounding area.

A routine extraction can range from £199 to £250 (£190 to £238 for members), and a surgical extraction is £299 upwards (£285 for members), depending on the scope and nature of the issue.