Treatment time: 30 minutes
Anaesthetic required: Yes
Downtime: 1 day
Cost: From £300
Key benefit: Prevent or treat dental pain
Tooth extraction fast facts
A dental extraction involves completely removing a tooth crown along with its root. We do all we can to save and protect your natural teeth, but sometimes extractions are necessary to provide instant pain relief and stop infection, especially in emergency cases.
Extractions can also be used if one of your baby teeth has failed to fall out and is preventing a permanent tooth from emerging correctly, or if space is needed for orthodontic or denture treatment.
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What does the treatment involve?
To begin, we assess your problem tooth and determine the type of extraction needed for your case, whether simple or surgical. We use local anaesthetic to ensure you remain comfortable throughout the procedure.
When your gum and tooth is completely numb, we apply moderate pressure to the root, loosening your tooth little by little until it is able to be fully removed. The tooth comes out easily without affecting the surrounding gums.
In some cases, a surgical extraction is necessary. We make a small incision in your gum in order to access and extract a tooth that has broken off or is concealed under the gum. Larger teeth may need to be removed in parts.
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A local anaesthetic injection is placed into the gum next to the tooth being removed. This will feel like a small sharp scratch or pinch, after which your gum and tooth will be numb, giving a tingly or heavy sensation. You will not feel any pain during the treatment.
The tooth removal itself takes only around 5-10 minutes, with your total treatment time generally taking approximately 30 minutes.
We recommend taking the rest of the day off work following your tooth extraction. Most people recover enough to go back to work the next day.
The numb sensation generally lasts 2-4 hours. We do not recommend you chew any food or drink hot drinks while you are numb to prevent you from chewing your lip, cheek or tongue and burning your mouth. You are able to drink water straight after your extraction.
Some minor bleeding after tooth removal treatment is normal. If this persists, apply pressure by biting firmly down over the treated area with a gauze swab or clean handkerchief for 20-30 minutes. There can be some slight bruising and/or swelling which usually settles after 3-5 days following treatment.
It is common to feel some soreness after you have had a tooth taken out, especially if it was a more complex case. Over-the-counter painkillers, such as paracetamol and ibuprofen, can be used to manage any immediate discomfort or pain. If any pain persists, please talk to your dentist.
Yes, if you are feeling worried or anxious about your tooth removal, sedation can help you feel much more calm and relaxed, both physically and mentally. The sedation is administered by an anaesthetist or dental sedationist and you will need someone to take you home afterwards.
