Extractions
Overview
A tooth is normally extracted due to several reasons. These can include severe tooth decay, a broken tooth that cannot be repaired, gum disease-causing the tooth to become mobile or problems with wisdom teeth. The tooth is normally extracted in the dental surgery under a local anaesthetic but sometimes you would be referred to an Oral Surgery Department if the extraction is more complicated.
Appointment Information
Your dentist will explain the procedure before commencing and will also go through your medical history, so please inform your dentist prior to treatment if you are taking any medication. A local anaesthetic will be administered and although this will numb the tooth/gums you will still feel some pressure on the tooth during the procedure. The dentist will wait a few minutes to allow the anaesthetic to take effect and they will ask you a few questions to ensure the tooth is going numb.
Once the tooth is numb the dentist will begin. As the roots of the tooth sit in a socket the dentist may need to widen the socket and gently loosen your tooth before they remove it. You will experience some pressure but no pain, if you do feel pain let the dentist know straight away as some more local anaesthetic may be required.
The gum may bleed afterwards so you will be asked to bite on a piece of gauze to stop any bleeding. The dentist will check that the bleeding has stopped before you leave the surgery and will also give you some post-operative instructions to take home and another piece of gauze in case the bleeding starts again.
Once you get home you may want to take some painkillers for when the local anaesthetic wears off but your dentist will advise you of this. If you have any concerns following the extraction of the tooth please contact your dentist for advice.
Pricing
Extractions: from £165
Frequently Asked Questions
Eat soft foods, after the extraction as the area may be slightly tender. Gradually add solid foods to your diet as the extraction site heals. Avoid smoking. Avoid rinsing or spitting forcefully.
To prevent infection, brush around the extraction site for the first couple of days, but be sure to brush the rest of your teeth and tongue like normal.
It is normal to feel some pain when this wears off, but your dentist will advise you on taking painkillers after the procedure. You should also expect some swelling and residual bleeding within 24 hours of the extraction. If after 24 hours you experience any of the following symptoms please call us; signs of infection (fever), nausea, discharge from the affected area or chest pain.