Tooth Extraction

Tooth extraction is a process where one or more of your teeth is completely removed from your mouth. It is likely that your dentist will carry out this procedure, but in some cases you may be referred to hospital where a surgeon will carry out the removal.

At the beginning of the removal, the person carrying out the procedure will inject your mouth with local anaesthetic. Once the anaesthetic has taken effect, your tooth socket will be widened, and the tooth that needs to be removed will be gently rocked from side to side. This loosens the tooth, ready to pull out. While you may feel pressure in your mouth, it should not cause you any pain. Most tooth extractions only take a matter of minutes. After the procedure is finished, your dentist may use stitches to close the tooth socket. If they do this, you will then be given some soft padding to bite on to quell any bleeding from the gums.
If your tooth removal takes place under general anaesthetic or, in some cases, sedation, you are advised to rest until the effects have worn off. Because of the effect anaesthetic and sedation can have, you will need to arrange for someone else to drive you home. You should also arrange a friend or relative to stay in close proximity for the first 24 hours after undergoing the removal.

Antibiotics, painkiller, and mouthwash may be given to you by your dentist or surgeon for use at home. Discomfort and swelling are common in the first few days after the procedure, as well as stiffness of the jaw. It can sometimes even take up to a week to make a full recovery. Your dentist or surgeon will likely use self-dissolving stitches that won’t require a second procedure to remove.

If the tooth extraction is carried out by a dentist, it is usually done under local anaesthesia. This blocks any pain from your gums. A sedative may be given to relieve you of any anxiety. The use of general anaesthetic is uncommon.

Carried out by a private dentist, the price of tooth removal starts at £80.