Extractions
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Procedure time
30-45 minutes
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Sensitivity
2-5 days
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Full Recovery
5-10 days
What is the treatment?
Having a tooth removed is a surgical procedure. Common reasons for tooth removal include pain, abscess, tooth decay, gum disease, and for cosmetic reasons.
We operate on a dentist referral basis only.
Please speak to your dentist about getting referred to this clinic.
On the day of surgery:
Usually tooth removal is straightforward and takes a few minutes. You should not feel pain during the procedure but you will feel pressure and hear noises. If any stitches are needed these will dissolve in about 2-4 weeks.
What should I expect?
- Some slight bleeding is normal for a day or so – this can be controlled with pressure over the area.
- Your dentist will advise you about using painkillers to help ease any pain.
- Some swelling and bruising is normal and usually at its worst on the second day, but should disappear within a week or two.
- You might also have difficulty opening your mouth wide; again this generally returns to normal within a week or two.
- Any stitches you have will fall out by themselves in about 2-4 weeks.
- You may need to take time off work or school – your dentist will advise you about this.
Self-care advice
To reduce pain and aid your recovery, it can be helpful to:
- Use painkillers such as Paracetamol or Ibuprofen
- Avoid strenuous activity and exercise for a few days
- Use an extra pillow to support your head at night
- For 24 hours, avoid rinsing, spitting, hot drinks or anything else that may dislodge the blood clots that form in the empty tooth socket (they help the healing process)
- Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol for 24 hours
- Eat soft or liquid food for a few days and chew with your other teeth
- Gently rinse the extraction site with an antiseptic mouthwash after 24 hours, and repeat this regularly over the next few days, particularly after eating
- You can drive immediately after the procedure if local anaesthetic was used, but you should avoid driving for at least 24 hours if a sedative was used, or 48 hours if the procedure was carried out under general anaesthetic.