Your Smile Dental Practice

    Tooth Extractions.

    If a tooth needs to be removed, we’ll explain why, discuss alternatives and help you feel prepared.

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    Illustrative image of a dentist discussing care with a patient

    A tooth may need to be removed if it cannot be restored, for example because of severe decay, damage or advanced gum disease. Removal may also be discussed as part of orthodontic care. We’ll examine the tooth, consider whether it can be saved and explain the options and what to expect before making a plan together.

    A good place to start

    Know what to expect at each step

    1. 01

      Assess your tooth

      We check the tooth and surrounding area, ask about your health and talk through suitable options.

    2. 02

      Explain and remove

      If extraction is appropriate, we use local anaesthetic. You may feel pressure, but tell us if you feel pain or need a pause.

    3. 03

      Support recovery

      We’ll explain how to care for the area, including gauze or stitches if these are needed, and when to contact us.

    A little more clarity

    Your questions, answered.

    Clinically reviewed

    Reasons can include severe decay, damage, infection or advanced gum disease. We assess the tooth and explain whether it can be retained before recommending removal.

    Local anaesthetic is used to numb the area. You may feel pressure or movement; tell your dentist if you feel pain so they can stop and assess your comfort.

    Follow the written aftercare advice we give you. Protecting the blood clot helps healing, and we’ll explain cleaning, eating and what to avoid during the early recovery period.

    Contact us about persistent bleeding, worsening pain, fever or swelling that concerns you. Severe swelling causing difficulty breathing or swallowing needs emergency medical help; call 999.

    Not every gap needs the same approach. Once we have assessed your mouth, we can discuss whether a bridge or denture may help, and explain the choices and costs before you decide.

    Most people feel better within a few days. The gum usually heals over in around 1–2 weeks, while the bone beneath continues healing over several months. Recovery varies with the extraction and your health, so follow your individual aftercare instructions.

    Wait for the numbness to wear off, then choose soft, lukewarm foods for the first day or two, such as soup, yoghurt, mashed potato or scrambled eggs. Chew on the other side and avoid very hot drinks during early healing.

    Dry socket can occur when the protective blood clot is lost or does not form properly, leaving the socket exposed and painful. Avoid smoking during recovery, and avoid spitting, drinking through a straw or vigorous rinsing for the first 24 hours. Follow your dentist's aftercare advice and contact the practice if pain becomes severe or worsens after a few days.

    Unless your dentist advises otherwise, avoid rinsing for the first 24 hours. After that, rinse gently with warm salt water, using half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water, especially after meals. Do not rinse vigorously.

    Some light oozing can happen on the first day. Bite firmly on clean, rolled-up gauze or a clean cotton handkerchief for 20–30 minutes without repeatedly checking the area. If bleeding is heavy or continues despite pressure, seek urgent advice from the practice or NHS 111.

    Many people can return to light work the next day, but this depends on the extraction and how you feel. Avoid strenuous exercise for 24–48 hours, as it can increase bleeding. Follow your dentist's advice about returning to your usual activities.

    Sometimes, especially after a surgical extraction. Dissolving stitches often loosen or disappear within 1–2 weeks, although some last longer. Your dentist will explain what type has been used and whether you need an appointment to have any stitches removed.

    No. Wisdom teeth can be left in place if they are healthy and not causing problems. Removal may be recommended for issues such as repeated infection, decay or damage to a neighbouring tooth. Your dentist will assess whether removal or monitoring is appropriate.

    Independent patient information

    Advice from the Oral Health Foundation

    The Oral Health Foundation is an oral health charity. These guides can help you understand your options and prepare questions for your dental team. General information complements, rather than replaces, advice tailored to your mouth.

    Links open on the Oral Health Foundation website.

    Start with a conversation.

    We’ll listen, explain what may be suitable for you and give you room to decide.

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