Tooth Extractions
Sometimes removing a tooth is the best way to relieve pain, manage infection or protect your overall dental health. We will always talk you through your options first and make your treatment as comfortable and straightforward as possible.
Sometimes removing a tooth is the right decision
We understand that being told you may need a tooth removed can feel daunting. Our first priority is always to consider whether a tooth can reasonably be repaired or saved.
There are times, however, when removing a tooth offers the healthiest and most predictable way forward — particularly when a tooth is badly damaged, infected, causing repeated problems or cannot be restored successfully.
Your dentist will explain why an extraction is being considered, whether there are realistic alternatives and what you can expect before making any decision about treatment.
Why might a tooth need to be removed?
There are several reasons why an extraction may be recommended. The decision depends on the condition of the tooth and your overall dental health.
Severe tooth damage
A tooth may be too extensively broken or decayed to restore predictably.
Dental infection
Sometimes an infected tooth cannot be predictably saved or root canal treatment may not be suitable.
Advanced gum disease
Severe loss of support around a tooth can occasionally mean that it can no longer be maintained comfortably.
Problem teeth
Wisdom teeth and other teeth may sometimes repeatedly cause pain, infection or other problems.
What happens when a tooth is removed?
Knowing what to expect can make treatment feel much less daunting. Your dentist will take you through each stage before treatment begins.
Assessment
We assess the tooth and usually review appropriate X-rays before confirming the best treatment approach.
Keeping you comfortable
Local anaesthetic is used so that the area is fully numb before treatment begins.
Removing the tooth
Your dentist carefully removes the tooth using the technique most appropriate for your individual situation.
Looking after you afterwards
We give you clear aftercare instructions and explain what is normal to expect while the area heals.
What if my extraction is more complex?
Some teeth are more difficult to remove than others. Their position, root shape, previous treatment or the amount of tooth remaining can all affect how straightforward an extraction is likely to be.
Triangle Dental has dentists with experience in more complex extractions, allowing many cases to be managed within the practice and by a team you already know.
We'll choose the right clinician for you
If your own dentist feels that another clinician within Triangle Dental is better placed to carry out the procedure, they can arrange this for you.
Occasionally the safest or most appropriate option is referral to an external specialist service. If that applies to you, we will explain why and arrange the appropriate referral.
Will I need to replace the tooth?
Not always, although replacing a missing tooth is often a good idea. Whether it is beneficial depends on which tooth has been removed, your bite, the surrounding teeth and your individual circumstances.
If replacement would be beneficial, we can explain the different options and help you decide which approach is most appropriate for you.
Dental implants
An implant can replace the root of a missing tooth and support a fixed replacement tooth.
Learn about dental implants →Dental bridges
A bridge can replace a missing tooth using neighbouring teeth for support.
Learn about bridges →Dentures
A removable denture can replace one or several missing teeth and may be suitable in a wide range of situations.
Learn about dentures →Feeling nervous about having a tooth removed?
It is very common to feel apprehensive about an extraction, particularly if you have not had a tooth removed before.
We will explain what is happening, make sure the area is properly numb before we begin and allow you to communicate with us throughout the appointment. If you are particularly nervous, let us know when you book so that we can take this into account.
Tooth extraction FAQs
Does having a tooth removed hurt?
Local anaesthetic is used to numb the area before the extraction. You may be aware of pressure or movement during treatment, but you will not feel sharp pain. Tell your dentist at any point if you are uncomfortable.
How long does a tooth extraction take?
The time needed varies depending on the tooth and the complexity of the extraction, but the actual removal of the tooth may take around 15 minutes. Some straightforward extractions are quicker, while more complex extractions can take longer. Your dentist can give you a better idea after examining the tooth and reviewing any necessary X-rays.
Can you save my tooth instead?
Where a tooth can be predictably restored, we will discuss appropriate options with you. Depending on the problem these might include a filling, crown, onlay or root canal treatment. Extraction is generally recommended when keeping the tooth is no longer considered a predictable or appropriate option.
Will I need stitches?
Most tooth extractions do not require stitches, although they are sometimes needed. This depends on the type of extraction and the tooth being removed. Your dentist will explain this if stitches are needed for your treatment.
Do I need to replace an extracted tooth?
Not always, although replacing a missing tooth is often a good idea. Whether replacement is advisable depends on the position of the tooth, the health of the remaining teeth, your bite and your individual circumstances. If appropriate, we can discuss options including implants, bridges and dentures, as well as whether leaving the space may be suitable.
Can Triangle Dental carry out difficult extractions?
Many straightforward and more complex extractions can be managed within Triangle Dental by clinicians with appropriate experience. Occasionally an external specialist referral is the safest or most suitable option, in which case we will discuss and arrange this with you.
Concerned about a tooth?
Book an appointment and we can assess the tooth, explain whether it can be saved and talk you through the most appropriate treatment options.