Tooth extraction is often your last resort when a tooth is too damaged or infected to save.
Dentists usually avoid extractions because they can cause shifting teeth, chewing difficulties, and even speech problems.
If that tooth is full with either cavities or periodontal disease, or even broken then it must be extracted. In this article we’ll cover the definition, procedure, recovery, replacement options, and cost of tooth extractions.
What is Tooth Extraction?
It is a procedure where a dentist using specialized tools removes your tooth from its place, aiming for an extraction of a bad tooth that can not be fixed.
Health providers prefer to save natural teeth if possible. But sometimes restorative methods, like fillings or crowns may no longer work. That could be because the tooth itself is damaged beyond repair, hence removal will be necessary.
Common reasons for extraction include:
- Severe tooth decay
- Fractured or broken teeth
- Advanced gum disease (periodontitis)
- Impacted or crowded teeth
- Dental trauma from accidents or injury
- Wisdom tooth complications
Once your dentist confirms extraction as the best option, proper preparation helps ensure a safe and smooth procedure.
Preparing
Patients only need to inform their dentist of any medications, vitamins, or supplements they are currently taking. This is crucial as some medications can slow down your healing after surgery or cause health complications.
During the initial consultation, your dentist will talk with you about the sedation options they provide. We highly recommend it if you have dental anxiety, or want to be more relaxed during the removal process.
We’ve also covered a check-list of what happens during the initial visit to the clinic;
- Getting X-rays: Your dentist will use them to check tooth position, roots, and bone health.
- Sharing your medical history: Disclose conditions and medications.
- Adjust medications if needed: Only under your doctor’s supervision.
- Follow fasting instructions: Usually 6–8 hours if sedation is planned.
- Plan your recovery day: Arrange a ride home and keep your schedule light.
With preparation complete and the foundation set, you’re ready for the extraction itself.
The Extraction
A typical tooth extraction is straightforward:
- Your dentist will apply the local anesthesia to numb the affected tooth area.
- Depending on your case, and tooth if it is decayed or broken on the gum line, an incision might be made. Some cases require dividing the tooth into sections before removing it.
- The dentist will generally try to gently loosen the tooth with specialized and sterile dental instruments to carefully remove it from its socket.
- Then, they’ll try to clean and disinfect the tooth socket after the removal.
- Bone graft might be inserted in the empty socket, to prevent bone-loss in your jaw.
- Finally, our dentist may place stitches if needed.
Tooth removal usually takes between 30 and 60 minutes. We do not recommend multiple teeth extraction in one session, unless your pain tolerance is very high.
Removing a damaged tooth is only step one, and planning its replacement is just as important.
Recovering
The first 24 and 48 hours are the most important for recovery. At this time, it’s normal to experience mild swelling,bleeding, and some discomfort as your body begins to heal.
Your gum’s time to heal usually starts closing within one to two weeks, while deeper bone healing takes longer, often months. To enhance your healing process you have to follow with your dentist’s aftercare. This minimizes complications and helps ensure a smooth recovery.
Recovery is vital, and with proper aftercare, most patients heal smoothly within weeks.
Do’s and Don’ts
These are the guidelines that your dentist will advise you to do to speed up your healing process. The NHS released a pdf guide that contains best tips for aftercare.
We’ve compiled a table that contains the essentials of what to expect, do and avoid in the first 3 months after getting your tooth removed:
| Timeframe | What to Expect | Do | Don’t |
| First 24–48 hours | Swelling, minor bleeding, discomfort are common. | Use ice packs, rest, follow medication. | Don’t smoke, drink alcohol, or spit forcefully. |
| First week | Symptoms ease; gums begin to close. | Eat soft foods, rinse gently with saltwater. | Avoid hard or crunchy foods. |
| 1–2 weeks | Gum tissue mostly healed; mild tenderness may remain. | Continue good oral hygiene carefully. | Don’t poke the area with your tongue or objects. |
| 1–3 months | Bone and deeper tissues heal beneath the gums. | Attend follow-up visits if scheduled. | Don’t neglect oral care routines. |
Removing a bad tooth is important, but planning what comes next matters just as much.
Tooth Replacement Options
Replacements for the extractions are commonly used after extraction. They are meant to fill the gap where your tooth used to be. This helps with chewing normally again in that area, reducing pressure on nearby teeth, and avoiding changes in your bite. That said, your dentist will recommend one of three options.
1. Dental Implants: It is a practice, where the dentist posts a metal screw in your jawbone. That screw acts as a new tooth root, and supports a crown on top of it.
- Natural feel & function : Designed to look and act like real teeth.
- Long-term solution: Can last decades with proper care.
- Considerations: Requires surgery, longer healing time, and higher upfront cost.
2. Dental Bridges is an artificial tooth that’s placed in the gap that is supported by the teeth on either side.
- Mid-range choice A fixed replacement anchored to neighboring teeth.
- Faster than implants: Usually completed in weeks, not months.
- Considerations: Involves reshaping nearby teeth, lifespan is shorter than implants.
3. Dentures: these are removable artificial teeth, made of plastic or metal, used to replace several missing teeth or even a full set.
- Affordable & versatile: Can replace one tooth or multiple.
- Removable option: Easy to clean and adjust.
- Considerations: May feel less stable than fixed options, requires replacement over time.
Average Cost of tooth extraction in the UK (2025 Update)
Teeth extraction is under the NHS band 2, while surgical is under band 3. Your dentist will inform you which will be needed in the preparing stage.
| Type of Service | Cost in England |
| NHS Band 2 extraction | £75.30 |
| NHS Band 3 (surgical) | £326.70 |
| Private simple extraction | £80–£250 |
| Private surgical extraction | £150–£500 |
| Private wisdom tooth | £200–£600 |
Band 2 and 3, also covers the exam, X-rays, and extraction. The fee is £75.30 as of April 2025.
While prices have not always been this high, in the past they were cheaper.
With tooth extraction, and their replacement in check, we’ll discuss the most asked questions and answer them in-case you were curious about anything.
You can check Turkey Teeth before and After
FAQs
What are some precautions I should take?
You must rest well, avoid strenuous activity for the first 24–48 hours, and stick to soft foods. Don’t poke or touch the extraction site, as this can disturb the clot and slow healing.
Should I rinse after extraction?
You should not rinse your mouth for the first 24 hours, as this may dislodge the clot. After that, rinse gently with warm saltwater to keep the area clean.
Can I drink or smoke after extraction?
Avoid alcohol and smoking for at least 48–72 hours, since both can irritate the site and increase the risk of dry socket. Water and non-carbonated drinks are best for staying hydrated.
Should I brush my teeth or use mouthwash?
You can brush your other teeth as normal, but avoid brushing directly on the extraction site for a few days. Don’t use mouthwash unless prescribed, as it can interfere with clotting.
What do I do if it keeps bleeding?
Place clean gauze over the site and bite down with firm pressure for 30 minutes. If bleeding continues beyond a few hours, or becomes heavy, contact your dentist immediately.