Tooth Extractions

Gentle Tooth Extractions with Your Comfort in Mind

At our practice, we understand that the thought of having a tooth removed can feel daunting. Dr Janet Potter provides tooth extractions with a calm, caring approach, ensuring patients feel informed, supported, and comfortable throughout their treatment.

Whenever possible, our priority is to preserve your natural teeth. However, when a tooth cannot be restored or is causing pain, infection, or other problems, an extraction may be the healthiest option.

Before recommending an extraction, Dr Potter will carry out a thorough assessment, explain all available treatment options, and answer any questions you may have, helping you make an informed decision about your dental care.

Why Might a Tooth Need to Be Removed?

A tooth extraction may be recommended if:

The tooth is severely decayed and cannot be restored.
Advanced gum disease has caused the tooth to become loose.
The tooth has suffered significant damage or fracture.
There is a dental abscess or infection that cannot be successfully treated.
A wisdom tooth is causing pain, repeated infections, or damage to neighbouring teeth.
Removal is recommended as part of an orthodontic treatment plan.
A retained baby tooth is preventing the normal eruption of an adult tooth.

Before recommending an extraction, we will always discuss all appropriate treatment options with you, including whether the tooth can be saved.

What Happens During an Extraction?

Before treatment, we will examine your tooth and take any necessary X-rays to assess the surrounding bone and roots.

On the day of your appointment:

The area is thoroughly numbed using local anaesthetic.
Once you are comfortable, the tooth is gently loosened and carefully removed.
The area is cleaned and gauze is placed over the socket to help control bleeding.
You will receive detailed aftercare instructions to support healing.

Some teeth can be removed very simply, while others, such as broken teeth or impacted wisdom teeth, may require a more complex surgical extraction. We will explain exactly what is involved before your treatment.

Will It Hurt?

The procedure itself should not be painful, as the area will be fully numbed with local anaesthetic. You may feel pressure during the extraction, but you should not feel pain.

Once the anaesthetic wears off, it is normal to experience some soreness for a few days. This can usually be managed with appropriate pain relief and by following the aftercare advice we provide.

After Your Extraction

Most extraction sites heal well within a few weeks.

To help your mouth heal, we recommend that you:

Bite gently on the gauze provided for the recommended time.
Avoid vigorous rinsing for the first 24 hours.
Eat soft foods for the first day or two.
Avoid smoking and alcohol during the early stages of healing.
Keep the area clean by following our instructions for gentle brushing and saltwater rinses after the first 24 hours.

If you experience persistent bleeding, increasing swelling, severe pain, or have any concerns after your treatment, please contact the practice as soon as possible.

Replacing a Missing Tooth

After an extraction, it is often advisable to replace the missing tooth to maintain your bite, appearance, and oral health.

Depending on your individual needs, replacement options may include:

Dental implants
Dental bridges
Partial dentures

We will discuss the most suitable option for you and advise if replacement is recommended.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can every tooth be saved?

Unfortunately, not always. Although we always aim to preserve natural teeth wherever possible, some teeth are too badly damaged or infected to be successfully restored.

Will I need antibiotics?

Not every extraction requires antibiotics. They are only prescribed when clinically appropriate, such as for certain infections or medical conditions.

How long does healing take?

Initial healing usually occurs within one to two weeks, although complete healing of the bone beneath the gum takes several months.

What is a dry socket?

A dry socket is a condition that can occasionally occur after an extraction when the protective blood clot is lost before healing has begun. It can cause significant discomfort a few days after treatment but is treatable. Following our aftercare advice helps reduce the risk.

Book a Consultation

If you have a painful tooth, have been advised that you may need an extraction, or would like a second opinion, our experienced team is here to help.

We will assess your tooth, explain all available treatment options, and ensure you receive the care that is right for you.