Tooth removal will be your best option if a tooth is badly damaged and beyond repair. Or in the case of overcrowding. Visit our Hertford practice for pain-free tooth extractions and options to close the gap.
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Tooth removal, Cost & What Happens
Our dentists would never recommend a tooth extraction if it were unnecessary.
When teeth are beyond repair, tooth removal is the best option. The dentist will walk you through your replacement options following the extraction.
The cost of extraction at our Hertfordshire practice is £150. Patients can expect a fuss-free experience, where we can take extra steps to calm you if you’re nervous.
Reasons why you might need to have your teeth pulled:
- Overcrowding
- Infection/risk of infection
- Severely decayed or damaged
- Failed root canals
- Dental abscess
- Impacted wisdom teeth
Tooth Extraction process
“I had my very first tooth extraction yesterday, I was petrified but my dentist Dr David was caring and careful. Thank you.” – Rhia, Hertford
Most tooth extractions are carried out under local anaesthetic, which means your mouth will be blocked from pain, although you will still feel slight pressure.
Depending on the complexity or size of your extraction or anxiousness, sometimes an oral surgeon carries this out under sedation.
Usually, you would be referred to a hospital in these instances. However, we can take care of this in-house with oral surgeons on our team.
What Happens on the Day
- Once you are comfortable, we will inject the anaesthetic.
- Allowing the injection to work its magic, we will ask a few questions to see how the numbing agent works.
- We will widen your tooth socket and loosen the tooth.
- Some instances may require a stitch to help the empty socket heal.
- The site will bleed for a few minutes, and your dentist will provide you with soft padding to stop the bleeding – you can take this out at home once the bleeding has stopped.
Following your appointment, your dentist will give you specific instructions.
Healing, Recovery & Aftercare
Following the procedure, you might experience minor discomfort as you come around from your anaesthetic.
Use over-the-counter medications like Ibuprofen for pain relief. Slight discomfort is normal, and getting used to the gap may feel strange – we recommend avoiding running your tongue across it to help it heal.
How Long Does the Pain Last After Tooth Extraction? The discomfort should disappear after a few days. However, if you are in a lot of pain, speak to your dentist immediately! You should be able to continue with your day after a routine extraction, but we always recommend seeing how you feel.
Dentists in Hertford - We Can't Wait To See You!
Our address is 7-9 South St, Hertford SG14 1AZ. Get directions.
Travelling information
- Most locations in Hertfordshire are about a fifteen minutes drive from our practice, with Stevenage being a 20-26 minute drive at the peak of the day (11.3 miles via A602 and A119).
- We’re equally accessible by bus and train (all within a short three-minute walk to the practice).
Do And Don’ts After Extraction
- DON’T rinse your mouth for 24 hours.
- DO rinse your mouth after one day with salt water four times daily.
- DON’T smoke or drink alcohol.
- DO brush away from the wound (building up daily by brushing closer).
Tooth Extraction Costs from £150
Unlike the NHS, going private means you get treated much faster, which is especially useful if you need urgent care.
Plus, with more relaxed timings, our dentists can take extra time to be as gentle as possible.
Replacing extracted teeth
It is essential to replace missing teeth to avoid several consequences. Dental implants are the superior choice.
Post-extraction Aftercare advice
- After the appointment, the anaesthetic will not have worn off, so avoid chewing for a few hours afterwards.
- Some discomfort is to be expected. Ibuprofen or paracetamol (not aspirin) is usually sufficient to make you comfortable.
- It can take from 1-7 days to recover from an extraction – this depends upon the nature of the extraction.
- If there is swelling, apply an ice pack – 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off – for a few hours following extraction.
24 hours after a tooth extraction
- Warm salty mouthwashes at least 3-4 times daily.
- Limit your diet to soft foods like yoghurt, soft soups, and ice cream for the first 48 hours.
- If antibiotics are prescribed, continue to take them for the indicated length of time, even if all symptoms and signs of infection are gone.
- Relax and avoid all strenuous activities for 24 hours.
- Stay hydrated and drink eight large glasses of water.
Possible Complications
Postoperative bleeding
Bleeding is controlled and stopped during surgery. However, there can be residual bleeding approximately 48 hours after the extraction. If you have any bleeding after this, you should contact us.
Dry socket
Dry socket is another term for inflammation of the socket’s bone lining. It is standard following extraction and occurs mainly after wisdom teeth or molar extractions. It onsets as pain 3-4 days after.
Pain and swelling
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are the systemic analgesic of choice, e.g. Ibuprofen. External ice packs can also help reduce swelling.
Complications
- An incomplete extraction can be due to a complex angulation of the tooth or “hooked” root tips. In most cases, they surface after a few weeks by themselves and then can be easily taken out.
- Nerve damage is rare and there is usually nothing to worry about. Normal sensation should return as the site heals. If it persists, please notify the dentist, as it can point to extensive damage.
- Damage to neighbouring teeth can happen when access is restricted and surfaces of the teeth are “slippy”.
For further information or questions about our tooth extraction procedure, contact us on 01992 827025 today.
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