Surbiton Dental 395 Ewell Road Surbiton Surrey KT6 7DG

Tooth Removal

Tooth Removal

You may need to have your tooth removed (extracted) if it’s damaged or decayed and can’t be repaired.

If your tooth is broken or decayed, your dentist may be able to repair it with a OnabotulinumtoxinAAbobotulinumtoxinAIncobotulinumtoxinAPrabotulinumtoxinALetibotulinumtoxinARimabotulinumtoxinBHyaluronic Acid FillersCalcium Hydroxylapatite FillersPoly-L-lactic Acid FillersPolymethylmethacrylate FillersAutologous Fat GraftingForehead Lines TreatmentGlabellar Frown Lines TreatmentCrow's Feet TreatmentBunny Lines TreatmentChemical Brow LiftLip FlipGummy Smile CorrectionMasseter ReductionJaw SlimmingDimpled Chin SmoothingCobblestone Chin SmoothingNefertiti Neck LiftMicro-BotoxMesotoxHyperhidrosis TreatmentChronic Migraine ReliefBruxism TreatmentTMJ TreatmentCervical Dystonia TreatmentNeck Spasm TreatmentBlepharospasm TreatmentLip AugmentationLip ContouringCheekbone EnhancementTear Trough FillersNasolabial Fold SofteningMarionette Line FillersLiquid RhinoplastyNon-Surgical Nose JobJawline ContouringJawline DefinitionChin AugmentationTemple VolumisingHand RejuvenationAcne Scar Subcision Filling or crown. But if it can’t be repaired, your dentist may suggest the best option is to take your tooth out instead. They’ll discuss the treatment options available to you.

If you decide to have your tooth removed, your dentist will usually remove it in your dental surgery. But sometimes an oral surgeon will carry out the procedure in hospital. You can usually go home on the same day as the procedure.

You’ll meet the tooth extraction dentist carrying out your procedure to discuss your care. It may differ from what’s described here as it will be designed to meet your individual needs.

Your tooth or teeth may need to be removed for several reasons. The most common reasons include:

If you need to have your tooth (or teeth) replaced, your dentist will explain all of the options available to you

Preparing for tooth removal

If you’re having your tooth (or teeth) removed by a dentist, you’ll usually have a local anaesthetic. This completely blocks pain from your gums, although you will still feel pressure. You’ll stay awake during the procedure so you’ll be aware of what’s happening. If you’re very anxious about having your tooth removed, it may be possible for you to be given a sedative as well. This relieves anxiety, makes you feel sleepy and helps you to relax during the operation.

Having a general anaesthetic for tooth extraction is unusual. It’s usually only offered to young children or adults with learning disabilities. But your dentist may decide it’s right for you if, for example, you have several teeth that need to be removed.

If you’re going to have a general anaesthesic, you’ll be referred to a hospital to have your procedure. It’s important to follow your anaesthetist’s advice when you’re preparing for your procedure. For example, you’ll be asked to follow fasting instructions beforehand. This means not eating or drinking anything, usually for about six hours, before your surgery. If you have any questions, or are unsure about anything, speak to your anaesthetist.

Your nurse or surgeon will discuss with you what will happen before, during and after your procedure, including any pain you might have. If you’re unsure about anything, don’t be afraid to ask. No question is too small. It’s important that you feel fully informed so you feel happy to give your consent for the procedure to go ahead. You’ll be asked to do this by signing a consent form.

What are the alternatives to tooth removal?

If you don’t want to have your tooth taken out, your dentist may be able to suggest other ways to treat your tooth. This will depend on what’s wrong with your tooth. They’ll also explain how not removing your tooth could affect your health.

You can take painkillers to ease any pain and swelling, but this will just relieve your symptoms temporarily. Antibiotics and root canal treatment can help treat an infection in a tooth. Your dentist will be able to discuss all of your options with you.

What happens during tooth removal?

Your dentist will check that you’re sitting comfortably in the chair. They will inject a local anaesthetic into the area around the tooth or teeth before starting the procedure. Once your dentist has injected the local anaesthetic, they will wait a few minutes to allow the injection to work. Then they will ask you a few questions to see if it’s taking effect.

The roots of your tooth sit in a socket (hole) in your gum.