Tooth removal

About tooth removal

If your tooth is damaged or decayed and can’t be repaired with a filling or crown first, your dentist may decide to remove (extract) the tooth as a last resort.

When your tooth can’t be repaired, tooth removal may be the best option for you. However your dentist will talk through your options with you during your consultation. If you think you might need a tooth extracted, please contact your practice and book an appointment.

Why are teeth removed?

There are lots of reasons why you might need to have a tooth removed. For example, if you have:

• Severe tooth decay
• Gum disease (periodontal disease)
• A broken tooth that can’t be repaired
• An abscess (a collection of pus) on your gums or around your teeth
• Crowded teeth – when your teeth don’t have enough space in your jaw
• Impacted wisdom teeth – you can read more about this in our separate topic: Wisdom teeth removal

Your dentist will usually remove a tooth in your dental surgery. But sometimes an oral surgeon will do the procedure in hospital if your extraction is more complicated. You can usually go home on the same day.

At Bupa Dental Care, we have over 350 practices throughout the UK and a network of clinicians that are experienced at dealing with all dental issues. If you're experiencing pain or think you might need a tooth removed, contact your local practice and we'll be happy to help.

Replacing removed teeth

Once you’ve had a tooth extraction, your dentist will usually recommend you fill the gap where your tooth used to be. Gaps left by missing teeth can put a strain on neighbouring teeth, affect the way you bite and leave you more susceptible to tooth decay and gum disease. Some of the treatment options available for replacing missing teeth are:

Dental implants

A dental implant is a long-term, discreet solution for replacing missing or failing teeth. A dental implant itself is a titanium screw that’s placed directly into your jawbone, replacing the missing root of your tooth..

Dental bridges

A dental bridge essentially bridges a gap in your mouth. A bridge replaces a missing tooth by using a false tooth that’s bonded to the natural teeth on either side of the gap.

Dentures

Dentures are removable plastic or metal frameworks that carry single or multiple false teeth. They’re suitable for filling multiple gaps or if you have no teeth at all.

Preparing for tooth removal

Your dentist will explain how to prepare for your procedure. They’ll ask about your dental and medical history. It’s important to let them know about any medical conditions, allergies or recent surgery, as well as any medicines you’re taking.

Your dentist will discuss with you what will happen before, including any pain you might have. If you’re unsure about anything, ask. No question is too small. Being fully informed will help you feel more at ease and will allow you to give your consent for the procedure to go ahead.

Anaesthesia for tooth removal

You’ll usually have your tooth (or teeth) removed under a local anaesthetic. This completely blocks pain from your gums, although you’ll 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 might be possible to have a sedative, which relieves anxiety, makes you feel sleepy and helps you to relax.

Having a general anaesthetic for an extraction is usually only an option for young children or adults with learning disabilities. However, your dentist may decide it’s right for you if several of your teeth need to be removed, or the extraction is going to be more difficult than usual.

If you’re going to have a general anaesthetic, your dentist will refer you to a hospital to have your procedure.

The procedure: tooth removal

Step 1

Once you’re sitting comfortably in a chair, your dentist will inject a local anaesthetic into the area around your tooth or teeth. They’ll wait a few minutes to allow the injection to work and ask you a few questions to see if it’s taking effect.

Step 2

The roots of your tooth sit in a socket (hole) in your gum. Your dentist will widen your tooth socket and gently loosen your tooth before they remove it. Sometimes your dentist may need to put a stitch in the empty socket to help it heal.

Step 3

You’ll feel some pressure in your mouth when you have a tooth removed but it shouldn’t be painful. If you do feel any pain, let your dentist know straightaway.

Complications of tooth removal

Damage to other teeth

This might happen when your dentist removes your tooth, particularly if the teeth next to the one being removed have a large filling or crown.

Sensitive teeth

The teeth next to the one that’s removed may feel sensitive and this may last several weeks.

Poor healing

If the blood doesn’t clot in your tooth socket, it won’t heal properly. This is called dry socket and can be very painful. You’re more likely to develop dry socket if you smoke or take oral contraceptives. See your dentist straightaway. They’ll put a dressing in the socket and prescribe you some antibiotics.

A nerve injury

You might get a tingling or pins and needles or a numb feeling in your gum near the tooth socket. This may be caused if your nerves are bruised in the procedure, but it won’t usually last long.