Tooth extractions in Hoddesdon, Hertfordshire

About tooth extractions

Extraction is always a last resort and our priority is to save natural teeth where we can. For problems affecting the outer tooth this may involve a filling, an inlay or onlay, or a crown. If the internal pulp of the tooth has become infected then it can be saved with root canal treatment.

However, saving teeth may not always be possible for a number of reasons. A tooth may be too badly damaged (either by accident or decay) to save. There may also be overcrowding in the mouth, with not enough room for all the teeth to sit comfortably together. In these instances an extraction may be advised by your dentist as the best course of action.

Wisdom teeth

It is very common for there not to be enough room for wisdom teeth when they start to come through. If this is the case then they can develop at an angle and push up against the teeth that are already in place. This is likely to cause some pain or discomfort.

If you are experiencing dental pain then it is important to contact your dentist as soon as possible. They will carefully examine your teeth and assess the best course of action.

We have a team of oral surgeons that are specially trained for extracting wisdom teeth as well as other badly broken teeth.

Extractions can be carried out under sedation.

Tooth extraction after care

After having a tooth removed it is essential to look after the affected area to aid healing and reduce the risk of infection. Please select the drop down option below for some helpful pointers:

• Extraction after care - tips and advice
  • For the first 24 hours avoid eating hot food, smoking and drinking alcohol. Try not to disturb any blood clot that may have formed. If the clot is lost, by premature rinsing for example, the bone can be exposed to the air and this can be very painful.
  • Do not rinse your mouth for the first 24 hours after extraction. After that, rinse gently with warm salty water (half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of water is enough).
  • Brush your teeth normally to keep your mouth as clean as possible.
  • You may feel some small pieces of bone working their way out of the socket - don't worry, this is perfectly normal.
  • There may be some swelling and a bit of discomfort in the first two to three days. Ordinary painkillers (such as aspirin, ibuprofen or paracetamol) can be taken if necessary.
  • If you feel pain a few days after the tooth has been removed, it may be because a blood clot has broken down to leave an empty hole in the gum. This is called a 'dry socket' and will need to be looked at by your dentist. Simply make another appointment and they will pack the wound to ease your discomfort.

Find out more