Gentle Tooth Extractions for Your Family in East Finchley

We aim to save natural teeth, but sometimes extraction is the best choice for long term health. You need this treatment if a tooth has severe decay that a filling or root canal cannot fix, or if advanced gum disease has loosened the tooth. It is also a common solution for impacted wisdom teeth causing pain or for creating space when teeth are crowded, often as part of an orthodontic plan. For children, removing a stubborn baby tooth helps the permanent tooth come through correctly. For example, a teenager from North Finchley was referred to us for orthodontic extractions to relieve severe crowding before starting brace treatment. The procedure was quick, and they began Invisalign a few weeks later.

We explain the process from start to finish. First, during your initial 30-minute consultation, we take digital X-rays to assess the tooth roots and the surrounding bone. On the day of the procedure, we numb the area completely with a local anaesthetic so you feel pressure rather than pain. The extraction itself lasts about 10 to 20 minutes. For more complex cases, like an impacted wisdom tooth, the procedure may run closer to 45 minutes. We recently helped a patient who was very nervous about a wisdom tooth extraction. We walked him through the steps, used effective anaesthesia, and completed the removal in under 30 minutes. He was relieved by how straightforward and painless it was.

The first two days shape the recovery. You will likely experience mild discomfort and swelling, which you manage with over-the-counter pain relief. We provide a sterile gauze pad to bite on for about 30 to 60 minutes after the procedure to help a blood clot form. Avoid vigorous rinsing, spitting, or drinking through a straw, as these actions can dislodge the clot. Eat soft foods like soup, yogurt, and smoothies and avoid hot foods and drinks until the anaesthetic wears off completely.

After the first few days you can gently rinse your mouth with warm salt water to keep the area clean. You may resume gentle brushing while avoiding the extraction site. Most discomfort should fade within 3 to 5 days. Red flags requiring immediate contact: Call our practice on 0203 488 0335 during office hours (Mon/Wed/Fri 9-5, Tue/Thu 11-7) if you experience severe, throbbing pain that is not controlled by painkillers (a sign of dry socket), fever, or excessive bleeding that does not stop. For out-of-hours emergencies, visit A&E or call 111.

Our philosophy is to preserve your natural teeth whenever we can. Before recommending an extraction, we explore other options. Root Canal Treatment: If the tooth nerve is infected but the tooth structure is sound, a root canal can be an excellent alternative. This procedure removes the infection, saves the tooth, and has a success rate of over 90 percent. It avoids the need for a replacement tooth like an implant or bridge. Crowns or Large Fillings: For a tooth that is badly broken but not infected, a dental crown restores its shape, strength, and function, protecting it from further damage. This approach is often preferable to extracting the tooth and dealing with the gap.

As a private dental practice, we do not offer NHS services. The cost of a tooth extraction varies depending on the complexity, from a simple removal to a surgical procedure for an impacted tooth. Prices will be provided with full transparency after your initial examination. The fee includes the consultation, X-rays, anaesthetic, and the extraction itself. We accept private dental insurance from providers including Max Bupa, Denplan, and Cigna. Please let our team know your provider when you book, and we can help you with the claims process.

To make an informed choice about your care whether with us or another practice in East Finchley, here are important questions to ask: Why is this extraction necessary, and are there alternatives to save the tooth? What does the quoted price include? Are there separate fees for X-rays or follow-up care? What type of anaesthetic will be used? What are the risks, such as dry socket, and how can I prevent them? Will I need a replacement tooth afterwards, and what are the options and costs for that?