Professional Tooth Extraction for West Finchley Patients

An extraction is a last resort. Our goal is to save natural teeth whenever possible, but sometimes removal is the best option. You may need an extraction if a tooth is severely decayed and cannot be saved with a filling or root canal. Advanced gum disease can loosen the tooth by damaging the bone. Teeth damaged by trauma or severe crowding before orthodontic treatment may also require extraction. Impacted wisdom teeth that cause pain, infection, or harm nearby teeth often need removal.

We aim for a smooth, comfortable process. Your first visit is a 30 to 45 minute consultation with digital X-rays or a 3D CBCT scan to assess roots and surrounding bone. On the day of the procedure, usually 30 to 60 minutes, we numb the area with local anaesthetic so you feel no pain, only pressure. The dentist will loosen and remove the tooth. For surgical extractions, a small gum incision may be needed. Afterward, we place sterile gauze over the socket and give detailed aftercare instructions. A follow-up visit is typically scheduled 7 to 10 days later to review healing.

In the first 2 days healing begins. You may feel mild pain and swelling. You can manage this with over-the-counter pain relief such as ibuprofen. A blood clot forms in the socket which is needed for healing, so avoid vigorous rinsing, spitting, or using a straw. Eat soft foods like soup, yogurt, and mashed potatoes. Avoid heavy activity for 48 hours to keep your blood pressure steady and reduce bleeding.

Complications are rare, but know what to watch for. Call us during office hours if you have severe or increasing pain after day 3, which could indicate a dry socket, or if you have uncontrolled bleeding or a fever. For long-term care keep the area clean with gentle saltwater rinses after 24 hours. When healing is complete we can discuss replacement options like a dental implant or bridge to prevent shifting of other teeth.

We aim to keep your natural smile. Before recommending extraction we look at options. The common alternative for an infected tooth is root canal treatment, which removes infection from the root and saves the natural tooth. Root canals have high success rates, around 85 to 95 percent, avoiding the need for a replacement. If a tooth is structurally damaged, a dental crown can restore shape and strength. We will assess your tooth and discuss every viable option during your consultation at our Finchley practice.

We are a private practice and do not offer NHS services. The cost depends on complexity; simple extractions differ from surgical removal of impacted wisdom teeth. In your initial visit we provide a clear treatment plan with full cost and no hidden fees. We accept private insurance from Max Bupa, Denplan, and Cigna, and our team can help with the necessary paperwork to claim.

A patient from West Finchley came with a cracked back molar. A 3D scan showed the fracture extended below the gum, making it non-restorable. We did the extraction and discussed the goal of a dental implant, planning a bone graft to preserve the site. Another local patient, 24, had wisdom teeth causing crowding. We removed the problematic tooth in 45 minutes, giving immediate relief and preventing future alignment issues.

To choose wisely about your dental health, ask these questions whether you visit our practice or another dentist in North London. First ask why the extraction is needed and if alternatives, like a root canal, could save the tooth. Ask for the total cost, including consultation, X-rays, and the procedure. Inquire about recovery and what to do if complications arise. Finally ask about long-term replacement options such as a bridge or a dental implant and the timeline for those treatments.