A tooth extraction is the careful removal of a tooth from its socket in the jawbone. While our priority is always to preserve your natural teeth wherever possible, there are situations where extraction is the safest and most appropriate course of action.
At Heathwood Dental Practice in Crowthorne, our experienced team carries out extractions with precision and care using local anaesthetic to ensure you remain comfortable throughout. We work gently, explain every step, and provide clear aftercare guidance to support a smooth recovery.
Whether it’s a simple extraction or a more complex wisdom tooth removal, you can trust that you are in skilled, reassuring hands.
You may need a tooth extracted if:
A tooth is severely decayed and cannot be saved with a filling, crown, or root canal treatment
A tooth is badly damaged or broken beyond repair
You have advanced gum disease that has loosened a tooth
A wisdom tooth is impacted, partially erupted, or causing pain and infection
Overcrowding needs to be addressed prior to orthodontic treatment
A baby tooth is retained and preventing the adult tooth from erupting correctly
An infection poses a risk to surrounding teeth or your overall health
We will always discuss all available options with you before recommending an extraction, and never remove a tooth unless it is truly the best decision for your long-term oral health.
Simple Tooth Extraction A simple extraction is performed on a tooth that is visible and accessible without surgery.
Performed under local anaesthetic
Usually completed in a single, short appointment
Minimal recovery time — most patients feel well within 2–3 days
Suitable for decayed, broken, or loose teeth
Wisdom Tooth Removal Wisdom teeth commonly cause problems due to impaction, crowding, or difficult-to-clean positioning. Removal often resolves recurring pain and infection.
Assessed with X-rays to plan the safest approach
Simple or surgical removal depending on the tooth’s position
Local anaesthetic used
Full aftercare plan provided to support healing
Surgical Extraction A surgical extraction is required when a tooth is impacted beneath the gum line, has curved roots, or cannot be removed with a simple technique.
A small incision in the gum may be required
Performed comfortably under local anaesthetic
Post-operative instructions provided in full
1. Consultation & Assessment We examine the tooth and take X-rays to understand its position and determine the best approach for removal.
2. Local Anaesthetic The area around the tooth is numbed fully. We will not begin until you confirm you can no longer feel any pain.
3. Gentle Removal Using specialist instruments, the tooth is carefully loosened and removed. You may feel pressure but no pain throughout.
4. Socket Care The socket is cleaned and, where necessary, sutured. A gauze pad is placed to protect the clot and stop any bleeding.
5. Aftercare & Next Steps We provide clear aftercare guidance and discuss tooth replacement options to preserve your smile and jaw health long-term.
Do:
Bite gently on the gauze pad provided for 10 minutes
Rest for the remainder of the day
Take over-the-counter pain relief as directed (e.g. ibuprofen, paracetamol)
Eat soft, cool foods such as yoghurt, mashed potato, and soup
Rinse gently with warm saltwater after 24 hours to aid healing
Contact us if you experience severe or worsening pain after a few days
Don’t:
Rinse your mouth vigorously for 24 hours — this dislodges the blood clot
Eat hard, crunchy, or very hot foods near the extraction site
Engage in strenuous physical activity on the day of treatment
Ignore signs of infection such as increasing swelling, fever, or persistent pain
You may need a tooth extraction if you:
Have a tooth that is severely decayed or broken beyond restoration
Are experiencing recurring pain, swelling, or infection from a problematic tooth
Have an impacted wisdom tooth causing discomfort or pushing other teeth
Require orthodontic treatment and lack sufficient space
Have advanced gum disease affecting tooth stability
Not sure whether extraction is the right option for you? Our dentists at Heathwood Dental Practice will carry out a thorough assessment and explore every conservative option from fillings and root canals to crowns before recommending removal. Your long-term dental health always comes first.
Leaving a gap after extraction can cause neighbouring teeth to drift and affect your bite, facial structure, and confidence. We offer several options to restore your smile:
Socket Preservation Performed at the time of extraction, socket preservation protects the bone in the area where your tooth has been removed. Without it, bone loss begins immediately, most rapidly in the first year, and continues indefinitely, which can limit your future treatment options. By preserving the socket, you keep the door open for an implant months or even years down the line, without losing the bone needed to support it. A smart, affordable in-between step if you’re not ready to commit to an implant straight away.
Dental Implants The gold standard for tooth replacement. A titanium post is placed in the jawbone to act as an artificial root, topped with a lifelike crown. Implants prevent bone loss and feel just like a natural tooth. Learn more about Dental Implants
Dental Bridges A fixed bridge anchors a replacement tooth to the natural teeth on either side of the gap. A durable, non-removable solution that restores function and appearance. Learn more about Dental Bridges
Dentures For patients replacing multiple missing teeth, a partial or full denture provides a removable, comfortable, and natural-looking solution. Learn more about Dentures
No. We use local anaesthetic to completely numb the area before beginning. You will feel pressure and movement but no pain. If at any point you feel discomfort, let us know and we will stop. Post-procedure soreness is normal and easily managed with over-the-counter pain relief such as ibuprofen or paracetamol.
Most patients feel comfortable within 2–3 days. The extraction socket typically heals over within 1–2 weeks, though the underlying bone continues to remodel for several months. Following your aftercare instructions closely will help ensure a fast, complication-free recovery.
Dry socket occurs when the blood clot that forms in the socket is dislodged or dissolves prematurely, exposing the bone. It can cause significant pain, typically starting 3–5 days after the procedure. To reduce risk: avoid rinsing for 24 hours, do not smoke, and avoid drinking through straws. Contact us promptly if you suspect dry socket — it is treatable.
We recommend discussing replacement promptly to prevent the remaining teeth from shifting. Options include a dental implant, a dental bridge, or a partial denture. Your dentist will advise on the most suitable option based on your individual situation and goals.
We make every effort to accommodate emergency appointments, including same-day extractions where clinically appropriate. If you are in pain, please call us as early as possible and we will do our best to see you promptly.
The cost varies depending on the complexity of the extraction. Please contact us directly or request a consultation and we will provide a clear, transparent quote with no hidden fees.
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