Safe, gentle tooth removal carried out by our experienced dental team — helping you get out of pain and back to your day, quickly and comfortably. Serving patients from Crowthorne, Bracknell Forest, Wokingham and surrounding areas.

What Is a Tooth Extraction?

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.

When Is a Tooth Extraction Necessary?

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.

Types of Tooth Extraction We Offer

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; sedation available for anxious patients

• 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

• Sedation options available for nervous patients

• Post-operative instructions provided in full

What to Expect: Your Extraction Appointment

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.

Aftercare: Do’s and Don’ts

Do:

• Bite gently on the gauze pad provided for 30–60 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

• Drink through a straw for at least 24 hours

• Smoke — this significantly increases the risk of dry socket and infection

• 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

Am I a Candidate for Tooth Extraction?

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.

Replacing Your Tooth After Extraction

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:

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