A tooth extraction removes a tooth from its socket in the jawbone. We turn to it only when a tooth can’t be saved or is putting the rest of your mouth at risk. If you’re dealing with a badly decayed tooth, an injury, or a stubborn infection, we’ll assess your situation and recommend the right approach.
From your first consultation through to aftercare, our goal is to provide the right treatment with as little disruption to your life as possible.
A simple extraction removes a tooth that’s visible above the gumline, while a surgical extraction is used for teeth that are broken, impacted, or below the gumline, and may involve a small incision.
Extraction is recommended when a tooth is too damaged to restore, or when leaving it in place would harm your wider oral health.
Most teeth can be saved, but extraction becomes the best option when a tooth is beyond repair or poses a risk to surrounding teeth. Common reasons include:
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| Why it’s done | Extraction is usually needed for severe decay, a fracture, advanced gum disease, or infection that hasn’t responded to treatment. |
| Timing | We book the procedure at a time that suits you, whether it’s an urgent problem or a planned removal. |
| Treatments involved | The procedure ranges from a simple extraction to minor oral surgery. Broken, impacted, or below-the-gumline teeth need a surgical approach. |
| Replacement | We plan replacement before the extraction wherever possible. An implant is usually the best option because it preserves the bone. |
| Aftercare | Aftercare involves healing and a plan for any replacement. Most patients recover within a few days. |
A simple extraction removes a tooth that has erupted and is visible above the gumline. It’s typically quick and done under local anaesthetic. A surgical extraction is needed when a tooth is broken at the gumline, hasn’t erupted, or is impacted within the jawbone, and may involve a small incision and, occasionally, removing a little bone to lift the tooth out safely.
The more awkwardly positioned or fragile a tooth is, the more involved the procedure tends to be, which is why early assessment usually leads to a smoother outcome.
We carry out every extraction with your comfort and long-term oral health in mind. We use digital planning to assess each case, and where possible, focus on preserving as much natural bone as possible to keep future replacement options open.
For straightforward extractions, we can manage comfort in-house with sedation or local anaesthetic. More complex cases may be referred to an oral surgeon for removal under general anaesthetic, whichever is the safest and most comfortable option for you.
What is the recovery period after a tooth extraction?
Most patients feel back to normal within a few days, though full socket healing typically takes one to two weeks. To help recovery along, apply an ice pack to your cheek in 15-minute intervals immediately after the procedure, and take any prescribed or over-the-counter painkillers as directed. Rest and avoid strenuous activity for the first 24 hours, don’t use a straw, and prop your head up with pillows when lying down. After the first 24 hours, gently rinse your mouth with salt water. Contact us if you experience prolonged pain, fever, or signs of infection such as pus or drainage from the socket.
When should I call my dentist after a tooth extraction?
If the socket bleeds again, bite on damp gauze or a cooled, damp teabag for 15 to 20 minutes without checking, then remove it slowly. Call us if it continues, as the clot may have come loose. Get in touch straight away if you experience difficulty swallowing or breathing, a fever, or severe pain that isn’t relieved by your prescribed medication. You should also call us if swelling worsens after two or three days, a bad taste lingers despite salt-water rinses, pus or fluid leaks from the socket, or you notice persistent numbness or loss of feeling.
How do you manage pain after a tooth extraction?
Pain and swelling are usually well managed by applying ice to the affected area, taking prescribed pain medication or over-the-counter ibuprofen and paracetamol together, and using extra pillows to elevate your head at night.
What day is extraction pain the worst?
Pain is usually most intense on days two and three after the procedure. If pain, bleeding, or oozing increases significantly between days three and five, contact us, as this may indicate a dry socket.
How do I sleep after a tooth extraction?
Take your prescribed pain relievers as directed and set up a comfortable sleeping environment in a dark, cool room. Elevate your head with an extra pillow to reduce swelling, and apply an ice pack wrapped in a cloth to your jaw for 15 minutes at a time before bed.
What is dry socket, and how do I avoid it?
Dry socket occurs when the blood clot over the extraction site is dislodged before the area has healed, exposing the underlying bone and nerves. To reduce the risk, avoid straws, smoking, and vigorous rinsing in the days after your procedure, and follow your aftercare instructions closely.
Do I need to replace an extracted tooth?
If the tooth was visible or used for chewing, yes, and sooner than most people expect. The bone begins to shrink once the tooth is gone and neighbouring teeth start to drift, so a replacement should ideally be in place within three to six months.
An implant is usually our first recommendation because it keeps the bone in place. A bonded bridge can work where an implant isn’t suitable. Conventional bridges and dentures are options in some cases, but they don’t protect the bone.
Where the goal is restoring the look of your smile, our cosmetic dentistry options can help too. Some teeth, such as wisdom teeth, don’t need replacing at all.
Does a tooth extraction hurt?
The extraction itself shouldn’t hurt. The area is fully numbed with local anaesthetic beforehand, so you’ll feel pressure but not pain. For anxious patients or more complex cases, we can also offer sedation. Any discomfort afterwards is usually mild and settles within a few days.
How long does a tooth extraction take?
A simple extraction is often completed in a few minutes, while a surgical extraction takes longer. The exact time depends on the tooth’s position and condition, and your dentist will give you a clearer estimate once they’ve examined it.
Can I have more than one tooth removed at once?
In many cases, yes. Removing several teeth in one session means a single recovery period, which many patients prefer. Your dentist will assess your situation and recommend the safest, most comfortable approach.
Dr. Clifford Yudelman
Founder & Principal Dentist, OptiSmile
As a globally recognised restorative and cosmetic dentistry expert, Dr Yudelman brings over 40 years of experience across four continents. A 1983 Bachelor of Dental Science graduate from the University of the Witwatersrand, his career has spanned private practices in London, San Diego, Perth, and Cape Town. Currently the founder and principal dentist at OptiSmile, he is celebrated for transforming dental visits into positive experiences and fostering patient confidence through superior dental health, with a commitment to the latest dental technology for improved patient outcomes.
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