Tooth Extraction

While our goal is always to save natural teeth, sometimes an extraction is necessary due to severe decay, advanced gum disease, or trauma that has made the tooth beyond repair.

We carefully assess each case to see if there’s enough healthy tooth and bone support to restore it. With our biomimetic techniques, we are often able to restore teeth that were previously thought to be unrestorable. Only when a tooth is unsalvageable do we consider removing it.

What to Expect

Tooth removal is done under local anaesthetic, ensuring the area is fully numb before we begin. Your comfort is our priority — we never proceed if you don't feel ready to. After the procedure, we’ll give you full aftercare instructions to help the area heal safely and effectively.

Planning Ahead

Before any extraction, we’ll talk through all your options for replacing the tooth, including:

• Dentures
• Bridges
• Dental implants
• Doing nothing and reviewing

We always aim to provide a temporary replacement immediately after your extraction to prevent the space from closing. Teeth naturally move into gaps, and over time this can create an unrestorable space. In some cases, it may even lead to the loss of neighbouring teeth due to unfavourable forces caused by their leaning position. So, it’s not just about avoiding a gap, but also about understanding the long-term implications and making an informed decision about your dental care by planning ahead.

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Aftercare Following Extraction

A blood clot needs to form and stay in place at the extraction site for healing to begin properly, so for the first 24 hours it's best to avoid rinsing, spitting forcefully, smoking, or drinking through a straw, as these can dislodge the clot and lead to a painful condition called dry socket. Mild bleeding, swelling and discomfort are normal for the first day or two and can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain relief and a cold compress against the cheek. From the next day, gently rinsing with warm salt water after meals helps keep the area clean while it heals. Stick to soft, cool foods initially, and avoid chewing directly on the extraction site until it feels comfortable to do so.

When to Contact Us

Some swelling and tenderness is expected, but if you experience worsening pain after the first couple of days, a bad taste or odour, or a temperature, please contact us — these can be signs of infection or dry socket, both of which are straightforward to treat when caught early.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is tooth extraction painful? No — the area is fully numbed with local anaesthetic before we begin, and we never proceed until you feel ready.

How long does recovery take? Most patients feel back to normal within a few days, with full healing over the following weeks.

What can I eat after an extraction? Stick to soft, cool foods for the first day or two, avoiding chewing directly on the extraction site.

Will I need a replacement tooth? We'll talk through your options — dentures, bridges, implants, or monitoring — before your extraction so you can plan ahead.

What is dry socket? It's a painful condition that can occur if the healing blood clot is dislodged; avoiding rinsing, spitting and straws in the first 24 hours helps prevent it.

Can extraction always be avoided? We always try to save a tooth first using biomimetic techniques where possible, and only recommend extraction when a tooth is truly unsalvageable.

How soon should I replace an extracted tooth? As soon as practical — neighbouring teeth can drift into the gap over time, which can create further complications.