Sometimes a tooth can’t be saved and needs removing. At A1 Dental Surgery, our experienced dentists perform extractions as gently as possible, using effective anaesthetic to ensure you’re comfortable throughout the procedure.
A tooth extraction is the removal of a tooth from its socket in the jawbone. At our Canterbury practice on London Road, extractions are performed under local anaesthetic so you won’t feel pain during the procedure, just pressure and pushing sensations.
Teeth are extracted when they’re too damaged to save, causing severe infection, overcrowding your mouth, or causing problems like impacted wisdom teeth. Dr Banvir’s three years of Maxillo-Facial Surgery experience means even complex extractions are handled with surgical precision. Most simple extractions take 10-20 minutes, and you can return to normal activities within a few days following our aftercare guidance.
We always try to save teeth when possible, but sometimes extraction is the best option for your oral health.
Severe tooth decay: When decay has destroyed most of the tooth structure and reached deep into the roots, the tooth often can’t be saved. Root canal treatment might be attempted first, but if there’s insufficient healthy tooth remaining to restore, extraction is necessary.
Advanced gum disease: Periodontitis causes bone loss around tooth roots. When too much bone is lost, teeth become loose and painful. Removing severely affected teeth prevents infection and allows you to consider tooth replacement options.
Tooth infection (abscess): If a tooth infection is severe and root canal treatment has failed or isn’t possible, extraction eliminates the source of infection. Leaving infected teeth untreated can lead to serious health complications as infection spreads.
Broken or fractured teeth: Teeth broken below the gum line or cracked deeply into the root often can’t be repaired. If the crack extends into the root, the tooth structure is compromised beyond saving.
Overcrowding: Sometimes teeth need removing to create space for orthodontic treatment. If your jaw is too small for all your teeth to fit properly, strategic extractions allow the remaining teeth to be straightened into better positions.
Impacted wisdom teeth: Wisdom teeth that can’t erupt properly often become impacted, stuck beneath the gum or against other teeth. Impacted wisdom teeth cause pain, infection, and damage to adjacent teeth. Removing them prevents these problems.
Dental trauma: Teeth knocked out partially or severely damaged in accidents sometimes can’t be saved, especially if the root is fractured or the tooth has been out of the socket too long.
Not all extractions are the same. The approach depends on the tooth’s condition, position, and how easily it can be accessed.
Simple extractions are performed on teeth that are visible above the gum line and can be removed relatively easily. We numb the area with local anaesthetic, use an instrument called an elevator to loosen the tooth by gently rocking it back and forth, then remove the tooth with dental forceps.
Simple extractions typically take 10-20 minutes and heal quickly. Most front teeth and single-rooted teeth are simple extractions. You’ll feel pressure and pushing as we work to loosen the tooth, but no pain. The sensation can be unsettling if you’re not prepared for it, but remember, pressure doesn’t mean pain.
Surgical extractions are needed when teeth can’t be removed simply. This includes teeth broken at the gum line, teeth that haven’t erupted fully, impacted wisdom teeth, teeth with curved or multiple roots, or teeth that have broken during attempted simple extraction.
Surgical extractions involve making a small incision in the gum to access the tooth, sometimes removing a small amount of bone around the tooth, dividing the tooth into sections for easier removal if needed, removing each section, cleaning the socket, and placing stitches.
Surgical extractions take longer, typically 30-60 minutes depending on complexity. Dr Banvir’s surgical background means he’s highly experienced with complex extractions that other dentists might refer to specialists.
Wisdom teeth (third molars) are the last teeth to erupt, usually appearing in your late teens or early twenties. Many Canterbury patients don’t have room for them, causing problems that require extraction.
Modern jaws are often too small to accommodate wisdom teeth. When there isn’t enough space, wisdom teeth become impacted, unable to erupt properly. They might grow at an angle pushing against other teeth, partially erupt creating a flap of gum where bacteria accumulate, remain completely trapped under the gum, or develop cysts around them.
Pain at the back of your mouth, swollen tender gums around partially erupted wisdom teeth, jaw pain or stiffness, difficulty opening your mouth fully, bad taste or smell from the area, repeated infections (pericoronitis), or crowding of other teeth.
Wisdom tooth extractions range from simple to complex depending on position and development. X-rays help us assess the tooth’s position and plan the best approach. Simple wisdom tooth extractions proceed like any other extraction. Impacted wisdom tooth removal requires surgical extraction, where we make an incision, remove any bone blocking access, possibly divide the tooth into sections, and remove it piece by piece.
Recovery from wisdom tooth removal typically takes 3-7 days. We provide detailed aftercare instructions and pain management advice. Most patients manage well with over-the-counter painkillers.
Understanding the process helps reduce anxiety. Here’s exactly what happens at our Canterbury practice.
We’ll discuss why the tooth needs extracting, what the procedure involves, what replacement options exist if needed, aftercare requirements, and what you’ll experience during and after. We’ll take X-rays if needed to see the tooth’s root structure and position.
Local anaesthetic ensures you won’t feel pain during extraction. The injection involves a brief scratch, then your tooth, gum, and surrounding area become numb within minutes. We won’t start the extraction until you’re completely numb. For anxious patients or complex surgical extractions, we can discuss sedation options.
For simple extractions, we use an elevator instrument to gently rock the tooth back and forth, gradually loosening it from the surrounding bone and ligament. Once sufficiently loosened, forceps grasp the tooth and remove it. You’ll feel strong pressure and pushing. This is normal and doesn’t indicate pain is coming.
For surgical extractions, we make a small incision in your gum and possibly remove a little bone to access the tooth. If needed, the tooth is divided into sections for easier removal. Each piece is removed carefully. You’ll feel pressure and vibration from instruments but no pain.
Once the tooth is out, we clean the socket thoroughly, check for any remaining fragments, place gauze over the socket for you to bite down on, apply stitches if needed (for surgical extractions), provide detailed aftercare instructions, and prescribe pain medication if necessary.
Most simple extractions don’t require stitches. Surgical extractions usually need a few stitches that dissolve within 7-10 days.
Proper aftercare is crucial for comfortable healing and preventing complications.
Bite firmly on the gauze we provide for 30-45 minutes. This pressure helps a blood clot form in the socket, essential for healing. Take painkillers as directed before the anaesthetic wears off. Apply ice packs on the outside of your face (20 minutes on, 20 minutes off) to reduce swelling and discomfort. Rest and avoid strenuous activity. Don’t touch the extraction site with your tongue or fingers. Don’t rinse your mouth or spit forcefully for 24 hours, this can dislodge the blood clot.
Stick to soft foods: soups, smoothies, mashed potatoes, yogurt, scrambled eggs. Avoid hot foods and drinks for the first 24 hours. Gradually reintroduce normal foods as comfort allows. Chew on the opposite side.
Continue brushing your other teeth carefully, avoiding the extraction site for the first day. After 24 hours, gently rinse with warm salt water (a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water) after meals and before bed. Don’t brush the extraction site itself for a few days.
Some bleeding in the first 24 hours, swelling peaking at 48-72 hours then gradually reducing, bruising on your face or jaw (especially after surgical extractions), jaw stiffness making it difficult to open wide, bad taste or smell as the socket heals, and feeling generally unwell for a day or two.
Days 1-3: Most discomfort occurs. Swelling peaks around day 2-3. Days 4-7: Swelling reduces, pain significantly improves. Week 2: Socket begins filling with new tissue. Weeks 3-4: Soft tissue healing mostly complete. Months 3-6: Bone fills in the socket completely.
Most patients return to work and normal activities within 2-3 days for simple extractions, or 5-7 days for surgical extractions.
Severe pain not controlled by prescribed medication, heavy bleeding that doesn’t stop after applying pressure for 45 minutes, dry socket (severe pain 3-4 days after extraction when the blood clot dislodges), signs of infection (increasing pain, swelling, fever, pus discharge, bad taste), difficulty breathing or swallowing, or numbness lasting longer than the anaesthetic should.
These complications are rare but require prompt attention. Call 01227 765 851 immediately if you experience any of these symptoms.
After extraction, we’ll discuss whether your tooth needs replacing and what options are available.
Implants provide the most permanent and natural-feeling solution. An implant replaces both the tooth and root, preventing bone loss and functioning exactly like a natural tooth. Dr Banvir’s implant qualifications mean we handle implant treatment in-house.
Dental bridges are fixed restorations where adjacent teeth support a prosthetic tooth spanning the gap. Bridges look natural and restore chewing function without the need for surgery.
Dentures offer removable options for single teeth (partial dentures) or multiple missing teeth. Modern dentures are comfortable and natural-looking, though they don’t feel quite like natural teeth.
We’ll discuss costs, timelines, and which option best suits your needs and budget during your consultation.
Private extractions: From £[price] for simple extractions to £[price range] for surgical extractions and wisdom teeth removal, depending on complexity.
NHS extractions: £73.50 (Band 2 treatment for eligible patients). This covers examination, extraction, and any other Band 2 treatments needed in that course of care.
Emergency same-day extractions available for severe tooth pain or infection.
Call 01227 765 851 to book your extraction consultation or discuss emergency appointments.
We take the time to understand your medical history, assess your dental health, and create a treatment plan that works for your budget and timeline. Your smile is your story, and every story deserves individual attention.
Dr Banvir's MSc in Aesthetic & Restorative Dentistry represents specialist-level training you'd typically need referrals to access. His three years working in Maxillo-Facial Surgery means he's handled complex cases most general dentists never see.
Digital X-rays with minimal radiation. Intraoral cameras so you can see exactly what we're seeing. Comprehensive record-keeping that tracks changes over time. We invest in technology because it genuinely improves your experience and treatment outcomes.
Generations of Canterbury families have trusted us with their dental health. That kind of loyalty doesn't come from flashy marketing. It comes from delivering quality care consistently over decades.
Dental anxiety is far more common than you think. We work at your pace, explain everything before we begin, and create an environment where you feel in control. Many of our most nervous patients now attend regular check-ups without that familiar dread.
Looking for a dentist you can actually stick with?
Registering with A1 Dental Surgery means your care is planned properly, explained clearly, and delivered consistently over years. Not patched together across disconnected appointments at different practices.
Your first visit focuses on understanding your story. We assess your dental health, discuss your goals and concerns, and map out a realistic treatment plan that respects both your timeline and budget.
What registration means:
No, extractions don't hurt during the procedure because we numb your tooth and surrounding area completely with local anaesthetic. You'll feel pressure, pushing, and rocking sensations as we loosen the tooth, but you won't feel sharp pain.
If you do feel discomfort during the extraction, tell us immediately and we'll add more anaesthetic. We won't continue until you're completely numb.
After the extraction, once anaesthetic wears off, you'll experience some discomfort for a few days. This is managed well with over-the-counter painkillers like ibuprofen or paracetamol. Most patients describe post-extraction pain as "achy" rather than sharp.
Simple extractions typically take 10-20 minutes from start to finish. You'll spend more time getting numb (5-10 minutes) than the actual extraction takes.
Surgical extractions take longer, usually 30-60 minutes depending on complexity. Impacted wisdom teeth requiring bone removal and tooth sectioning take the full hour.
The appointment itself will be longer to allow time for consultation, X-rays if needed, numbing, and post-extraction instructions.
Private extraction costs vary depending on complexity, from £[price] for simple extractions to £[price range] for surgical extractions and wisdom teeth removal.
NHS extractions fall under Band 2 treatment, currently £73.50 for eligible patients. This covers examination, extraction, and any other Band 2 treatments needed in that course of care.
Call 01227 765 851 for specific private pricing or to discuss emergency appointments.
For the first 24 hours, stick to cold or lukewarm soft foods: soups (not too hot), smoothies and milkshakes, yogurt and ice cream, mashed potatoes, and scrambled eggs. Avoid hot foods.
After 24 hours, gradually add pasta, soft bread, well-cooked vegetables, and tender meat cut into small pieces.
Avoid for at least a week: hard crunchy foods (crisps, nuts, raw vegetables), chewy foods (tough meat, sticky sweets), foods with small particles that can lodge in the socket (rice, seeds, popcorn), alcohol (interferes with healing and pain medication), and very hot foods and drinks.
Chew on the opposite side from the extraction for at least a week.
You should avoid smoking for at least 72 hours after extraction, ideally for a full week. Smoking significantly increases your risk of dry socket, a painful complication where the blood clot dislodges from the socket, exposing bone and nerves.
Smoking also slows healing significantly, increases infection risk, reduces blood flow to the extraction site, and can dislodge the blood clot through suction.
If you can't avoid smoking completely, wait at least 72 hours and minimise how much you smoke during the first week.
Dry socket (alveolar osteitis) occurs when the blood clot in the extraction socket dislodges or doesn't form properly, exposing the underlying bone. It causes severe pain typically starting 3-4 days after extraction.
Symptoms include severe pain not relieved by painkillers, pain radiating to your ear or eye, bad breath or bad taste, visible bone in the socket, and empty-looking socket.
Prevention: Don't smoke for at least 72 hours, avoid drinking through straws (suction can dislodge the clot), don't rinse vigorously or spit forcefully for 24 hours, follow all aftercare instructions carefully, and take prescribed antibiotics if given.
Dry socket affects about 2-5% of extractions but is treatable. If you develop symptoms, call us immediately on 01227 765 851. We'll pack the socket with medicated dressing that relieves pain within hours.
You can brush your other teeth carefully the evening of your extraction, just avoid the extraction site. After 24 hours, you can gently brush near (but not directly on) the extraction site. After 3-4 days, you can carefully brush around the socket.
Instead of brushing the extraction site for the first few days, rinse gently with warm salt water after meals and before bed. This keeps the area clean without disturbing the healing socket.
Continue your normal oral hygiene routine for the rest of your mouth. It's important not to let other teeth and gums deteriorate while the extraction site heals.
It depends which tooth was removed and why.
You should consider replacement if the tooth is visible when you smile (affecting appearance), it's a molar affecting your ability to chew properly, adjacent teeth might drift into the gap (causing bite problems), or the opposing tooth might over-erupt without something to bite against.
You might not need replacement if it's a wisdom tooth (they don't need replacing), it's a second molar and you still have your first molar for chewing, or it's a baby tooth in a child (the adult tooth will erupt).
We'll discuss whether replacement is necessary and what options suit your situation during your consultation.
Most patients can return to work the day after a simple extraction, though you might prefer taking the rest of the day off after the appointment. For surgical extractions or wisdom teeth removal, plan on taking 2-3 days off work.
If your job involves heavy physical labour, you'll need more time off as strenuous activity can restart bleeding and delay healing. Office work is generally fine after a day or two.
Everyone heals differently. Listen to your body and don't push yourself too hard too soon.
Yes, we reserve same-day emergency slots for severe tooth pain or infection. If you're experiencing severe toothache, swelling, or a dental abscess, call us immediately on 01227 765 851.
We typically see emergency patients the same day. Our practice is centrally located on London Road in Canterbury (near Canterbury East Station with on-site parking), making us easily accessible when you're in pain, whether you're local or travelling from Deal, Dover, or Ramsgate.
