Advanced Surgical Tooth Extractions for Golders Green Patients

A surgical extraction isn’t always necessary, but it’s the right option in certain cases. You may need it if a tooth is impacted beneath the gum or bone, which is common with wisdom teeth. It’s also needed for teeth that fractured below the gum line and can’t be gripped with standard instruments. Other candidates are teeth with long curved roots or teeth near important nerves. In these cases a surgical approach lets us section the tooth and remove it precisely, with planning aided by our 3D CBCT scanner.

The treatment starts with a 60 minute consultation. We take a 3D CBCT scan to view the tooth, its roots, and its relation to nearby nerves and sinuses. This scan is essential for planning a safe procedure. The extraction itself usually takes 60 to 90 minutes and uses effective local anaesthetic, so you feel pressure but not pain. We make a small gum incision to access the tooth, which may be removed in sections to minimise trauma to the surrounding bone. Afterwards we clean the area and close with stitches. You return for a follow up 7 to 10 days later to check healing and remove stitches.

The first three days are key for healing. Expect some swelling and mild discomfort, managed with over the counter painkillers such as ibuprofen. Swelling usually peaks around 48 hours. Apply an ice pack to your cheek for 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off. Eat soft foods like soup, yoghurt, and smoothies. Avoid hot drinks, alcohol and smoking, as these can disturb the blood clot and raise the risk of dry socket. Avoid strenuous activity for 48 hours.

After the first week, discomfort should ease. Keep the area clean with gentle saltwater rinses after meals. Complications are rare, with success rates over 95 percent, but know what to look for. Red flags are increased pain after day four, fever above 38 C, persistent bleeding that won’t stop with pressure, or a foul taste or pus from the socket. For emergencies outside office hours call 111 or go to the nearest A&E.

Our practice philosophy is to save natural teeth whenever possible. Before recommending extraction, we explore all other options. If a tooth is badly infected, for instance, root canal treatment performed with our dental operating microscopes may be able to save it. For impacted wisdom teeth that are symptom-free and not causing damage, a watchful waiting approach might be suitable. In specific cases where a wisdom tooth root is very close to a nerve, a coronectomy (removing only the crown of the tooth) may be a safer option to reduce the risk of nerve damage. We’ll discuss the pros and cons of each option with you.

To make an informed choice about your treatment, here are some important questions to ask any dentist, whether at our Finchley practice or another clinic. First, ask what the total cost includes – does it cover the consultation, 3D scan, and follow-up appointment? You should also ask about their experience with complex cases like yours. It’s a good idea to ask why a surgical extraction is necessary over a simple one. Finally, inquire about the post-operative care plan and who you should contact if you have concerns after the procedure.

As a fully private practice, we provide complete transparency on costs. The fee for a surgical tooth extraction starts from £450. The final price depends on the complexity of the case, such as the depth of impaction and proximity to nerves. This fee includes the procedure itself, local anaesthetic, and any necessary stitches. The initial consultation and 3D CBCT scan are priced separately. We'll provide you with a detailed, itemised treatment plan with no hidden fees before you commit to anything. We accept several private dental insurance plans, including Max Bupa, Denplan, and Cigna, and can help you with the claim process.