Surgical Tooth Extractions for Muswell Hill Patients

A surgical extraction is not needed for every removal, but it is the right choice in certain clinical situations. You might need it if a tooth is impacted, meaning it is stuck beneath the gum and cannot erupt properly, which is common with wisdom teeth. It is also required when a tooth has broken off at the gum line or is difficult to grasp with standard tools. Teeth with long, curved roots or when a tooth sits very close to a major nerve may require surgery. Our 3D CBCT scans reveal the tooth’s position, roots, and nerves, helping us decide if a surgical approach is the safest option for patients travelling from Muswell Hill.

Your treatment is planned for safety and comfort. First, you’ll have a 45 minute consultation that includes a 3D CBCT scan to assess the tooth. At the appointment, we numb the area with local anaesthetic so you feel no pain, only pressure. The procedure lasts about 60 to 90 minutes and starts with a small gum incision to reach the tooth. The tooth may come out in one piece or be divided for a gentler removal. Afterward the site is cleaned and we usually place a few dissolvable stitches to support healing. A recent patient from Muswell Hill with an impacted wisdom tooth said the clear explanation of the 3D scan put them at ease before the procedure.

Good aftercare helps a smooth recovery. In the first 24 to 48 hours you may have swelling and mild discomfort, which you can manage with over the counter painkillers like ibuprofen. Eat soft foods such as soup, yogurt, or smoothies, and avoid hot drinks and rinsing your mouth to protect the blood clot. After the first day, start gentle rinsing with warm salt water. Most swelling and pain lessen within three to seven days. Avoid smoking and using a straw to prevent dislodging the clot and the risk of dry socket. Red flags to call us during office hours Mon, Wed, Fri 9 to 5 or Tue, Thu 11 to 7 include severe pain not helped by painkillers after day 3, heavy or ongoing bleeding, or fever and signs of infection like pus.

While extraction may be unavoidable, we consider options to save natural teeth whenever possible. If a tooth is badly broken or decayed but the root is healthy, root canal treatment with a crown can be an option. For impacted wisdom teeth near a nerve that pose a high risk if removed, a coronectomy might be suggested. This removes only the crown while leaving roots in place to avoid disturbing the nearby nerve. We will discuss all suitable options with you during your consultation at our Finchley practice.

To make an informed choice whether you meet with us or another practice near Muswell Hill, here are important questions to ask: Do you use 3D CBCT scanning to plan complex extractions? Roughly how many surgical extractions do you perform each year? What is included in the quoted price and does it cover the scan and follow up appointments? What are the specific risks in my case and how do you manage them? What options exist for replacing the tooth after extraction such as a dental implant or bridge? Do you provide clear written aftercare instructions and an out of hours contact for emergencies?

As a fully private dental practice, we do not offer NHS treatment. The cost of a surgical extraction depends on the complexity of the case, such as the tooth's location and the time required. After your initial consultation and 3D scan, we will provide a detailed treatment plan with a transparent all inclusive fee so there are no surprises. For instance, a patient requiring removal of a fractured molar before an implant placement received a clear breakdown of costs for both procedures. We accept several private insurance plans, including Max Bupa, Denplan, and Cigna. Please let our team know if you have coverage, and we'll help with the paperwork.