Expert Complex Tooth Extraction Clinic Serving Barnet

A complex extraction is a small surgical procedure done when a tooth cannot be removed with a simple pull. You might need it if an impacted wisdom tooth causes pain or infection, which affects about one in four adults. It’s also used if a tooth fractured at the gum line leaving little to grip. In some cases a tooth with long or curved roots or one near a major nerve requires careful planning. During your consult we use a 3D CBCT scan to map the tooth, roots and nerves and decide the safest way to remove it.

The process starts with a 45 minute consultation at our Finchley clinic, including a 3D CBCT scan and a full assessment. We share findings and a clear cost estimate. The extraction itself takes about 60 to 90 minutes. Local anaesthetic will numb the area so you feel pressure but not pain. The dentist makes a small gum incision to reach the tooth and may remove it in sections. After removal, the site is cleaned and dissolvable stitches may be placed to aid healing. We give detailed aftercare instructions before you go home.

The first 48 hours bring the most discomfort and swelling. Expect moderate pain, about a 5 to 6 out of 10, which you can manage with over‑the‑counter painkillers such as ibuprofen. Use a cheek ice pack for 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off to reduce swelling. Eat soft foods like soups, yogurt, and smoothies, and avoid hot drinks, alcohol, and smoking, as these can disturb the clot and raise the risk of a dry socket.

It is important to monitor your healing. Call our practice immediately if you experience increasing pain after day 3, persistent bleeding that does not stop with pressure, a fever above 38C, or a bad taste or pus from the socket. Please contact us during our office hours (Mon/Wed/Fri 9-5, Tue/Thu 11-7). For severe swelling affecting your breathing or uncontrolled bleeding outside these hours, visit the nearest A&E or call 111 for guidance.

While extraction is sometimes unavoidable, our philosophy is to save natural teeth whenever possible. If a tooth is badly infected but the root structure is sound, root canal treatment may be a viable option to save it. This involves removing the infected pulp and sealing the tooth, with success rates often exceeding 90%. For impacted wisdom teeth that are symptom‑free but near a nerve, a coronectomy (removing only the crown of the tooth) might be safer than a full extraction. We will discuss all suitable alternatives for your specific situation during your consultation.

To make an informed choice for your care, whether with us or another practice serving Barnet, ask these important questions. What is your experience with this specific type of extraction? Do you use 3D CBCT scanning to plan the procedure? What are the potential risks in my case, and how do you minimise them? Does the quoted price include the consultation, scan, and any necessary follow-up appointments? What are the options for replacing the tooth after extraction, such as a dental implant or bridge, and what are the timelines and costs?

As a private practice, we do not offer NHS treatment. The price for a complex extraction depends on difficulty, time, and tooth location. A precise fixed quote will be provided after your initial consultation and 3D scan, with no hidden fees. For example, an impacted wisdom tooth requiring surgical removal costs more than a fractured molar. We accept several private plans, including Max Bupa, Denplan, and Cigna. Our team helps you understand coverage and provides documentation for your claim.