Complex Tooth Extractions for Golders Green Patients

A complex or surgical extraction is needed when a tooth isn’t removable with a simple pull. This is often the case for teeth that are impacted (stuck below the gum line), have broken off at the gum level, or have long, curved roots tangled with the jawbone. We usually recommend this procedure for impacted wisdom teeth causing pain or infection, teeth with severe decay that cannot be saved with a root canal, or fractured teeth that are beyond repair. Using our in house 3D CBCT scanner, we can see the exact position of the tooth and its roots, which helps us plan the safest and most effective way to remove it.

First, you’ll have a 45 minute consultation at our Finchley clinic, where we’ll take a 3D CBCT scan to fully assess the tooth. Next, during the procedure appointment, we’ll thoroughly numb the area with local anaesthetic so you won’t feel any pain. The treatment itself usually takes between 45 to 75 minutes, depending on the tooth’s complexity. The gum is gently lifted, and the tooth may be removed in sections to minimise trauma to the surrounding bone. Finally, the site is cleaned, and we may place a few stitches to help with healing. We’ll schedule a follow-up appointment for 7 to 10 days later to check your healing progress and remove any stitches.

Proper aftercare is key to a smooth recovery. For the first 24 to 48 hours, you’ll experience some swelling and discomfort, which is manageable with over the counter painkillers like ibuprofen. Stick to soft foods such as soup, yogurt, and smoothies, and avoid hot drinks. A small amount of bleeding is normal for the first day. After 24 hours, you can start gently rinsing your mouth with warm salt water to keep it clean. Avoid strenuous exercise for three to four days. Most of the swelling and discomfort will ease within a week. Red flags call during office hours (Mon/Wed/Fri 9 to 5, Tue/Thu 11 to 7): - Severe, throbbing pain that isn’t controlled by painkillers after day three (could be a dry socket) - Heavy, persistent bleeding - A fever or feeling generally unwell - Pus or a foul taste coming from the extraction site

Our practice philosophy is to save natural teeth whenever possible. Before recommending an extraction, we will explore other options. For a tooth with a deep infection, a root canal treatment performed by a dentist with advanced training, such as our Dr. Ashok Reddy who holds an MSc in Endodontics, might be the best way to save it. If a tooth is badly broken but the root is healthy, a crown could restore its function and appearance. We only proceed with an extraction when it is clinically necessary or when other restorative options have been ruled out. We’ll discuss all these choices with you during your consultation.

The cost of a complex extraction varies depending on the difficulty, the tooth’s location, and the time required. After your initial consultation and 3D scan, we provide a detailed, transparent treatment plan with no hidden fees. The quote covers the procedure itself, all necessary imaging, and your follow-up appointments. As a private practice, we do not offer NHS treatment. However, we do accept plans from major insurance providers including Max Bupa, Denplan, and Cigna. Please let our team know if you have insurance coverage you’d like to use.

To make an informed choice about your care, whether with us or another practice in North London, here are important questions to ask: what experience do you have with this specific type of extraction, do you use 3D CBCT scans for planning surgical extractions, what does the quoted price include and are there potential extra costs, what are the main risks for my case such as nerve proximity, what aftercare support do you provide, will a bone graft be needed to preserve the socket for a future implant