Complex & Surgical Tooth Extractions in North London

A tooth extraction is complex when it needs more than a simple pull. You likely need this if a tooth is impacted under the gum or bone and cannot erupt. This is common with wisdom teeth, which affect about one in four adults in the UK. You may also need it if a tooth has broken at the gumline, has curved roots, or sits near important structures like sinuses or the nerves in your jaw. Our Finchley team will assess you with a 3D scan to decide the best approach for your situation.

First you will have a 60 minute consultation with a CBCT scan. This imaging maps the tooth roots and nearby nerves with precision, forming a safe plan. Next we schedule the extraction, which usually lasts 45 to 90 minutes. Local anaesthetic will numb the area, so you will feel pressure but not pain. The dentist makes a small gum incision to reach and remove the tooth, sometimes in pieces to protect bone. Finally the site is cleaned and stitches are often placed to help healing. You will receive full aftercare instructions before you leave.

Aftercare is key for a smooth recovery. In the first 24 hours you may have some minor bleeding and mild discomfort. Manage this with over the counter pain relief and by gently biting on the gauze provided. Swelling often peaks at 2 to 3 days and can be reduced with a cold pack on the cheek for 20 minutes at a time. Eat soft foods for the first few days and avoid smoking or using a straw as this can disturb the blood clot. Most normal activities can resume in 3 to 5 days, with healing continuing over a few weeks. Red flags during office hours are: severe pain not relieved by medicine, heavy bleeding, fever or pus from the extraction site, or numbness lasting more than 12 hours after the procedure.

If the tooth is badly infected but the root structure is sound, root canal treatment may save it. Our practice aims to save natural teeth whenever possible. Dr. Ashok Reddy has an MSc in Endodontics and can assess if this option suits you, avoiding a gap and the need for a future replacement.

For lower wisdom teeth where the roots wrap around the main nerve in the jaw a coronectomy may be safer. This removes only the crown and leaves the roots to avoid nerve damage. We can determine if this is appropriate based on your 3D scan.

The cost of a complex or surgical extraction varies with difficulty, time required, and the tooth's position. Prices are confirmed after your initial consultation and 3D scan. A detailed treatment plan will be provided with no hidden fees. This is a fully private practice, so NHS services are not offered. We accept several major private dental insurance plans, including Max Bupa, Denplan, and Cigna. Please bring your insurance details to your consultation so we can clarify coverage.

If you want to feel confident about your care, here are important questions to ask any North London practice, including us: How many complex extractions like yours do you perform each year? Do you plan with a 3D CBCT scan? What specific risks apply to my case and how will you handle them? What is included in the quoted price for consultation, scan, extraction, and follow-up? What happens if I face a complication like a dry socket after hours? Who will perform the procedure and what is their experience with difficult cases? Do you recommend a bone graft after extraction to prepare the socket for a future implant?