Emergency Surgical Tooth Extraction for Barnet Patients

A standard extraction is usually planned, but some cases demand urgent surgical intervention. Seek an emergency appointment if you have severe, throbbing pain with swelling in the face or gums, which could signal a serious infection or abscess from an impacted wisdom tooth. If a tooth has fractured horizontally or shattered leaving pieces below the gumline that a simple extraction won't remove, this also requires urgent care. In such cases a small incision in the gum may be needed to reach and remove the tooth or fragments safely. Delaying treatment risks the infection spreading or damage to nearby teeth and the jaw.

First, we take a 3D CBCT scan to map the tooth roots and surrounding bone. The scan takes about 15 minutes. Next, we numb the area with local anaesthetic so you feel no pain, only pressure. The procedure lasts about 45 to 60 minutes and involves a small incision in the gum to reach the tooth. Sometimes we remove a small amount of bone around the tooth or break the tooth into pieces for easier removal. After the tooth is removed, the site is cleaned and stitches are placed to help healing. We provide full aftercare instructions before you leave.

Your recovery is a priority. In the first 24 hours, rest and avoid strenuous activity. Some swelling and discomfort are normal and peak around day 2 to 3; this can be managed with over-the-counter painkillers like ibuprofen. Stick to soft foods such as soup and yogurt for a few days. Keep the area clean by gently rinsing with salt water after 24 hours. A recent patient from High Barnet who had a broken molar removed surgically was back to comfortable by day three. Red flags—call during office hours (Mon/Wed/Fri 9-5, Tue/Thu 11-7): - Uncontrolled bleeding that doesn't stop with pressure - Severe, throbbing pain that isn't helped by painkillers after day 3 - Fever or signs of infection like pus For emergencies outside these hours, please visit your nearest A&E or call NHS 111.

In an emergency options are limited, but we still consider alternatives. If the tooth is severely infected but salvageable, an emergency root canal treatment might be an option. This procedure removes the infection while saving the tooth structure. However, this depends on enough healthy structure above the gumline to be restored with a crown. For a tooth that is badly fractured, extraction is often the only option to resolve pain and prevent infection. During your emergency consultation, we'll explain all viable options based on the 3D scan and your specific situation.

As a private practice, we provide transparent pricing. The cost for an emergency surgical tooth extraction starts from around £350, depending on the complexity of the case (for example, a deeply impacted wisdom tooth may cost more). This fee covers the initial consultation, 3D CBCT scan, the procedure under local anaesthetic, and any necessary stitches. There are no hidden fees. We accept private dental insurance from providers like Max Bupa, Denplan, and Cigna. We can provide a detailed cost breakdown during your appointment so you can make an informed choice about your care.

To help you feel comfortable with treatment at our Finchley practice or another clinic serving Barnet, here are key questions to ask: - Why is a surgical extraction necessary instead of a simple one? - What does the quoted price include, and are there extra costs? - What are the risks involved with this procedure? - How long will recovery take, and what post-operative care will I need? - Do you use 3D scanning to plan the extraction for safety? - What are my options for replacing the tooth later, such as a dental implant or bridge?