Experienced Buried Tooth Extraction for Barnet Patients

A buried tooth does not always cause problems, but its removal becomes necessary when it threatens oral health. Seek an assessment if the buried tooth causes pain, recurring infections in the gum above it, or it presses against the roots of neighboring teeth, risking damage. Cysts may form around the crown of an impacted tooth, weakening the jawbone. We frequently recommend extraction for orthodontic reasons, for example when a buried canine blocks the path of other teeth and prevents correct alignment. A 3D scan at our Finchley practice shows the exact position of the tooth and helps decide whether removal is the right step.

The process is thorough to protect your safety and comfort. First, you have a 45 minute consultation with a 3D CBCT scan. The scan provides a precise map of the tooth relative to nerves and sinuses. Next, the surgical extraction is planned, typically lasting 60 to 90 minutes. The area is fully numb with local anaesthetic, so you feel no pain. The dentist makes a small gum incision to reach the tooth. In some cases, a small amount of bone covering the tooth is removed. The tooth may be divided into smaller pieces to ease removal with minimal disturbance. Finally, the site is cleaned and the gum closed with dissolvable stitches.

One patient, a 24-year-old from High Barnet, had dull pain and pressure from an impacted lower wisdom tooth. The 3D scan showed it was growing sideways toward the adjacent molar. The extraction took about 75 minutes, and removing it prevented future damage and infection. Another case involved a 14-year-old from Whetstone whose orthodontist referred them. A buried canine hid high in the jaw and blocked the adult tooth from erupting. We removed the buried tooth and cleared the way for the orthodontic plan to proceed.

Recovery after a surgical extraction requires careful care in the first days. Days 1 to 3 you may have swelling and discomfort, peaking about 48 to 72 hours. Manage this with over the counter pain relief and cold packs on the cheek for 20 minutes at a time. Eat soft foods such as soups, yogurt, and smoothies. Avoid hot drinks and heavy activity. Some minor bleeding for the first 24 hours is normal. Red flags: call during office hours if you have heavy bleeding not controlled by pressure, increasing pain after day 3, high fever, or pus from the socket. For emergencies outside hours, call 111 or go to the nearest A and E.

Extraction is the usual solution, but other options exist depending on the case. If a buried tooth shows no symptoms and no pathology, regular X-ray monitoring could be an option. For impacted lower wisdom teeth whose roots sit near a major nerve, a coronectomy may be advised. This removes only the crown and leaves the roots to avoid nerve damage. We review all suitable options, with their risks and benefits, during your consultation at our Finchley practice.

Buried tooth extraction costs reflect the procedure's complexity. It needs more time, skill, and imaging than a simple extraction. Prices are given after a full assessment and a 3D scan. The fee includes the consultation, all scans, the surgery, and a follow up. We are a private practice and do not offer NHS treatment, but we accept private dental insurance such as Max Bupa, Denplan, and Cigna. You receive a detailed treatment plan with all costs clearly outlined before work begins.

To choose the right care, ask a few essential questions. Inquire about the dentist's experience with surgical extractions and how many they perform. Check if a 3D CBCT scan is standard for planning. Ask what the total cost covers and whether consultations or follow-ups have separate fees. Find out the expected recovery time and what post operative support exists during healing. Finally, request an explanation of the risks in your case and the available alternatives.