Experienced Buried Tooth Extraction in North London

A buried tooth does not always cause problems, but extraction becomes necessary when it threatens your oral health. Seek an assessment if you have jaw pain or aching, recurrent swelling or gum infection around the tooth, or if an x ray shows the buried tooth damaging neighboring teeth. Many patients in North London are referred to us when a buried wisdom tooth pushes other teeth out of alignment or when a cyst forms around the tooth. Proactive removal helps prevent these issues, especially with wisdom teeth, as complications are less likely when you're younger.

The process proceeds in careful stages to ensure safety and comfort. First, you have a 60 minute consultation using our in house 3D CBCT scanner. This gives a detailed map of the tooth's position relative to nerves and sinuses. Next comes the surgical procedure itself, typically 60-90 minutes, performed under local anaesthetic so you do not feel pain. We create a small flap in the gum to access the tooth, which is sectioned into pieces for easier removal. Finally the site is cleaned and stitched, usually with dissolvable sutures. A recent patient from Barnet with a deeply impacted lower wisdom tooth was relieved to see the 3D scan, as it allowed us to plan the extraction to avoid the nearby nerve.

Your recovery is our priority. For the first 24-48 hours expect some swelling and moderate discomfort, managed with over the counter painkillers like ibuprofen. Stick to a soft diet such as soups or smoothies and avoid strenuous activity. After a week you should feel much more comfortable. Keep the area clean with gentle saltwater rinses starting the day after surgery to prevent infection. We provide full personalised aftercare instructions. For example, a student from Highgate who had an impacted canine exposed was able to return to studies the next day by following our guidance on pain relief and diet. Red flags requiring immediate contact: Call our practice on 0203 488 0335 during office hours (Mon/Wed/Fri 9-5, Tue/Thu 11-7) if you experience severe, increasing pain after day 3, uncontrolled bleeding, or a fever. For emergencies outside these hours, visit your nearest A&E or call 111.

While extraction is often the best course of action, there are alternatives in specific situations. A coronectomy may be advised for a lower wisdom tooth if its roots touch the main nerve in your jaw. This procedure removes only the crown of the tooth, leaving the roots in place to avoid nerve damage. For other impacted teeth, such as canines, surgical exposure and orthodontic repositioning is a common option. Instead of removing the tooth, we uncover it and a brace is used to gently guide it into the correct position. This approach helps younger patients save a healthy, functional tooth. We discuss all suitable options for your case during the consultation.

To make an informed choice about your care, whether with us or another practice in North London, here are key questions to ask. First ask about their experience with your type of impacted tooth. Inquire if they use 3D CBCT for planning and what the scan shows. Ask about the total cost, including the consultation, scans, procedure, and follow up visits. Also ask about potential complications and how they would be managed. Finally ask what sedation options exist if you feel anxious about the procedure.

The cost of a buried tooth extraction varies depending on the complexity, location of the tooth, and time required. A precise, fixed-price quote is provided after your initial consultation and 3D CBCT scan, ensuring there are no hidden fees. As a private practice, we do not offer NHS treatment, but we are committed to transparent pricing. We accept several major private dental insurance plans, including Max Bupa, Denplan, and Cigna. Our team can assist you with the necessary paperwork to help you understand and utilise your coverage.