Expert Complex Tooth Extractions for Golders Green Patients

A complex extraction is required in more challenging situations. You’ll need this procedure if your tooth is impacted, trapped beneath the gum or bone and cannot erupt properly. This is common with wisdom teeth. Another reason is a tooth that has broken off at the gum line, leaving nothing to grip. Severely decayed teeth that could shatter during removal, or teeth with long curved roots, also fit. We use 3D CBCT scanning at our Finchley practice to check the tooth’s position and plan the safest removal.

First you have a 45 minute consultation with digital imaging to map out the procedure. The extraction, done under local anaesthetic, typically lasts 45 to 75 minutes. For an impacted tooth a small gum incision is made to reach it. Sometimes a small amount of bone must be removed. The tooth is cut into pieces to allow a gentle removal with minimal disruption to the surrounding area. Finally the site is cleaned and we place stitches to help the gum heal, which may dissolve on their own or need removal after 7 to 10 days. You leave with aftercare instructions.

In the first 24 hours rest is the main priority. You’ll have swelling and mild to moderate discomfort managed with over the counter pain relief like ibuprofen. Bite on the gauze pack for an hour to help a clot form. Avoid hot foods or drinks, smoking, and rinsing your mouth vigorously, as this can dislodge the clot and lead to dry socket. Stick to soft foods such as soup, yogurt, and smoothies.

Discomfort is common, but call during office hours if you have severe throbbing pain that isn’t relieved after day three, a fever, pus from the socket, or uncontrolled bleeding. These can signal infection or dry socket, which affects 2 to 5 percent of patients and needs prompt care. For emergencies outside hours, contact NHS 111 or go to the nearest A&E.

Our practice aims to save natural teeth when possible. If a tooth is badly decayed or infected, root canal treatment is the main alternative. This procedure, performed by Dr. Ashok Reddy who holds an MSc in Endodontics, cleans infection from inside the tooth and saves it. For an impacted wisdom tooth that isn’t causing pain or infection, watchful waiting is an option with regular x-rays to monitor. However, if a tooth is fractured beyond repair or an impacted tooth harms a neighbour, extraction is often the only long term solution.

To get the best care whether at our practice or another in the Golders Green area, ask the right questions. Ask about your experience with this type of extraction, whether a 3D CBCT scan is needed and if it’s included in the cost, the risks of nerve damage, whether bone graft material is placed after removal, and the total costs including consultation, x-rays, and follow-ups.

As a private practice, we don't offer NHS services. The cost for a complex surgical extraction reflects the time and skill required. Prices typically start from £350, depending on the complexity, tooth location, and time needed. The final fee, which will be provided with no hidden extras after your consultation, includes the local anaesthetic and any necessary standard x-rays. 3D scans and follow-up visits are quoted separately. We accept several private insurance plans, including Max Bupa, Denplan, and Cigna, and can help you understand your coverage.