Expert Surgical Tooth Extraction in Finchley

A surgical extraction is not required for every tooth removal. It is used for complex cases where a tooth cannot be easily removed. You will likely need a surgical extraction if a tooth is impacted, trapped beneath the gum line or against another tooth, which is very common with wisdom teeth. It is also necessary when a tooth has fractured or decayed significantly, leaving no solid structure above the gum for a dentist to grip. For example, a patient from North Finchley recently required a surgical extraction for a molar that had cracked vertically down to the root. In these cases, a surgical approach is the only way to remove all the fragments safely and prevent future infection. We also perform them when a previous root canal has failed and the tooth cannot be saved.

The process is planned meticulously to ensure your comfort and a successful outcome. First, you’ll have a 60-minute consultation, which includes a 3D CBCT scan. This detailed imaging allows us to see the exact position of the tooth's roots in relation to nerves and sinuses, which is vital for safety. The extraction appointment itself typically lasts between 60 to 90 minutes. We numb the area completely with local anaesthetic, so you’ll only feel pressure, not pain. The dentist then makes a small incision in the gum to access the tooth. Sometimes, a small amount of bone covering the tooth needs to be removed. The tooth might be sectioned into smaller pieces to allow for easier removal with minimal disturbance to the surrounding area. Finally, the site is cleaned, and we often place stitches to help the gum heal. You’ll then be given detailed aftercare instructions.

Proper aftercare supports smooth healing. For the first 24-48 hours, expect some swelling and moderate discomfort, which you can manage with over-the-counter painkillers like ibuprofen. Swelling typically peaks around day three. Stick to a soft food diet, such as soup, yogurt, and smoothies, avoiding anything hot, spicy, or crunchy. Do not rinse your mouth vigorously or drink through a straw, as this can dislodge the blood clot and lead to a painful condition called dry socket. After 24 hours, you can begin gentle warm salt water rinses to keep the area clean. Most patients feel ready to return to work or normal activities within 3-5 days, but you should avoid strenuous exercise for at least a week. A recent patient from Golders Green who had an impacted wisdom tooth removed took three days off work to ensure they were fully comfortable before returning. Red flags—call during office hours (Mon/Wed/Fri 9-5, Tue/Thu 11-7): severe, increasing pain after day 4, persistent bleeding, fever, or a bad taste from the extraction site. For out-of-hours emergencies, visit A&E or call 111.

If the tooth is badly infected but still structurally sound, root canal treatment may be an alternative to extraction. This procedure, performed by a dentist with advanced training in endodontics, removes the infected pulp inside the tooth, saving the natural tooth structure. This is always our preferred option if the long-term prognosis is good.

In rare cases where a wisdom tooth's roots are wrapped around the main jaw nerve, a full extraction can pose a risk of permanent numbness. A coronectomy is a procedure where only the crown of the tooth is removed, leaving the harmless roots in place to avoid nerve damage. This is a highly specialised technique we can discuss if your 3D scan shows this risk.

As a private dental practice, we provide a detailed quote following your initial consultation and 3D scan. The cost of a surgical extraction is higher than a simple one due to its complexity, the time required, and the advanced imaging needed for safe planning. The final fee will depend on the tooth's location and the difficulty of the procedure. Our pricing is transparent with no hidden fees. We accept several private dental insurance plans, including Max Bupa, Denplan, and Cigna. Please bring your insurance details to your consultation so we can help you understand your coverage.

To help you choose your care, whether with us or another practice in Finchley, here are important questions to ask: Do you use 3D CBCT scanning to plan all surgical extractions? What are the specific risks in my case, based on the scan? How much experience do you have with removing teeth in this position? Will I need stitches, and will they be dissolvable? What is the total cost, including the consultation, scan, and any follow-up appointments? What pain management options do you provide during and after the procedure?