Tooth Removal and Root Extraction

Private tooth removal and root extraction at Welbeck

At Welbeck, our maxillofacial specialists provide world-class private care to those in need of tooth or root extraction. 

While our specialists will always aim to preserve a tooth as a first line of treatment, extraction is unfortunately necessary in some cases. 

Why might I need to have a tooth extracted?

Problems that may result in tooth extraction include:

• severe tooth decay
• a fractured tooth
• an impacted tooth
• tooth overcrowding
• severe gum disease (periodontal disease)
• an abscess on your gums or around your teeth
• tooth luxation (dislocation) or other dental injuries

Types of tooth extraction

There are 2 main types of tooth extraction: simple extraction and surgical extraction. 

Simple extraction

Simple extraction is used to extract a tooth that’s completely visible above the gum line and can be removed as a single piece.

Your maxillofacial consultant will use a tool called an elevator to gently rock the tooth in its socket until it becomes loose. They will then use dental forceps to pull it out of the gum. This procedure can be done using local anaesthesia, or under sedation or general anaesthesia. 

Surgical extraction

Surgical extraction is performed on a tooth that’s not visible or only partially visible above the gums. This technique may also be used in cases where a tooth is broken or is likely to fragment during extraction. 

With a surgical extraction, your surgeon makes a small incision in your gum to access the tooth. If the tooth is intact, it will be cut into pieces before being removed. Breaking the tooth into sections rather than pulling it out in one piece helps minimise trauma to the gums and surrounding structures. Once the tooth has been completely removed, your surgeon will stitch your gum to close the wound. At Welbeck, this procedure is performed while you are under sedation or general anaesthesia.

Wisdom tooth extraction

Wisdom teeth develop in your late teens or early 20s. The most common reason why wisdom teeth need to be removed is because of impaction. This is where the tooth doesn’t have enough space to erupt (break through the gum) because its pathway is blocked by another tooth.

While some impacted wisdom teeth cause no problems, others can lead to pain, swelling, infection and other unpleasant symptoms. In cases where symptoms are present, wisdom teeth require removal via surgical extraction. 

Decayed tooth extraction

Tooth decay can range widely in severity. In mild cases, it can be treated with fillings and other repair techniques. If the decay has reached the soft tissue (pulp) in the middle of your tooth, root canal treatment may be effective. Unfortunately, in the most severe cases of tooth decay, the best course of treatment may be to remove the tooth entirely. 

If the tooth is in one piece and unlikely to fragment, your consultant will remove the tooth using simple extraction. If the tooth is fractured, broken or likely to break during removal, surgical extraction will be required. 

Tooth extraction for braces 

If your teeth are overcrowded (your teeth overlap), this likely means your gums and mouth aren’t large enough to comfortably house all of your teeth. If you intend to have braces fitted to straighten your teeth, your orthodontist may recommend that you have teeth extracted beforehand. This will create room in your mouth for your teeth to be moved and straightened. 

Your orthodontist may also recommend tooth removal before fitting braces if you have an overbite, underbite or crossbite, or if you have any decaying teeth. 

If your orthodontist suggests extraction, they can refer you to a Welbeck maxillofacial specialist who will perform an assessment and recommend the best course of action. 

Root extraction

If decay or trauma has eroded a tooth right down, the crown (part of the tooth visible above the gum line) will no longer be present, and only the tooth root will remain. Roots can rarely support a dental crown or implant, so in most cases, the root will need to be extracted.

The complexity of root removal depends on the nature of the problem – some roots can be removed with simple extraction, while others require surgical extraction. 

Root extraction vs. root canal 

While root extraction and root canal treatment sound like similar procedured, root extraction results in the complete removal of the root, while root canal treatment aims to preserve the root and restore the crown of a tooth.

A root canal can only be performed if the root is structurally sound and strong enough to withstand treatment and securely hold a filling or dental crown in place long term. 

Recovery and healing after a tooth extraction

Some bleeding is to be expected for a day or 2 after a tooth extraction. Swelling and discomfort are also common but should subside within a couple of days, and the extraction site should be completely healed within 2 weeks.

Tooth extraction aftercare at Welbeck 

After your treatment, your maxillofacial specialist will provide you with personalised aftercare advice to support your healing and help you feel comfortable while you recover. 

They may suggest taking over-the-counter painkillers, such as paracetamol and ibuprofen, and using an antibacterial mouthwash. You may also be prescribed some antibiotics to reduce the risk of an infection developing.

Your specialist will see you for a follow-up appointment 1 to 2 weeks after treatment to check the extraction site and discharge you from their care. 

Lifestyle factors affecting tooth extraction

While some reasons for extraction are unavoidable, certain lifestyle factors can increase your risk of issues like decay and gum disease and can also affect your recovery after treatment.

Smoking and tooth extraction

People who smoke are at a higher risk of developing dental problems, including gum disease, and decay, which may result in tooth extraction. Smoking can also increase the chance of complications post-extraction, including delayed healing, infection and bleeding. 

Drinking and tooth extraction

Similarly to smoking, drinking alcohol can increase your risk of tooth decay, gum disease (periodontitis), and tooth erosion. Drinking alcohol after tooth extraction can increase the risk of infection, prolong your recovery time, and cause dry sockets, which leave your nerves and bones vulnerable to inflammation and pain.

How much does tooth removal and root extraction cost

The price of treatment depends on the exact procedure required. Your consultant will be able to advise you on pricing after a consultation to determine the most appropriate treatment.