Tooth extraction in London’s E20

Replacing a missing tooth is important for your smile's confidence and chewing ability. Filling the gap can maintain jawbone health and prevent future dental issues. Your dentist here in London’s E20 will help you find the best solution, like implants or bridges, tailored to your needs.

Generally, the initial healing period lasts about 1-2 weeks, during which you may experience some discomfort, swelling, and minor bleeding. Most people are able to resume normal activities within a few days of having a tooth extraction. However, complete healing of the extraction site can take several weeks to months. It's important to follow your dentist's advice for optimal healing and to minimise the chance for complications.

Tooth extractions typically don’t pose unusual risks and delaying the removal of a problematic tooth could potentially harm your health. Side effects like nerve damage and infection are rare but possible, so it's important to follow our post-operative care instructions to ensure a smooth recovery.

Pain during a tooth extraction is typically minimised with local anaesthesia, ensuring you feel little to no discomfort during the procedure. Afterward, some discomfort or mild pain may occur, but it can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain relief. Your dentist will ensure you're as comfortable as possible throughout the process.

Your appointment will start with Dr Nistor talking through the procedure and answering any questions. The area is then fully numbed with local anaesthetic, so you stay comfortable throughout. Using specialist tools, the tooth is gently loosened and removed. The whole procedure usually takes between 20 and 40 minutes for a simple extraction. Once the tooth is out, Dr Nistor will clean the area, place gauze to control any bleeding, and talk you through the aftercare plan before you leave.

Most extractions are completed in 20 to 40 minutes. More complex cases, such as impacted wisdom teeth or surgical extractions, can take 45 minutes to an hour. Dr Nistor will give you a clear idea of how long your appointment will take at your consultation.

A simple extraction is for teeth that are fully erupted and visible, and can be removed straightforwardly with local anaesthetic. A surgical extraction is needed for teeth that are broken below the gum line, impacted, or have curved roots. These take a little longer and involve a small incision in the gum, but recovery is similar. Dr Nistor is highly experienced in both, including complex surgical cases that are often referred elsewhere.

The cost depends on whether your extraction is simple or surgical and on the position and complexity of the tooth. You'll receive a clear, written quote at your consultation before any treatment goes ahead. Payment plans are available for more complex treatment.

Wisdom teeth are often more complicated to remove because they sit at the back of the mouth and can be impacted (stuck under the gum or angled awkwardly). Dr Nistor has extensive experience with both simple and complex wisdom tooth removal, including the difficult impacted cases that other practices typically refer to a hospital. Most patients are seen in-house without needing an external referral.

Dry socket is a relatively rare complication where the blood clot at the extraction site is dislodged before the area has healed, leaving the underlying bone exposed. It can be painful and slow healing. To reduce the risk, avoid smoking, drinking through straws, rinsing your mouth vigorously, and strenuous exercise for the first 48 hours after your extraction. Dr Nistor and the team will give you detailed aftercare instructions to follow, and if dry socket does happen, it can be treated quickly.

For most extractions, local anaesthetic is enough to keep you completely comfortable. For more anxious patients or more complex surgical cases, sedation options can be discussed at your consultation. Dr Nistor will go through the right approach for you and the level of comfort you'll feel during the procedure.

For the first 24 to 48 hours, avoid hot drinks, alcohol, smoking, hard or crunchy foods, and anything that involves sucking (straws, sweets). Stick to cool, soft foods, rinse very gently with warm salt water from the day after, and avoid brushing the extraction site directly for a few days. Mild swelling and discomfort are normal and can be managed with over-the-counter pain relief.

Where the extraction is towards the front of the mouth, Dr Nistor will plan the next steps with you, including options to replace the tooth quickly so the gap is closed. For wisdom teeth and other back molars, no replacement is usually needed. We'll always talk through your options for replacement (implants, bridges, dentures) at the consultation, so you have a full picture before going ahead.