Produced by Rebecca Canvin, Bupa Health Information Team, December 2011.
This factsheet is for people who are having a tooth removed, or who would like information about it.
A tooth may be removed (extracted) if it’s damaged or decayed and can't be repaired.
You will meet the dentist carrying out your procedure to discuss your care. It may differ from what is described here as it will be designed to meet your individual needs.
Tooth removal (or tooth extraction) involves having one or more teeth completely removed from your mouth. Teeth are usually removed by a dentist, but sometimes the procedure is done in hospital by a surgeon.
There are several reasons why your teeth may need to be taken out. The most common reasons include:
Your teeth may be removed in a single appointment, or over a few sessions. You may need to have the teeth replaced, or you may decide not to. Your dentist will explain all the options available to you.
If you don't want to have your tooth taken out, sometimes alternative treatments are available. Painkillers can ease pain and swelling, but these will just relieve your symptoms in the short term. Antibiotics and root canal treatment can help treat an infection. You may be able to have a veneer or crown fitted if you have a damaged tooth.
Your dentist will explain how to prepare for your procedure. He or she will ask about your dental and medical history. It's important that you mention any medical conditions, allergies or recent surgery. You should also tell your dentist if you use an inhaler or are taking any medication, including the contraceptive pill or over-the-counter medicines, such as aspirin.
If you’re having your teeth removed by a dentist, the procedure is usually done under local anaesthesia. This completely blocks pain from your gums and you will stay awake during the procedure. You may be offered a sedative. This relieves anxiety and helps you to relax.
If you go to a hospital, the procedure may be done under general anaesthesia. This means you will be asleep during the operation. You will be asked to follow fasting instructions. This means not eating or drinking, typically for about six hours beforehand. However, it’s important to follow your surgeon’s advice.
Your dentist or surgeon will discuss with you what will happen before, during and after your procedure, and any pain you might have. This is your opportunity to understand what will happen, and you can help yourself by preparing questions to ask about the risks, benefits and any alternatives to the procedure. This will help you to be informed, so you can give your consent for the procedure to go ahead, which you may be asked to do by signing a consent form.
If your tooth is removed under local anaesthesia, your dentist will inject a local anaesthetic into your mouth and check it has taken effect before starting the procedure.
Your dentist will widen your tooth socket and gently rock the tooth side to side until it’s loose enough to pull out. You will feel some pressure in your mouth and hear some noise. You shouldn’t feel any pain.
Most teeth only take a few minutes to remove. Afterwards, your dentist may close your tooth socket with stitches.
If your tooth is removed under local anaesthesia, you will have some bleeding. Your dentist will give you a piece of soft padding to bite on to stop the bleeding. You will need to stay at the dental surgery until the bleeding is controlled.
If your tooth is removed under general anaesthesia or sedation, you will need to rest until the effects of the anaesthetic or sedative have passed. You will need to arrange for someone to drive you home. You should try to have a friend or relative stay with you for the first 24 hours.
Both sedation and general anaesthesia temporarily affect your coordination and reasoning skills, so you must not drive, drink alcohol, operate machinery or sign legal documents for 24 hours afterwards. If you're in any doubt about driving, please contact your motor insurer so that you're aware of their recommendations, and always follow your surgeon's advice.
Before you go home, your dentist or surgeon will give you advice about looking after your teeth and gums. You may be given painkillers, antibiotics and mouthwash solutions to take home. You may also be given a date for a follow-up appointment.
After a local anaesthetic it may take several hours before the feeling comes back into your mouth.
If you need pain relief, you can take over-the-counter painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen. Always read the patient information leaflet that comes with your medicine and if you have any questions, ask your pharmacist for advice.
After having your tooth removed, there are certain steps you can take to help your recovery.
It can take up to seven days to make a full recovery. You can brush your teeth but keep your toothbrush away from the healing wound.
The length of time your dissolvable stitches will take to disappear depends on what type you have. However, for this procedure they should usually disappear in about two to three weeks. Non-dissolvable stitches are removed about a week after your procedure.
As with every procedure, there are some risks associated with tooth removal. We have not included the chance of these happening as they are specific to you and differ for every person. Ask your surgeon to explain how these risks apply to you.
Side-effects are the unwanted but mostly temporary effects you may get after having the procedure.
You’re likely to have some discomfort and swelling for a few days afterwards, and your jaw may feel a little stiff. You may have some bleeding.
Complications are when problems occur during or after the procedure. Complications of having your tooth removed are listed below.
For answers to frequently asked questions on this topic, see Common questions.
For sources and links to further information, see Resources.
Bupa's range of Health Cash Plans allow you to claim money back for ongoing costs such as optical and dental treatments. Read more on Bupa Health Cash Plan or call 0500 000 125 quoting ref. 4096.
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This information was published by Bupa's Health Information Team and is based on reputable sources of medical evidence. It has been reviewed by appropriate medical or clinical professionals. Photos are only for illustrative purposes and do not reflect every presentation of a condition. The content is intended only for general information and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional. For more details on how we produce our content and its sources, visit the About our Health Information page.
Publication date: December 2011
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