Tooth extraction in the UK - when is it necessary and how much does it cost

Tooth extraction in the UK - when is it necessary and how much does it cost

On 6 January 202125 June 2024In General Dentistry

Although dentistry is developing rapidly and treatment is recommended in most cases, tooth extraction in the UK may be a necessity. In what situations is tooth extraction the only option, how does it work and how much does it cost - find the answers to these questions in our article.

What is tooth extraction?

Extraction, or extraction or, colloquially, pulling a tooth, is one of the dental procedures performed in the surgery. In simplest terms, it is nothing more than the removal of a tooth from the mouth.

The procedure is carried out under local anaesthesia. There are, however, situations when the patient undergoes full anaesthesia. This may occur in the case of complicated procedures for the removal of so-called retained teeth.

Read more about wisdom teeth and their removal in our article "Surgical removal of eights - when is it necessary and what is the procedure like".

The photograph shows a close-up of the patient's open mouth during a visit to the dentist. The dental instruments inside the mouth and the dentist's hands wearing blue gloves are visible.

Extraction of a tooth in the UK - indications

Although today's dentistry has developed a lot and modern technology allows for much better treatment than just a few years ago, sometimes the extraction of a tooth is a necessity. However, before this happens, the dentist carries out an interview with the patient and a thorough examination of the mouth, an X-ray is also taken, all to be sure that the tooth cannot be saved and extraction is the only solution.

One of the more serious indications for tooth extraction in the UK is irreversible pulpitis, as well as obstruction of the canals. In this situation, endodontic treatment is not possible. The cause of this condition may be advanced caries that has reached the pulp, causing inflammation. Over time, the infection can develop into an abscess or gangrene, and antibiotics do not always guarantee a cure. In addition, the patient often struggles with immense pain in such a situation.

You can read more about this in our article "Tooth inflammation - unbearable pain". And if you're waiting to go to the dentist and are struggling with pain, we suggest how to deal with it with home remedies "Home remedies for toothache".

Further indications for tooth extraction are periodontal disease, in which case there is a loss of bone support for the teeth. The roots of the teeth, which are located outside the alveolus, are also affected.

Tooth extraction in the UK does not just have to be related to oral disease. Tooth extraction may be required for orthodontic treatment or mechanical trauma. For example, during a fight or accident, a tooth may crack or break off. In such situations, whether or not the tooth is extracted is determined by the 'extent of damage' to the neighbouring tissues and the course of the fracture line.

The photograph shows dental instruments against a blue background. In the foreground you can see dental forceps holding an artificial tooth and samples of dentition in the form of balls. To the left is a napkin or gauze pad. The image suggests that it relates to the work of a dentist in the UK.

How does a tooth extraction procedure work in the UK?

In the past, tooth extraction was the responsibility of smiths and barber surgeons and was often the only method of treating teeth. Fortunately, these times are over, nevertheless if you want to find out what dentistry used to be like and what paste the Romans used we recommend the article "The history of ancient dentistry, or how teeth were once treated".

Currently, the procedure begins with the administration of anaesthesia. This is usually an injection in the area of the tooth to be extracted. The treatment starts when the anaesthesia starts to take effect and thus the patient feels no pain.

The next stage involves tearing the circular ligament of the tooth and, using forceps, dislocating it. Once the tooth is adequately dislocated, it is removed from the alveolus. However, this is not the end of the process. The dentist still has to clean the alveolus thoroughly, so that no fragments of bone or dislodged tooth remain in it.

If you already feel weak at the thoughtor you are reluctant to visit the dentist's surgery and would prefer to run away at the sight of the dentist we recommend our article "Fear of the dentist - what dentophobia is and how to deal with it".

The final step is to stop the bleeding. Most often, the dentist inserts a sterile gauze pad in the place of the extracted tooth, which the patient has to bite on for about 20 minutes. Sometimes it is also necessary to sew up the wound.

The painting depicts an adult man in a blue and white checked shirt sitting in a dentist's chair. The man has short light-coloured hair and a light beard. In the background, dental equipment with a treatment lamp can be seen. The man has a serious face and appears focused.

Tooth extraction - recommendations after the procedure

After the tooth extraction, you will be given all the necessary guidelines to follow. Among them, the prohibition of eating and drinking for at least 2 hours after the procedure. Subsequent meals, especially on the first day, should be cool and soft. Remember, too, about proper oral hygiene - especially around the wound area, hygiene should be done very gently.

You also have to reckon with the pain that will occur, When the anaesthetic stops working. Don't worry about bleeding either, this can last for up to 6 hours after the procedure and saliva staining for up to 24 hours. The healing process continues for another 7-10 days. During this time, you should not smoke cigarettes, drink alcohol or avoid intense exercise.

Also remember to follow other doctor's instructions, e.g. when taking an antibiotic.

The photograph shows a dentist in a white apron, wearing a protective mask, examining a patient lying in a dental chair. The dentist is focused on performing the procedure and the scene takes place in a professional dental office.

Extraction of a tooth in the UK - price

How much you will have to pay for a tooth extraction in the UK depends mainly on the location of the tooth and therefore the complexity of the procedure itself.

In our practice, the removal of ones, twos and threes costs £110, premolars £130 and molars £140. You can find the full price list here. here.

IMPORTANT: Many tooth extractions can be avoided. All you need to do is take good care of your oral hygiene and visit your dentist's surgery regularly. Not only for treatment, but also for hygiene. You can read more about this in our article "Dental hygiene in the UK - scaling, tooth sandblasting, polishing and fluoridation".

If only your budget limits you in taking care of your healthy smile, we have good information for you. In our office, payment for the entire treatment can be spread into instalments convenient for you. What is important, the first 12 months are zero interest. If you want to find out more about what our system is about, we recommend the article "Teeth on credit: dental treatment on hire purchase".

IMPORTANT! Our system is 100% safe and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA number 619628).

Finally, we would like to inform you that our surgery is open. However, due to the current situation, the appointment rules and the appointments themselves have changed somewhat. Read more about this in the material "Visiting a dentist in the UK during the coronavirus pandemic - Polish dental clinic in Birmingham„.