Tooth extraction
A tooth is taken out when it cannot be saved or is causing problems: badly broken or decayed, very loose from gum disease, or crowding other teeth. A simple extraction of a tooth that can be seen in the mouth is done under local anaesthetic and usually takes 20 to 40 minutes. Wisdom teeth and broken roots may need a surgical extraction, which has its own page.
Step by step
- 1Examine and X-ray
The dentist checks the tooth and takes an X-ray to see the roots and the bone around them, and asks about your health and medicines.
- 2Numb the area
Local anaesthetic numbs the tooth, the gum and the bone around it. You stay awake.
- 3Loosen and remove
The tooth is gently widened from its socket and lifted out. You feel pressure but not sharp pain.
- 4Stop the bleeding
You bite on gauze for about 30 to 45 minutes so a blood clot forms in the socket. A stitch is placed if needed.
- 5Aftercare and replacement
You get written aftercare, and the dentist explains the options for the gap: an implant, a bridge, a denture or leaving it.
- A tooth broken or decayed so far that it cannot be rebuilt
- A tooth very loose because of advanced gum disease
- A tooth with infection where root canal treatment is not possible or not wanted
- Teeth removed to make room before braces
- A milk tooth that has not fallen out and is blocking the adult tooth
Numbness wears off in 2 to 3 hours. Some soreness and swelling for 2 to 3 days is normal, and the pain relief you normally take is usually enough. For the first day do not rinse, spit forcefully, smoke or drink through a straw, so the clot stays in place. Eat soft food on the other side. The gum closes over in 1 to 2 weeks; the bone underneath keeps healing for a few months.
Most extractions heal without trouble. Possible problems are bleeding that does not stop, a dry socket (the clot is lost and the socket aches a few days later), infection, and, for lower back teeth, numbness of the lip or tongue, which is rare and usually temporary. Blood thinners, diabetes and smoking raise some of these risks, so tell the dentist about them beforehand.
What affects the cost
We don't publish prices online. After an examination you get a written estimate that lists each item.
Payment by card, cash or UPI.
Questions patients ask
Does a tooth extraction hurt?
The area is numbed, so you feel pressure and movement but not sharp pain. If you feel pain, raise your hand and more anaesthetic can be given.
Can I go to work after an extraction?
Most people return to desk work the next day. Avoid heavy exercise for a day or two.
When can I eat after a tooth is removed?
Once the numbness has gone, start with soft, lukewarm food and chew on the other side for a few days.
Do I need to replace the tooth?
Not always, but a gap can let the teeth next to it tilt and the opposite tooth drift. The dentist explains whether replacing it matters in your case.
I take blood thinners. Can I still have a tooth out?
Usually yes, but tell the dentist first. Do not stop any medicine on your own; it may be planned with your doctor.
Questions about this treatment?
Send a WhatsApp message or book an examination. The dentist explains the options before anything starts.