A tooth extraction means taking a tooth out of its socket in the jaw. Dentists try to save a tooth where they can, but sometimes taking it out is the safest choice.
At a glance
- What it is
- Removal of a tooth from the jaw
- Numbing
- Local anaesthetic, so the area is numb and you stay awake
- Time
- A simple extraction is often quick. A broken or impacted tooth takes longer.
- Healing
- The socket heals over the following days and weeks
- Cost
- Depends on the tooth. Your dentist tells you before starting.
Why a tooth may need to be taken out
- Decay or damage that is too deep to repair
- An infection that a root canal cannot clear
- Gum disease that has loosened the tooth
- A tooth broken by an injury
- A wisdom tooth that is stuck, painful or keeps getting infected. See wisdom tooth removal
- Crowded teeth, when space is needed before braces
Your dentist will examine the tooth, usually take an X-ray, and tell you whether it can be saved or needs to come out.
Simple and surgical extractions
A simple extraction is for a tooth you can see in the mouth. The dentist loosens it and lifts it out. A surgical extraction is needed when the tooth is broken below the gum or has not come through properly, as can happen with wisdom teeth. The dentist may need to make a small cut in the gum and sometimes take out a little bone. Both are done with local anaesthetic.
What happens during the extraction
- Examination. The dentist checks the tooth and your health history, and explains what to expect.
- Numbing. A local anaesthetic numbs the tooth, gum and bone around it.
- Removal. You may feel pressure and pushing, but you should not feel pain. Tell the dentist if you do.
- Stopping the bleeding. You bite on a gauze pad, and the dentist tells you how to look after the socket.
Looking after the area afterwards
- Keep biting on the gauze for as long as you are told, to stop the bleeding.
- Do not rinse your mouth on the day of the extraction, so the blood clot stays in place. Do not poke or suck the socket.
- Wait until the numbness has worn off before you eat, and be careful not to bite your cheek or tongue.
- From the next day, rinse gently with a glass of warm water with a teaspoon of salt, several times a day.
- Do not smoke or vape for at least 72 hours. It slows healing and raises the risk of dry socket.
- Avoid hard exercise and heavy lifting for a few days.
- Take pain relief only as your dentist advises. Swelling is common and can last up to a week.
Keep brushing your other teeth as normal, and be gentle near the socket.
Possible problems
- Dry socket. If the clot is lost, the socket can become very painful, often 3 to 5 days after the extraction, with a bad taste or smell. See your dentist, who can clean and dress it.
- Infection. Pain and swelling that get worse a few days after the extraction can mean infection, which may need antibiotics.
- Bleeding. A little oozing in the first day is normal. Bleeding that does not stop needs attention.
Your dentist should explain the risks to you before starting.
Replacing the tooth
A gap can let nearby teeth drift and can make chewing harder. Depending on where the tooth was, your dentist may talk to you about a bridge, a denture or an implant. You can read about these on our implants, bridges and dentures pages.
When to get urgent help
Go to the nearest hospital straight away (or call 112) if you have swelling of the face or neck, swelling that makes it hard to breathe or swallow, or a fever with increasing pain. See your dentist urgently if bleeding does not stop after pressing firmly on clean gauze for about 20 minutes.
Common questions
Will it hurt?
The area is numbed, so most people feel pressure and pushing rather than pain. If you feel pain, tell the dentist and they will numb it further. It can be sore once the numbness fades, and this usually eases over a few days.
Can I go to work afterwards?
Many people can, but you may want to rest for the rest of the day. Ask your dentist what is right for you.
When can I eat?
Wait until the numbness has worn off. Choose soft, cool food at first and chew on the other side.
What is dry socket?
It is when the blood clot that forms in the socket is lost or does not form, leaving the bone exposed. It causes increasing pain a few days after the extraction. It can be treated by your dentist.
Do I have to replace the tooth?
Not always, but a missing tooth can affect your bite and the teeth around it. Your dentist will talk through the options.
How much does it cost?
It depends on the tooth and how difficult it is to remove, so we cannot give a fair figure without seeing it. Dr. Anjali will explain the cost before starting.
Tooth extraction at Gangtok Dental Clinic
Dr. Anjali Gupta sees patients at Gangtok Dental Clinic and has more than 6 years of experience in dentistry. Whether a tooth can be saved or has to come out is decided after she has looked at it. She will explain what she finds and go through your options and the cost with you, and nothing is started until you are ready to go ahead.
We are open every day from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Call or message us on WhatsApp at +91 82106 99271 to book an examination. Our address is on the contact page.
This page gives general information about the treatment. It is not a diagnosis or medical advice, and what you need depends on an examination by your dentist. Please read our Medical Disclaimer.