Sometimes, the best way to protect your smile is to remove a tooth – and while that might sound a bit scary, it’s often the most sensible step for your long-term dental health.

At our practice, we’ll walk you through every step so you feel safe, informed and comfortable.

Why might you need a tooth extracted? 

Here are some common reasons:

• The tooth is so badly damaged, cracked or decayed that nothing else will fix it. The infection might have reached the interior of the tooth (the pulp), or spread into the gums.
• You’re dealing with serious gum (periodontal) disease which has loosened a tooth, or the bone around it.
• A tooth is blocked from breaking through properly (for example a wisdom tooth), or is too big for your mouth and causing overcrowding. Extracting it can help with comfort and make room for treatments like braces.
• In cases where your overall health is vulnerable (for example, if your immune system is compromised), removing a tooth that poses an infection risk might be the safest option.

What happens during the procedure?

Here’s what you can expect from a tooth extraction procedure at Smile Dental:

1. First, we’ll discuss your general health and dental history – things like medications you’re on, past infections or conditions we should know about. We’ll also take an X-ray of the tooth and surrounding bone so we can plan carefully.
2. At the appointment, the area around the tooth will be completely numbed. You’ll feel minimal to no pain during the actual removal.
3. We’ll remove the tooth as gently as possible. Depending on how the tooth sits, or how damaged it is, we might try to simply lift it out. Otherwise, we may need to section it and gently remove the bone to make space.
4. Once the tooth is out, we’ll check the socket is clean and then place a gauze pad so you can bite down, helping to form a blood clot. This clot will begin the normal healing process.

Once we’re finished, you’ll be given instructions on how to care for the site around your tooth, what to eat, avoid and signs that you should call us in case of any trouble.

How you can help your recovery

While our dentists are experts when it comes to getting bad teeth removed, you’ve still got a part to play in the process!

For the first few hours following the extraction, you’ll bite firmly on the gauze we place to help stop the bleeding – and change it if it becomes soaked. Over the following 24 hours, you’ll want to avoid rinsing your mouth, using straws, smoking or drinking alcohol, as these can loosen the clot and slow recovery.

You’ll stick to soft, cool or lukewarm foods like soup, yoghurt or mashed potatoes, then ease back into normal eating once you’re feeling more comfortable to begin. Take pain relief as recommended – you might use a cold pack on your cheek to help reduce swelling.

Keep the area clean by gently rinsing with warm salty water after the first 24 hours – this helps prevent infection and encourages healing. If you notice heavy bleeding that won’t settle, swelling that’s getting worse, or an unpleasant taste or smell coming from the area, that’s a good sign to get in touch with us as these might be signs of a complication.

Will I be without a tooth? What about a replacement?

Obviously, once the tooth is removed, there will be a gap left behind. But don’t worry – we’ll have a chat with you about the replacement options that are suited to your budget, health and timeline.

These options might include a denture, a bridge or an implant. Choosing to replace the tooth will help to keep your teeth adjacent and stable, it’ll help chewing and also preserve the look of your smile

Check out our other treatment options to learn more about replacements for extracted teeth.

We’re passionate about gentle dental care!

We know that having a tooth removed might feel daunting. That’s why we emphasise:

1. Clear communication – we’ll explain exactly what to expect and answer all your questions.
2. Comfort first – we use modern anaesthesia techniques that keep you as relaxed as possible.
3. After-care support – you’re not just walking out the door; we’ll guide you through the healing.
4. Long-term health – our goal is to keep your mouth healthy, functional and pain-free moving forward.

If a tooth is hurting you, damaged beyond repair or putting your mouth at risk, extracting it might be the wisest choice. While the idea might seem big, the procedure is routine and we’ll support you every step of the way.

After the extraction, with a little care on your part, you’ll be on-track to better comfort, better health –  and a smile that stays strong!