Patient Information

Tooth Extraction

Safe, gentle removal of damaged or problematic teeth when repair is not possible. We focus on your comfort and clear aftercare.

A tooth extraction is the removal of a tooth from its socket in the bone. It may be needed when a tooth is too damaged by decay or trauma to be saved with a filling or crown, when it is causing crowding or orthodontic issues, when wisdom teeth are impacted or problematic, or for other clinical reasons. Although we always prefer to preserve your natural teeth when possible, extraction can be the right step to protect your overall oral health and prevent further problems.

At Brown Street Dental, Dr. Sunny Golwala and our team perform extractions with care and attention to your comfort. We use local anaesthetic (and can discuss sedation options if needed), explain each step, and give you clear aftercare instructions to support healing and reduce the risk of complications. Our goal is to make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible and to help you plan for replacement options (such as implants or bridges) if appropriate.

Tooth extraction care at Brown Street Dental
Gentle, professional tooth extraction in a comfortable setting at Brown Street Dental.

The Procedure

  1. Examination & X-Ray

    Your dentist will:

    • Examine the tooth and surrounding gum and bone
    • Review X-rays to see the tooth’s roots and position
    • Explain why extraction is recommended and discuss any alternatives if relevant
    • Answer your questions about the procedure and recovery

  2. Numbing (Anaesthetic)

    For your comfort:

    • Local anaesthetic is used to numb the tooth and surrounding area
    • We wait until the area is fully numb before starting
    • Sedation options may be discussed if you are very anxious or having a more complex extraction

  3. Extraction

    During the extraction:

    • The tooth is carefully loosened and removed from the socket
    • You may feel pressure but should not feel sharp pain; tell us if you do
    • For more complex cases (e.g. impacted wisdom teeth), a small surgical approach may be used
    • The socket may be cleaned and sometimes a stitch or two is placed to aid healing

  4. After the Tooth Is Out

    We will:

    • Place gauze over the socket and ask you to bite down to control bleeding and form a clot
    • Give you clear written and verbal aftercare instructions
    • Discuss pain relief, diet, and what to avoid (e.g. smoking, vigorous rinsing) for the first 24–48 hours
    • Arrange a follow-up or discuss replacement options (implant, bridge, etc.) if needed
Aftercare following tooth extraction at Brown Street Dental
Clear aftercare helps ensure a smooth recovery after extraction.

Benefits of Professional Extraction

Why having an extraction at the dentist is the right choice

  • ✓Removes a source of pain, infection, or damage so the rest of your mouth can stay healthy
  • ✓Done in a sterile, controlled environment with proper anaesthetic for your comfort
  • ✓Clear aftercare reduces the risk of dry socket and other complications
  • ✓We can discuss replacement options (implant, bridge, denture) so you can plan your smile
  • ✓Prevents decay or infection from spreading to neighbouring teeth or bone
  • ✓Supports long-term oral health when a tooth cannot be saved

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Does tooth extraction hurt?
    The area is numbed with local anaesthetic, so you should not feel sharp pain during the procedure. You may feel pressure or movement. After the extraction, some soreness and swelling are normal; we will advise on pain relief and aftercare. If you are very anxious, we can discuss sedation options.
  • How long does recovery take?
    Initial healing usually takes a few days to a week. The socket will gradually fill in over several weeks. We will give you specific instructions on rest, diet, and avoiding certain activities (e.g. smoking, strenuous exercise) to support healing and reduce the risk of dry socket.
  • What is dry socket?
    Dry socket occurs when the blood clot in the extraction site is dislodged or dissolves too early, exposing the bone. It can cause significant pain and delay healing. Following our aftercare (e.g. not rinsing vigorously, not smoking, avoiding straws) greatly reduces the risk. If you develop severe pain a few days after extraction, contact us.
  • Do I need to replace the tooth after extraction?
    It depends on which tooth was removed and your goals. Replacing a missing tooth can prevent shifting of neighbouring teeth, maintain bite and appearance, and support chewing. Options include a dental implant, bridge, or partial denture. We will discuss what makes sense for you during or after your extraction.
  • When can I eat normally after an extraction?
    Stick to soft foods and avoid chewing on the extraction side for the first 24–48 hours. Avoid hot drinks, alcohol, and smoking. We will give you a detailed list of do’s and don’ts. Most people can gradually return to a normal diet as healing progresses.
  • What if I need a wisdom tooth removed?
    Wisdom tooth extraction follows the same principles: examination, X-ray, numbing, and removal. Impacted or partially erupted wisdom teeth may require a slightly more involved procedure. We will explain the process and aftercare and can refer you to a specialist if needed.

Need a tooth extraction or have a painful or damaged tooth? Contact Brown Street Dental to book an appointment.

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