First 24 hours
Protect the blood clot. Do not rinse, spit forcefully or disturb the socket. Rest and follow your dentist’s instructions.
TOOTH EXTRACTION LIVERPOOL
Get out of pain. Find out if your tooth can be saved.
Booking can feel like a big step, especially when you’re worried about losing a tooth. You don’t need to decide on an extraction now. Your first step is to find out what’s wrong and what we can do to help.
We’ll save your tooth if we can. If it needs removing, we’ll make sure you’re numb and comfortable before we begin.
“Quick and easy tooth removal”
Eoin★★★★★“painless and I’m healing up nicely.”
Carly★★★★★
At Smileworks, we’ll explain whether an extraction is necessary, what it involves and how to look after your mouth afterwards. If you’re nervous, tell us. Understanding what happens next can make a real difference.
Book an assessment and get a clear plan for your tooth.
Looking for advice about wisdom teeth removal? We have a separate guide.
What our wisdom tooth patients say
Had an appointment with Patri for a painful wisdom tooth. I was terrified of the extraction but she was absolutely amazing. Fantastic job!
Minodora McKee
Reviews pause on hover or focus. Press Space or Enter to pause or resume.
Very reassuring
Ryan★★★★★two extractions with Drew, who was really patient
Josh★★★★★above and beyond
Livia★★★★★The treatment and aftercare were brilliant
Lucy★★★★★great experience
Scott★★★★★as pleasant as having a tooth pulled out can be!
Ian★★★★★best dentist ever
Sylvia★★★★★every appointment was a breeze
Shaun★★★★★Excellent
Josh★★★★★The process was painless and I’m healing up nicely.
Carly★★★★★professional, knowledgeable
Lucy★★★★★best dental experience in my life, totally pain free!
Laura★★★★★GREAT service
Leszek★★★★★Dr Eduardo and Faye went out of their way to make me feel comfortable.
Gareth★★★★★5 star job
Shaun★★★★★Eduardo took time to explain things and answer my questions
Lucy★★★★★Just amazing!
Carly★★★★★very informative and put my mind at ease
Rachel★★★★★Very professional team
Laura★★★★★Quick and easy tooth removal & made me feel comfortable during extraction.
Eoin★★★★★super efficient
Lucy★★★★★I genuinely look forward to going to the dentist now.
Olivia★★★★★nice extraction
Hysham★★★★★Brian talked me through everything clearly.
Jade★★★★★amazing!
Eoin★★★★★I was made comfortable the whole time.
David★★★★★very quickly
Stella★★★★★Sefa and Becca were very nice and professional
Jasper★★★★★absolutely amazing!
Jade★★★★★warm and welcoming and put me at ease straight away
Richard★★★★★prompt n attentive
Noorhayati★★★★★The tooth extraction went smoothly and was over before I knew it.
Lydia★★★★★quick and painless
Richard★★★★★comfortable and no pain at all.
Lucinda★★★★★great job
Liam★★★★★The teeth extractions were painless
Pei★★★★★less anxious
Lydia★★★★★the doctor and Lacy did an amazing job at keeping me calm.
Owen★★★★★super friendly!
Lucinda★★★★★Going back in three weeks for tooth extractions and I feel so much calmer
Annabel★★★★★Superb service
Pei★★★★★I was looking forward to the day of my extractions!!
Sue★★★★★top job
Brian★★★★★I had two teeth extractions in less than 15 minutes and didn't feel a thing!
Maria★★★★★quick and easy
Owen★★★★★reassuring me and making sure I was ok every step of the way throughout the extraction.
Jenny★★★★★completely calm
Annabel★★★★★The nurse let me hold her hand during the tooth extraction ❤
Kotryna★★★★★What a team
Sue★★★★★Eduardo put me at ease and I didn’t feel a thing!
Charlie★★★★★lovely people
Maria★★★★★Even the after care was fantastic.
Ryan★★★★★very quick
Lyndsey★★★★★made me feel so comfortable throughout my extraction
Livia★★★★★Absolutely perfect
Jenny★★★★★no pain after, very smooth extraction and recovery!
Charlotte★★★★★precise and professional
Kotryna★★★★★so professional and friendly every single visit I have!
Amy★★★★★very empathetic
Jasper★★★★★it wasnt painful at all
Sylvia★★★★★
Here are the reasons dentists perform tooth extractions
- A tooth is badly broken following an accident.
- Severe decay means the tooth cannot be repaired.
- Advanced gum disease has made a tooth loose.
- Extra teeth are causing problems.
- Space is needed for braces treatment.
- An impacted tooth is causing pain, infection or damage.
Removing a tooth can treat the source of pain or infection. Your dentist will first check whether it can be saved.
If you’re in pain right now then visit our emergency page: Emergency dental appointments or call 0151 236 5166.
Do I need an extraction?
A painful or broken tooth does not always need removing. We’ll examine it and take any necessary X-rays before explaining your options.
Some teeth can be saved with a filling, root canal treatment or crown. If a tooth cannot be repaired, extraction may be the best option.
If you need to replace it afterwards, options include dental implants, dental bridges and dentures. Sometimes leaving the gap is reasonable. We’ll explain what each option means for your mouth.
Trauma and Accidents
Accidents can break or knock out teeth. A mouthguard helps protect your teeth during contact sports.
A knocked-out adult tooth may be saved if you get help quickly. Seek urgent dental care rather than assuming it is lost. Follow the NHS advice on knocked-out teeth.
A badly fractured tooth may need removing if it cannot be repaired.
Decay
Decay happens when acids produced by plaque bacteria damage the tooth. Sometimes the damage is so extensive that the tooth is ‘unrestorable’, meaning it cannot be repaired.
An infected tooth can be extremely painful. Book an emergency appointment so we can assess the cause and discuss treatment.
Gum Disease
Advanced gum disease damages the tissues and bone holding teeth in place. Teeth may become loose and sometimes need removing.
Extraction does not treat the gum disease affecting your remaining teeth. We’ll also discuss how to protect them. Read more about gum disease treatment.
Too Many Teeth
Some people develop extra teeth, called supernumerary teeth. These do not always need removing, but extraction may be necessary if they cause crowding, become impacted or affect neighbouring teeth.
Orthodontic extractions
Sometimes teeth need removing to make space during orthodontic treatment. This depends on the degree of crowding and how the teeth need to move.
Your orthodontist will explain whether extractions are needed as part of your treatment plan.
Impacted Teeth & Wisdom Teeth
An impacted tooth has not come through normally. Wisdom teeth can become trapped, grow at an angle or be difficult to clean.
Removal may be recommended if they cause repeated infections, decay or damage to neighbouring teeth. Wisdom teeth are not routinely removed simply because they are impacted.
Read our guide to wisdom teeth removal.
Imaging for safe extractions
At Smileworks, we use X-rays to assess the tooth, its roots and nearby structures before treatment.
Our CBCT imaging facilities allow a more detailed, three-dimensional assessment when needed. Not every extraction requires a CBCT scan.
We’ll explain what the images show and any risks that affect your treatment.
Tooth extractions at Smileworks
Choosing a dentist is about more than having a tooth removed. You need to understand your options, feel comfortable during treatment and know who to contact afterwards.
At Smileworks, we explain the procedure, check that the area is numb before starting and give you aftercare instructions before you leave.
Meet our team and read about patients’ experiences on Google, Trustpilot and Facebook.
Meet Dr Hamza Gangi, one of our dentists providing tooth extractions. Hamza takes time to explain your options and plan your care.
Types of Tooth Removal
Simple Extraction (video)
A simple extraction usually involves a tooth that is accessible above the gum. Your dentist numbs the area, loosens the tooth and removes it from its socket.
The tooth’s position, roots and surrounding bone help determine how straightforward removal will be.
Surgical Extraction (video)
Can you remove a tooth broken below the gum?
A surgical extraction may be needed for an impacted tooth, a tooth broken below the gum or difficult roots.
It can involve making a small opening in the gum, removing some surrounding bone or dividing the tooth into sections. Stitches may be needed afterwards.
We’ll explain the approach and whether referral is necessary.
Emergency Extraction
An emergency extraction may be needed when a tooth cannot be saved and is causing severe pain or infection.
An emergency appointment starts with an assessment. Your dentist will explain whether the tooth needs removing and whether treatment can be completed at that visit.
Visit our emergency dentist page or call 0151 236 5166.
Tooth Extraction Pain
Do extractions hurt?
Before treatment, your dentist will give you local anaesthetic to numb the area. You may feel pressure or movement, but you should not feel sharp pain.
If you feel pain, tell your dentist so they can stop and address it.
If you’re anxious, speak to us before your appointment. We can discuss ways to make treatment more manageable and whether sedation is appropriate.
The importance of communication
You do not have to sit through treatment feeling frightened or uncomfortable. Tell us what worries you and ask as many questions as you need.
We’ll explain what to expect and agree how you can signal if you need a pause.
Meet Drew, our specialist oral surgeon
Dr Andrew Travers, known as Drew, treats patients who need simple and complex oral surgery. His experience in dental sedation helps him care for anxious patients.
Drew wants every visit to be the best possible experience for his patients. He takes care to help you feel comfortable throughout treatment.
How long should the pain last?
Some soreness is normal after the anaesthetic wears off. Pain and swelling can be greatest during the first two or three days, particularly after a surgical extraction, and should then begin to improve.
More difficult extractions can take longer to settle. Contact us if pain is severe, gets worse after initially improving or is not controlled by the pain relief recommended for you.
Is jaw pain normal?
Your jaw may feel sore or stiff after an extraction, especially if your mouth was open for a while. This should gradually improve.
Contact us if you have worsening pain, increasing swelling or difficulty opening your mouth.
Is throbbing pain normal?
Some aching or throbbing can happen during early healing. Strong or worsening throbbing pain, particularly a few days after treatment, needs checking.
Pain spreading towards the ear can occur with dry socket. Call us rather than waiting for it to settle.
Does the type of tooth make a difference?
Yes. Recovery depends on the tooth’s position, the shape of its roots and how difficult it was to remove.
A straightforward extraction may settle more quickly than surgery for an impacted wisdom tooth. Your dentist will explain what to expect in your case.
Recovery and aftercare
A blood clot forms in the socket after your tooth is removed. Protecting it helps the area heal.
Follow the instructions your dentist gives you. Do not rinse, spit forcefully or disturb the socket during the first 24 hours.
Use pain relief as advised, checking that it is suitable for you and following the packet instructions.
Tooth Extraction Recovery Timetable
- Smoking and vaping: avoid both for at least 72 hours, and longer if your dentist advises. They can interfere with healing.
- Exercise and work: avoid strenuous exercise for at least 24 hours. You may need longer after surgery or for a physically demanding job.
- Alcohol: avoid it for at least 24 hours and follow any restrictions associated with your medicines.
- Bleeding: a little blood in your saliva can be normal. For active bleeding, bite firmly on the gauze supplied for 30 minutes. If it continues, repeat and contact us if it has not stopped after an hour. Seek urgent help sooner for heavy bleeding.
Tooth Extraction Options
Your treatment depends on whether the tooth can be saved and how difficult it would be to remove.
We’ll explain the alternatives, the recommended approach and the cost before you decide. If you will be left with a visible gap, ask about replacement options before the extraction.
Itemised Tooth Extraction Prices | 2026
- Simple extraction
- From £250
- Minor surgical extraction
- From £454.25
- Complex surgical extraction
- From £569.25
The cost depends on the tooth and the treatment needed. Ask us to confirm the total, including any assessment, imaging or sedation charges.
See our dental prices or contact the team to discuss booking.
The Procedure
We assess the tooth, discuss your options and numb the area. Once you are comfortable, your dentist carefully loosens and removes the tooth.
If surgery is needed, we’ll explain the additional steps beforehand. Before you leave, we’ll check the extraction site and explain your aftercare.
Preparing for a tooth extraction
Even when a tooth is damaged or painful, it is your decision whether to have it removed. Your dentist should explain the benefits, risks and alternatives so you can make an informed choice.
Tips to prepare for a tooth extraction
- Tell us about your medical conditions, medicines and allergies.
- Let us know if you are anxious or have had difficulties with dental treatment.
- Do not stop prescribed medicines, including blood thinners, unless your treating clinician tells you to.
- Follow your appointment instructions about eating and drinking, particularly if sedation is planned.
- Ask about recovery time, work and transport home.
Here's how your dentist might prepare for your extraction
Your dentist reviews your medical history, examines the tooth and checks the necessary images.
They assess the roots and nearby structures, explain any particular risks and confirm your consent before starting.
Patient Testimonial
“I'm a very nervous patient and didn't even no my wisdom tooth had been removed.”
Home remedies and natural pain relief
After the first 24 hours, gentle warm salt-water rinses can help keep the area clean. Dissolve half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water and rinse gently, particularly after meals.
Do not use hot water or rinse vigorously. Follow your dentist’s instructions if they differ.
Home remedies to avoid
Do not put clove oil, aspirin, powders or other home remedies into the socket. Avoid poking the area with your tongue, fingers or toothbrush.
If pain is worsening, contact your dentist. Home remedies cannot replace an assessment for dry socket or infection.
Tooth Extraction Complications and Risks
Minimising Complications
Careful assessment, appropriate imaging and following your aftercare instructions help reduce risk. No extraction is completely without risk.
Your dentist will explain anything that makes your tooth more complicated to remove.
Dry Socket
Dry socket happens when the protective blood clot does not form properly or breaks down too early. It causes pain and delayed healing and is not the same as a bacterial infection.
It is more common after some wisdom tooth extractions and in people who smoke. A dentist can clean the socket and may place a dressing to relieve discomfort.
How do I know if I have a dry socket?
Possible symptoms include:
- Pain that becomes worse a few days after extraction.
- Strong, throbbing pain that may spread towards the ear.
- An unpleasant taste or bad breath.
You cannot reliably diagnose dry socket by looking at the hole. Contact us if you are concerned.
General infection at extraction site
Increasing pain or swelling, pus, fever or feeling unwell may indicate an infection. Contact your dentist promptly.
Antibiotics are not routinely needed after every extraction. Your dentist will assess whether they are appropriate.
If swelling makes it difficult to breathe or swallow, call 999 or go to A&E.
Tooth or root fracture
Occasionally, a tooth or root breaks during removal. A remaining fragment may need further treatment or may be safer to leave in place.
Your dentist will explain what has happened and discuss the options.
Damage to nerves and blood vessels
Some teeth, particularly lower wisdom teeth, lie close to nerves. Removing them can occasionally cause temporary or permanent changes in sensation to the lip, chin or tongue.
Bleeding and damage to nearby structures are also possible. Some upper back teeth lie close to the sinus.
Your dentist will assess these risks and explain any that apply to you.
Book a Consultation
Not sure whether your tooth needs removing? Start with an assessment at Smileworks in Liverpool ONE. We’ll explain what can be saved, what needs treatment and what it will cost.