Our York dental practice offers services as both a private dentist and an NHS dentist, which means we can offer general, restorative and cosmetic treatments. In our next posts, we’ll focus on one of our treatments, extractions, and how it works with an NHS dentist.

How much does an extraction cost?

NHS dentists cover lots of general, everyday dental treatments – extractions are just one example. Treatments offered by an NHS dentist require a contribution towards costs, with different treatments categorised by different bands. Extractions are currently in the band 2 category, but that’s assuming it’s a straightforward procedure.

Why do I need my tooth removed?

Extractions are a surgical procedure and there are many reasons why your NHS dentist might advise you to have one. You could have an infection or be in pain as a result of tooth decay, or you might have gum disease or periodontitis, which has caused a tooth to become loose. Other reasons for extraction include impacted teeth (for instance a wisdom tooth which has grown in at an angle) or crowded teeth (where an extraction could help even out the teeth). Your NHS dentist will fully explain the procedure and any risks ahead of your treatment.

What happens during my treatment?

Extractions – tooth removal – is a surgical procedure, but in most cases, it’s straightforward and should only take a few minutes. An anaesthetic is used to prevent any pain during the treatment, but you may feel slight pressure. Stitches are sometimes needed afterwards, but these dissolve in a matter of weeks.

What happens after my treatment?

You may experience some slight swelling and pain, which can be managed with over-the-counter medications. You may also have light bleeding. Sometimes, you might have difficulty opening your mouth wide due to swelling. This should all pass within a few days or weeks. If you have any problems or are concerned, contact your NHS dentist.

What can go wrong?

Different types of teeth present different challenges during extraction. For instance, upper molars have roots close to the sinuses of the nose and the delicate supporting bones in this area, while lower molars are close to the lower jaw, which may cause tingling or numbness. You may have X-rays taken by your NHS dentist to ensure that the surrounding areas are not affected during treatment.

Book in for an extraction

Book in with our NHS dentists here in York via our contact page, and be sure to read part 2 of our post on this topic.