- 020 8656 6959
- Monday to Friday, 9:00am-5:30pm. Saturdays by request only. Sunday: Closed.
Croydon Dental Practice · General dentistry
Sometimes a tooth cannot be saved, or removing it is the most sensible option. We carry out NHS and private extractions under local anaesthetic at our dentist in Croydon on Lower Addiscombe Road, and talk you through replacing the tooth if that is right for you.
We always look at whether a tooth can be kept first, for example with a filling, crown or root canal treatment. An extraction may be recommended when:
The tooth is broken down below the gum or too weak to be restored.
A tooth is infected and root canal treatment is not possible, has not worked, or is not your preferred choice.
Bone loss has left a tooth very loose. Find out about gum disease treatment.
Occasionally teeth are removed to make space for straightening. Our in-house orthodontics team will explain if this applies.
Wisdom teeth have their own considerations; see wisdom teeth removal.
A straightforward extraction often takes well under an hour including numbing. Teeth that are broken, have curved roots or sit close to other structures can take longer, and occasionally we may discuss referral elsewhere.
Many people feel anxious about having a tooth out. We do not offer sedation at the practice, but local anaesthetic numbs the area, and we can explain each step before we do it, agree a stop signal, give you time to settle and keep you informed throughout. Tell us when you book so we can allow extra time. Our nervous patients page has more information.
The blood clot in the socket protects the bone while it heals, so the first 24 hours are important.
Rest and avoid strenuous exercise. Do not rinse, spit forcefully or drink through a straw. Avoid hot drinks and alcohol, and chew on the other side once numbness has gone.
Avoid smoking and vaping for as long as possible, ideally at least 48 to 72 hours, as they increase the risk of a painful dry socket.
Gently rinse with warm salty water after meals for several days. Brush your other teeth as usual, taking care around the socket.
Some oozing is normal. If it bleeds, bite firmly on a clean, damp gauze or handkerchief for 20 to 30 minutes.
Some soreness and swelling for a few days is normal, and pain relief suitable for you usually helps. The gum generally closes over within a couple of weeks, while the bone underneath keeps remodelling for several months.
Most extractions heal without problems, but risks include bleeding, infection, bruising, and a dry socket, where the clot is lost and the bone is exposed, usually causing increasing pain two to four days later. Less commonly, a root may fracture and need further work, a neighbouring tooth or filling may be damaged, or with upper back teeth there may be a small opening into the sinus. Lower back teeth sometimes sit near a nerve, which can rarely cause altered sensation in the lip or tongue. We explain the risks that apply to your tooth beforehand.
Call us on 020 8656 6959 if bleeding will not stop with pressure, pain is getting worse after the second or third day, you notice swelling, a bad taste or a temperature. Out of hours, call NHS 111. If swelling affects breathing or swallowing, call 999 or go to A&E.
Not every missing tooth needs replacing, especially at the back of the mouth, but gaps can affect chewing, appearance and how other teeth sit over time. Options include an implant, a bridge or a denture. If several teeth are being removed, an immediate denture can be fitted on the same day so you are not left with a gap. It is worth discussing these before the extraction.
| Treatment | Price |
|---|---|
| Private tooth extraction | From £110 |
| NHS extraction (Band 2, eligible NHS patients) | £76.60 |
| Emergency appointment | £65 |
The private price depends on how complex the extraction is, and your dentist confirms it before starting. The NHS Band 2 charge covers the whole course of treatment. NHS availability varies, so call to check NHS availability. If you are in pain, book an emergency appointment.
Spreading the cost: for selected private treatments you can apply for finance through Tabeo, including 0% interest for up to 12 months. Finance is subject to status, and we will explain the options before you commit. See our full price list for other treatments.
Assessment and removal of problem wisdom teeth.
Urgent help for toothache, swelling and broken teeth.
An option to save an infected tooth instead.
Replacing a tooth once the area has healed.
Croydon Dental Practice is at 202 Lower Addiscombe Road, Addiscombe, Croydon CR0 7AB. Addiscombe tram stop is a short walk away and East Croydon station is nearby, so it is easy to reach from across the borough. We are open Monday to Friday, 9:00 to 17:30; Saturday appointments are by request and we are closed on Sunday.
Private extractions start from £110, depending on how complex the tooth is. For eligible NHS patients, an extraction is part of a Band 2 course of treatment, currently £76.60. An emergency appointment costs £65.
The area is numbed with local anaesthetic, so you should feel pressure but not sharp pain. Some soreness for a few days afterwards is normal.
No, we do not offer sedation. Extractions are carried out under local anaesthetic. If you are nervous, tell us when you book and we will take things at your pace.
Soreness usually eases within a few days, and the gum generally closes over in a couple of weeks. The bone continues to heal for several months.
A dry socket happens when the blood clot is lost from the socket, usually causing worsening pain two to four days later. Avoiding smoking, vaping and rinsing in the first 24 hours lowers the risk. Call us if you think you have one.
Sometimes. Call early for an emergency appointment and we will assess the tooth and relieve pain; if the extraction cannot be done that day, we will arrange it as soon as we can.
Book an assessment for a problem tooth, or call early for an emergency appointment if you are in pain. Open Monday to Friday, 9:00 to 17:30.
