Tooth Extraction: What to Expect and How to Look After It

Educational information only, not clinical advice. Facts are checked against the primary sources listed under Sources (NHS.uk, GDC, CQC and peer-reviewed research), last checked 13 October 2026.

Why is a tooth extracted?

A dentist may recommend extraction when a tooth is badly decayed, damaged, infected, loose from advanced gum disease, or crowded in a way that blocks other treatment. Wisdom teeth are often removed when they cause repeated problems. Where possible, dentists first discuss whether the tooth can be restored.

What happens during an extraction?

The dentist numbs the area with local anaesthetic, loosens the tooth, and removes it. Patients usually feel pressure but not sharp pain. Complex or impacted teeth may need a surgical approach, which can involve a small cut in the gum and stitches. NHS.uk describes the procedure and its options and the University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust publishes patient aftercare instructions.

How should I look after the area at first?

General advice commonly given includes the following, but the dentist’s instructions take priority:

• Do not rinse, spit or touch the area for the first 24 hours, so the blood clot stays in place.
• Do not smoke for at least 48 hours, and avoid strenuous exercise for 24 hours.
• Avoid hot food and drink while the area is numb.
• If you need painkillers, avoid any containing aspirin, which may cause bleeding, and do not exceed the recommended dose.
• Avoid poking the socket with the tongue or fingers.
• Eat soft food and chew on the other side.
• Clean the other teeth as usual, brushing gently near the site.

From 24 hours after the extraction, a warm salty mouthwash is commonly advised: two teaspoons of salt in a large cup of hot water, cooled until safe, rinsed gently at least four times a day, particularly after eating, for a week or until the socket has closed.

It is normal to have some blood in the saliva for a few days. If the socket bleeds thick red blood, University College London Hospitals advises rolling up gauze or a clean cotton handkerchief, placing it over the socket and biting hard for 30 minutes, then repeating once if it is still bleeding. If it is still bleeding after about an hour of biting hard, contact the dentist or hospital, or NHS 111 out of hours.

What are the warning signs after an extraction?

Contact the dentist if pain or swelling keeps getting worse after about 72 hours instead of settling, if there is a bad taste or smell, if the socket looks empty and dry, or if bleeding continues. These can indicate a dry socket or infection. Use NHS 111 when the practice is closed. Call 999 or attend A&E for uncontrolled bleeding or swelling that affects breathing or swallowing.

What factors affect the cost of an extraction?

Cost depends on whether the extraction is NHS or private, and how complex it is. On the NHS, extraction falls within Band 2, and urgent care carries its own charge. Check current fees on NHS.uk. Private fees depend on the tooth position, surgical need, sedation, and the clinician. This guide gives no prices.

What are the options for replacing the tooth?

Options include an implant, a bridge, or a denture, or leaving the gap if the dentist agrees. See implants versus bridges and dentures and dental implants in Essex. You can browse Essex dentists in the Essex directory.

How many Essex practices list extractions?

Figures come from our directory snapshot of 331 published Essex practices (2026-09-30). “Lists” means the practice’s own website or Google listing mentions the service. It does not confirm the service is offered today, funded by the NHS, or that the practice is taking on patients.

Why does dry socket show up late?

After surgery, pain and swelling normally increase for up to 72 hours and then start to settle, and discomfort can last a couple of weeks. Severe pain or facial swelling beyond that point, especially with a bad taste or a visible empty socket, is worth reporting to the dentist. Do not wait for it to pass.

Day-by-day card

• First 24 hours: no rinsing, spitting or touching the socket; soft food; no strenuous exercise; no smoking for at least 48 hours.
• From 24 hours: warm salty mouthwash at least four times a day, gently, for a week or until the socket closes.
• Up to 72 hours: pain and swelling can increase, then they start to settle. Severe pain or facial swelling after that, or a bad taste: phone the dentist.
• Any time: bleeding that will not stop after biting hard on gauze for 30 minutes, repeated once, phone the dentist or NHS 111 after about an hour; heavy bleeding that will not stop, go to A&E. Fever or spreading swelling: same day. Trouble breathing or swallowing: 999.

Your own dentist’s written instructions override this card.

Related questions covered elsewhere in this topic: what to do after a temporary or lost filling.

Directory pages for this topic: dental implants in Southend-on-Sea, dental implants in Colchester and dental implants in Thurrock. Each lists only practices whose own websites mention the treatment; a mention is not proof of availability.

FAQ

Sources

• UCLH NHS Foundation Trust, Dental extractions: post-operative instructions: https://www.uclh.nhs.uk/patients-and-visitors/patient-information-pages/dental-extractions-post-operative-instructions
• NHS.uk, NHS dental charges: https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/dentists/how-much-nhs-dental-treatment-costs/
• NHS 111 online: https://111.nhs.uk/