Tooth extraction – everything you need to know

Medically reviewed by Gordana Čižmek, dr. dent. med., spec. · Last updated: July 2026

Most of us experience a toothache or dental problem at some point, but occasionally the problem is severe enough to need an intervention such as a tooth extraction. This may be necessary for several reasons — a large infection, not enough room for all the teeth, or a tooth that is too badly damaged to save.

Many people feel anxious about having a tooth removed, but it is a routine procedure our OrthoDental dentists carry out regularly, taking care to keep it as quick, safe and painless as possible.

Why is a tooth extraction sometimes necessary?

A tooth is extracted when keeping it would do more long-term harm than removing it. There are several possible reasons, including advanced periodontal disease, severe infection or an extensive fracture. Extraction is sometimes needed for orthodontic reasons or in preparation for prosthetic work. It is always a last resort, considered only once other treatments have failed or are no longer possible.

The tooth is removed only when there is no alternative

From chewing food to shaping our faces, teeth play a vital role in daily life. Losing one can affect your quality of life, causing problems with speech, chewing and even self-confidence. The decision to extract is never taken lightly, and your dentist will first try every option that preserves the tooth. Only when that is no longer possible does extraction become the right choice.

Common causes of tooth extraction in adults

In adults, the most common reasons for extraction are advanced periodontal disease, decay that has reached the root, or an injury that leaves the tooth beyond repair. Some teeth — wisdom teeth in particular — are removed because of crowding or an irregular eruption. Teeth are also sometimes taken out to prepare for prosthetic or orthodontic treatment.

Orthodontic treatment is the main reason in children

In children, extraction is often linked to orthodontic treatment. Removing a baby tooth, or occasionally a permanent one, can help achieve optimal alignment and create space for the permanent teeth. This is common when there is not enough room for every tooth to come through properly, or when teeth are crowded. It lets the orthodontist guide the teeth into a position that supports a healthy bite and an even smile.

What happens during a tooth extraction?

• Consultation with the dentist: before the procedure, your dentist examines the tooth and takes images such as X-rays to assess its condition and plan the extraction.
• Anaesthesia: the area around the tooth is numbed with local anaesthesia so the procedure is as painless as possible.
• Loosening the tooth: using a special instrument, the dentist gently separates the tooth from the gum and surrounding tissue to prepare it for removal.
• Extraction: once the tooth is loosened, the dentist uses forceps or other instruments to ease it out of the jaw.
• Stopping the bleeding (haemostasis): a little bleeding is normal afterwards. Your dentist places sterile gauze over the site and applies gentle pressure until it stops.
• Follow-up check: in some cases your dentist will arrange a check-up a few days later to confirm the wound is healing well and free of infection.

Why X-rays and an oral examination matter

Before extracting a tooth, the dentist carries out a thorough examination of the mouth and takes X-rays. These reveal the internal structure of the teeth and jaw, which is essential for locating the roots, nearby structures such as the sinus cavities or nerve pathways, and any hidden infection. The examination also helps identify additional problems, such as inflammation, that could affect the extraction or the healing that follows.

Local anaesthesia and preparing the tooth

To keep the procedure as painless as possible, we always use local anaesthesia at OrthoDental. An anaesthetic is injected into the gum beside the affected tooth to numb the area. You may feel some pressure during the extraction, but no pain.

Tooth extraction methods

Depending on the condition of the tooth and where it sits in the mouth, the dentist may use one of several methods:

• Simple extraction: used for teeth that are fully visible in the mouth. The dentist grips the tooth with forceps and gently rocks it to loosen the fibres holding it in the socket, then removes it.
• Surgical extraction: needed for teeth that have not fully erupted or have broken off below the gum line. It may involve opening the gum or removing a little bone around the tooth, and the wound is usually stitched afterwards.
• Wisdom tooth removal: because wisdom teeth are often unerupted or awkwardly positioned, removing them can be more complex and calls for a specific technique.

Whichever method is used, the goal is always the same: to remove the tooth as gently and efficiently as possible, keeping discomfort to a minimum and encouraging quick healing.

Aftercare: looking after the wound

After an extraction it is important to care for the wound and keep inflammation down to prevent complications and support fast healing. These tips give you the best conditions for recovery:

• Do not smoke: smoking slows healing and raises the risk of complications, including a painful dry socket. Avoid it for at least a few days after the extraction.
• Limit physical activity: take it easy for the first day or two to reduce the chance of bleeding or swelling.
• Eat soft foods: choose soft, easy-to-eat foods such as soups, mashed potato or yoghurt, and avoid chewing on the side where the tooth was removed.
• Keep up oral hygiene: brush the rest of your teeth as usual to prevent infection, while being gentle around the wound.
• Use cold compresses: if the area swells, a cold compress against that side of the face helps ease swelling and discomfort.
• Contact your dentist if problems arise: if you notice signs of infection — increasing pain, swelling, fever or an unusual taste — see a dentist as soon as you can.

Aftercare instructions

For the first few days it is important to take extra care of the wound. Follow your dentist’s advice on cleaning your mouth and taking any prescribed medication. Good oral hygiene, gentle care of the wound and avoiding strenuous activity in those early days all help ensure fast, complication-free healing.

Possible complications and how to handle them

Some complications are possible after an extraction, but with the right care most can be managed effectively. Infection can develop if the wound is exposed, with symptoms such as increasing pain, swelling, redness, fever and sometimes discharge. If you notice any of these, seek dental help straight away — early treatment is the key to preventing more serious problems.

Some swelling and bruising is a normal response to the extraction and should start to settle within a few days; a cold compress helps. Pain is also expected but should ease gradually. If it becomes more severe instead of subsiding, that can signal a problem worth showing your dentist.

Aftercare guidance is consistent with the NHS guidance on tooth removal and recovery.

How much does a tooth extraction cost?

The cost of an extraction varies with several factors, above all how complex the procedure is. Straightforward extractions are usually more affordable, while surgical removal — for a broken tooth or a wisdom tooth, for example — involves extra steps and costs more. At OrthoDental we tell you the exact price and any additional costs in advance. You can find full prices in our tooth extraction price article.

The advantages of self-pay extraction

Paying for your own treatment may sound more expensive, but it has real benefits. The biggest is flexibility: as a self-payer you can choose the dentist and treatment method that suit you best, and you can be seen sooner at OrthoDental without long waiting lists.

Replacing a tooth after extraction

After an extraction, many people choose to replace the tooth to keep their smile working and looking its best. Replacing a lost tooth matters not only for appearance but also to protect the neighbouring teeth and the jaw joint. The tooth can be replaced with a dental implant or a dental bridge.

Prosthetic and implant options at OrthoDental

When it comes to replacing an extracted tooth, OrthoDental offers several options. Bridges and partial dentures are traditional choices — relatively affordable and quick to make. Implants are a more modern alternative: they last longer and usually feel and look more natural. A dental implant is placed directly into the jawbone and acts as the root for the replacement tooth, giving strength and stability. Whichever route you take, it is best to talk it through with our dentists to find the option that suits you.

How difficult is a tooth extraction?

An extraction is not always straightforward and can vary with several factors, including the shape of the tooth, its position and any complications.

Single-rooted and multi-rooted teeth

Single-rooted teeth, such as the front teeth, have a simpler structure and are often easier to remove, though this can change if the tooth is badly damaged or the root is unusually shaped. Multi-rooted teeth such as molars are usually more complex: their curved or branching roots make removal harder and raise the risk of complications.

When an oral surgeon is needed

Some extractions are complex enough that they need to be carried out by an oral surgeon — for example if the tooth is badly damaged, the roots are very complex, or the tooth sits close to important structures such as nerves or the sinuses. Teeth damaged by trauma or disease may also need this extra expertise.

Why are the waiting lists for oral surgeons so long?

Waiting times for oral surgeons in Slovenia are often long, for several reasons: a large number of patients needing specialist dental care, a limited number of oral surgery specialists, and the complexity of some procedures, which take more time and precision. Urgent cases are also prioritised, which adds to the wait for everyone else. At OrthoDental we make sure you are seen as soon as possible, and through our partner Leanpay we offer payment in up to 84 instalments.

Easing fear and pain before and after an extraction

We know that having a tooth out is a stressful, unpleasant prospect for many patients, and that the fear often comes from more than just pain. Our team makes sure you feel at ease: we take the time to talk with you, explain each step and help you feel as relaxed as possible.

Keeping you comfortable and pain-free

Your comfort is our top priority. We use the latest anaesthetic techniques and pain-relief methods to keep the procedure as painless as possible. Afterwards we give you clear aftercare instructions, and our team is always on hand with advice to help you recover quickly. With the right knowledge and support, an extraction can be a step towards better health and quality of life.

Considering wisdom tooth extraction? Read more about it here.

Related reading

• Tooth extraction price
• Wisdom tooth extraction
• Impacted wisdom teeth
• Local anaesthesia in dentistry

Book your tooth extraction at OrthoDental

Worried about a painful or damaged tooth? Our dentists will assess it, explain your options and carry out any extraction as gently as possible. Book a first examination and take the first step towards a healthy, pain-free smile.