Removal of teeth under general anaesthetic

This content has been designed to improve your understanding of any forthcoming treatment and contains answers to many of the commonly asked questions. If you have any other questions that this content does not answer or would like further explanation please ask.

There are many reasons as to why teeth need to be removed. Often it is due to significant decay or infection of the tooth. The reasons for removal of your tooth would have been discussed with you by the doctor on the day of your assessment. If you are not happy that you understand why your tooth needs to be removed then please ask.

On your assessment it has been discussed to extract your tooth under general anaesthetic. This means you will be asleep for the procedure. This is carried out as a ‘day case': you may be in hospital for several hours but you will be able to go home on the same day. You may be asked to come in for a ‘pre assessment appointment’ prior to the surgery to make sure you are fit and well to be asleep for the procedure. On the day of the surgery you must have someone to collect you and look after you for 24 hours. Following general anaesthetic we recommend up to a week off work. You do not need a sick note, unless you have taken more than a week off work.

The procedure either involves simple removal of the tooth out of its socket or, sometimes, a cut in the gum over the tooth and removal of some bone surrounding the crown of the tooth. It may become necessary to cut the tooth into 2 or 3 pieces to remove it. Once the tooth has been removed the gum is put back into place with stitches. In the majority of cases these stitches are dissolvable and can take up to two weeks to dissolve.

This is a variable. Some teeth may take only a few minutes to remove. More difficult wisdom teeth can take up to 40 minutes to extract.

With dental extractions there is a risk of pain, bleeding, bruising, stiffness in opening the mouth, swelling and infection.

It is likely that there will be some discomfort and swelling both on the inside and outside of your mouth after surgery. This is usually worse for the first three days but it may take up to two weeks before all the soreness goes. You may also find that your jaw is stiff and you may need to eat a soft diet for a week or so. It is likely you will need regular painkillers for 3-4 days after the procedure. It may also be necessary for you to have a course of antibiotics after the extraction. There may be some bruising of the skin of your face that can take up to a fortnight to fade away