extraction.
Calm, experienced
hands.
When a tooth cannot be saved, removing it gently and safely is the most important thing we can do for your oral health. At Horizon Dental, every extraction is performed with precision, thorough anaesthesia, and genuine care for your comfort.
Complete local anaesthetic before any procedure begins — you feel pressure, never pain
is the kindest option.
Extraction is always a last resort. Before recommending removal, we will thoroughly assess whether the tooth can be saved through a filling, crown, root canal, or other restorative treatment. Only when a tooth is beyond saving — or poses a risk to surrounding teeth and health — do we recommend extraction.
When extraction is the right decision, we ensure it is performed as gently, comfortably, and safely as possible, with a clear plan in place for replacing the tooth if needed.
When decay has destroyed too much of the
tooth structure to support a restoration
Abscess or infection too advanced for root
canal treatment to resolve safely
Tooth unable to erupt normally, causing pain,
infection or crowding of adjacent teeth
Crowded teeth requiring removal of a tooth
to create space for alignment
Advanced periodontitis causing bone loss
and loosening of the tooth beyond treatment
Vertical fracture extending into the root —
impossible to seal or restore effectively
comfortable extraction.
We take a digital x-ray or OPG to fully assess the tooth, its roots, and surrounding bone before deciding on the best extraction approach. We discuss all options with you clearly before proceeding.
We apply topical anaesthetic gel before injection, and use temperature regulation techniques to make the injection as comfortable as possible. We do not proceed until you are fully numb and comfortable.
The tooth is gently loosened using specialised instruments before removal. Simple extractions are performed
chairside. Surgical extractions — where the tooth is impacted or requires bone removal — are carried out with the same care and precision.
We pack the socket, provide detailed written aftercare instructions, and discuss your options for replacing the tooth if appropriate. We are available by phone if you have any concerns during your recovery.
we do both.
A simple extraction is performed on a tooth that is fully visible above the gum line and can be loosened and removed with specialised instruments under local anaesthetic. It is a routine procedure typically completed in under 30 minutes, with minimal recovery time.
This is the most common type of extraction and is entirely chairside — no referral to a specialist is required.
- Performed under local anaesthetic only
- Typically completed within 20–30 minutes
- Recovery: 24–48 hours of mild soreness
- Suitable for most routine extractions
A surgical extraction is required when a tooth is impacted (unable to erupt), has broken off at the gum line, has curved or multiple roots, or is otherwise complex to remove. It involves making a small incision in the gum to access the tooth.
Nitrous oxide sedation or oral sedatives can be arranged for anxious patients. For highly complex cases, we refer to our partnered oral surgeon where general anaesthesia may be available.
- Local anaesthetic + sedation options available
- For impacted, broken or multi-rooted teeth
- Recovery: 3–5 days, activity modification advised
- GA available via partnered oral surgeon if required
after your extraction.
Proper aftercare is essential for a smooth, complication-free recovery. Following these guidelines significantly reduces the risk of dry socket — a painful condition where the blood clot that forms in the socket is dislodged or dissolves before healing is complete.
We provide all patients with written aftercare instructions to take home. If you experience severe pain after 3–4 days, prolonged bleeding, or any concerns, please call us immediately — we are always available to help.
24–48 hrs: Most bleeding and swelling settles. 3–4 days: Soft tissue begins to
close. 1–2 weeks: Gum tissue healed over the socket. 3–6 months: Bone fills in the socket completely.
-
Bite firmly on the gauze for 30–45
minutes after extraction - Apply ice packs to the face for the first 24 hours to reduce swelling
- Take prescribed pain relief as directed before the anaesthetic wears off
- Eat soft foods on the opposite side for the first 24–48 hours
- Keep your head elevated when lying down for the first night
- Rinse gently with warm salt water from the second day onwards
- Do not rinse or spit forcefully for the first 24 hours — this dislodges the clot
- Do not smoke for at least 72 hours — smoking significantly increases dry socket risk
- Do not drink through a straw — the suction can pull out the blood clot
- Avoid hot drinks and hot food for the first 24 hours
- Do not probe the socket with your tongue or fingers
- Avoid strenuous exercise or heavy lifting for 24–48 hours
completely at ease.
With just a little comfort management, we can get your oral health back on track — without fear, without fuss.
A titanium implant placed into the jawbone provides a permanent, stable, tooth-like replacement. Implants preserve bone, look natural, function like a real tooth, and can last a lifetime with proper care. Dr Kozor plans all implants using 3D CBCT imaging for precision placement.
A dental bridge uses crowns on the teeth either side of the gap to support an artificial tooth in between. It is a fixed, non-removable solution that restores your bite and appearance without surgery. Suitable when adjacent teeth need crowns anyway or implants are not appropriate.
A partial denture is a removable plate that fills the space of one or more missing teeth. It is the most affordable replacement option and does not require surgery or modification of adjacent teeth. While less comfortable than fixed options, modern partial dentures are significantly improved in fit and appearance.
answered.br
Extraction can feel daunting. We want you to go into the procedure feeling completely informed and at ease. Here are the questions we hear most often.
Does a tooth extraction hurt?
No — a properly anaesthetised extraction should be completely pain-free. You will feel pressure and movement but not pain. We apply topical anaesthetic gel before the injection, use temperature-controlled anaesthetic delivery, and will not proceed until you confirm the area is fully numb. If you feel any pain at any point, tell us immediately and we will administer more anaesthetic.
How long does a tooth extraction take?
A simple extraction typically takes 20–30 minutes from start to finish, including the anaesthetic. A surgical extraction — for impacted, broken or complex teeth — may take 45–60 minutes. We will always give you a realistic time estimate at your consultation before the procedure.
What is dry socket and how do I avoid it?
Dry socket occurs when the blood clot that forms in the extraction socket is dislodged or dissolves before the wound has healed — exposing the underlying bone. It is the most common complication of extraction and causes significant pain, usually starting 3–4 days after the procedure. It is avoided by not rinsing forcefully, not smoking, not using straws, and avoiding hard or crunchy foods. If you develop dry socket, call us and we will treat it with a medicated dressing that provides immediate relief.
Can I eat and drink before my extraction?
For a simple extraction under local anaesthetic, you can eat and drink normally beforehand. In fact, having a small meal before your appointment can make you feel more comfortable. If you are having sedation or general anaesthesia, different fasting rules apply — we will advise you specifically when you book.
How long does recovery take?
Most patients are comfortable within 24–48 hours of a simple extraction and can return to normal activities the next day. Surgical extractions typically involve 3–5 days of recovery with more significant swelling and discomfort. The gum tissue fully heals within 1–2 weeks. Bone fills in the socket over 3–6 months. We provide written aftercare instructions and are available by phone if you have any concerns during recovery.
Do I need to replace the extracted tooth?
In most cases, yes — particularly for visible teeth or those in areas that bear biting load. Leaving a gap can cause adjacent teeth to drift and tilt into the space over time, alter your bite, and lead to bone loss in the jaw. The three main replacement options are dental implants (our preferred long-term solution), dental bridges, or partial dentures. We will discuss these with you before your extraction and help you choose the most appropriate option for your situation.
Whether you need a routine simple extraction or a more involved surgical procedure, our team will walk you through every
step. We make extraction as comfortable and stress-free as possible — and we always have a plan for what comes next.
with our
team.
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