Extractions under Local Anaesthetic

Extractions Under Local Anaesthetic

Patient Information

Maxillo Facial Department

Why am I having the procedure?

Your dentist or oral surgeon feels that you have a tooth/ teeth that cannot be saved and would benefit from removal. 

You may have been referred into hospital because the extraction may be difficult, or because your medical history is complex.  

What does my procedure entail?

You will be awake for the procedure, as you would be during a dental appointment. An injection will be given inside your mouth to numb the tooth. Once you are numb, you may feel pushing and pressure sensations while we take the tooth out. Clicking or cracking noises are normal, as some teeth have large holes in them and so bits may break off. 

If you are having a surgical removal of a tooth, we may need to use a drill which feels like the vibrations you may experience during a filling. 

You may need a stitch placing over the socket; this will dissolve by itself over a few weeks, although they can sometimes come out much sooner.

Can I eat and drink before my procedure?

We recommend having something to eat and drink before your procedure, so there is less risk of feeling faint.

Can I take medications as normal?

Generally yes, unless we tell you otherwise at your consultation.

If you are on bloodthinners, we may ask you to alter the way you take these: 

Warfarin: take as normal, but we need an INR within 24 hours of the procedure. If you haven’t had one, we can do this when you arrive for your appointment 

Apixaban, Dabigatran: Miss morning dose

Rivaroxaban, Edoxaban: Delay dose until the evening

Clopidogrel, Aspirin, Ticagrelor, Dipirydamole, Prasugrel: take as normal 

If you are unsure, please call us to check.

What can I expect afterwards?

The numbness wears off after a few hours. There may be some pain and swelling, particularly if the extraction was difficult or if you had a surgical removal. You may need to take simple painkillers (e.g. Paracetamol or Ibuprofen). Discomfort should only last a few days, depending on the procedure. Ice or cold packs can be used to ease swelling.

You may experience some bleeding once the anaesthetic wears off, as the blood vessels open up; this should stop on applying pressure. 

Post-operative instructions will be explained to you on the day including who to contact in case of problems. 

What arrangements do I need to make for after my procedure?

Most people feel able to return to work the same day; however you may decide to take the rest of the day off, particularly if your job involves talking or  strenuous activity. It is recommended that you do not partake in sports or any activity that will increase your heart rate, as this can restart the bleeding. We would also ask that you do not consume alcohol or smoke for the 24 hours after the procedure. 

Will I need any more appointments? 

If we are unable to carry out all of the extractions in one appointment, we may need to bring you back for the rest of your treatment. This will be arranged for you and an appointment sent out in the post. 

If your treatment is finished, we discharge you back to your dentist. If you do not have a dentist, we recommend that you register with one.

Unfortunately, we are unable to provide routine dental care such as fillings and dentures; therefore this would need to be done by a general dentist in practice 

I am still unsure about my treatment, who can I speak to? 

Your oral surgeon will discuss the treatment with you on the day, and go through the consent form with you. If you need to ask any questions, they will be able to answer these for you. If you decide against treatment, they can discuss alternative options with you. 

If you feel you need to discuss anything ahead of your treatment, please contact us on the telephone number below.

Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery telephone 01942 822487