Quick answer: A simple tooth extraction under local anaesthetic typically takes 20–40 minutes and shouldn't hurt during the procedure — you'll feel pressure, not pain. Surgical extractions (impacted or broken teeth) take longer, usually 30–60 minutes. At Robinhood Dental Practice, a New Patient Examination (£25) confirms which type you need and gives you an exact price before anything is booked. NHS extractions fall under Band 2 (£76.60); privately, straightforward extractions typically start from £110.
If you've got an extraction coming up, most of the anxiety isn't really about the tooth — it's about not knowing what's about to happen. Will it hurt? How long will you be in the chair? What if it's more complicated than expected? This guide walks through the whole process — from the first consultation to the moment you're numb and the tooth is out — so there's nothing left to guess at.
Key Takeaways at a Glance
- A local anaesthetic numbs the area completely — you'll feel pressure and movement, not pain, during the extraction itself
- Simple extractions (visible, intact tooth): 20–40 minutes. Surgical extractions (impacted, broken, or below the gum line): 30–60 minutes
- An X-ray beforehand confirms root shape and position — this is what determines whether yours is simple or surgical
- Sedation options exist for anxious patients — worth raising at your consultation if dental anxiety is a factor for you
- Blood thinners, some medical conditions, and certain medications may need discussing with your dentist beforehand
- Most patients are back to normal daily activity the next day, with soft-food and no-straw precautions for the first 24–48 hours
- For the detailed day-by-day recovery timeline, see our full guide to tooth extraction healing
Before Your Extraction: The Consultation
Nothing gets extracted on the first visit without a proper assessment first. In my consultations, the question patients actually want answered isn't "will it hurt" — it's "how long is this going to take, and how complicated is mine." The X-ray settles that before treatment ever starts, which is why we don't skip straight to it. At Robinhood Dental, this starts with a New Patient Examination (£25), which covers:
- X-rays. These show the tooth's root shape, position, and how close it sits to nerves or the sinus — the single biggest factor in deciding whether your extraction will be simple or surgical.
- Medical history review. Tell your dentist about any medical conditions, allergies, or medications — particularly blood thinners, bisphosphonates, or anything affecting bone or blood clotting. This isn't a formality; it genuinely changes how the extraction is planned.
- Treatment plan and price. Before you agree to anything, you'll know exactly why the tooth needs to come out, what type of extraction it'll be, and the exact cost — not a vague estimate.
What to Do Before the Appointment
There isn't much to prepare. If sedation isn't part of your plan, eat normally beforehand — fasting only matters if you're having IV sedation or nitrous oxide, and your dentist will confirm the exact timing if that applies to you. If you're on blood thinners, don't stop taking them on your own initiative; in most cases no adjustment is needed at all, but that's a decision for your dentist to make, not you. Brush and floss as usual — a clean mouth going in lowers infection risk. And if sedation is booked, arrange a lift home in advance, since you won't be able to drive yourself afterwards.
During the Extraction: What Actually Happens
Numbing the Area
A local anaesthetic is injected around the tooth before anything else happens. It takes a few minutes to take full effect. Once numb, pain shouldn't come through — though pressure, pulling, or a tugging sensation is completely normal, and doesn't mean the anaesthetic has failed. If you feel any sharp pain at any point, tell your dentist immediately; more anaesthetic can be given.
For patients with significant dental anxiety, sedation options such as nitrous oxide (laughing gas) may be available to help you stay relaxed throughout — this is worth raising directly at your consultation rather than assuming it isn't an option.
Simple vs Surgical Extraction
| Simple Extraction | Surgical Extraction | |
|---|---|---|
| When it's used | Tooth is visible and intact, straightforward root shape | Impacted tooth (e.g. wisdom teeth), broken below the gum line, or curved/fused roots |
| What happens | Dentist loosens and lifts the tooth out with forceps | A small incision may be made in the gum; the tooth may be divided into sections for easier removal |
| Typical duration | 20–40 minutes | 30–60 minutes |
| Stitches | Not usually needed | Often needed — usually dissolvable |
You won't know for certain which category your extraction falls into until your dentist has reviewed the X-ray — this is exactly why the pre-extraction assessment matters more than guessing based on how the tooth feels.
Straight After: Controlling Bleeding
Once the tooth is out, a gauze pad is placed over the socket and you'll be asked to bite down firmly for 30–45 minutes. This pressure, combined with your body's natural clotting, seals the socket and starts the healing process.
Immediately After: The First 24 Hours
The short version: protect the blood clot that's forming in the socket, since disturbing it early is the main cause of dry socket. In practice, that means:
- No rinsing, spitting, smoking, or drinking through a straw for the first 24 hours
- Stick to soft, cool foods and avoid chewing directly on the site
- Use an ice pack against the outside of the cheek, 10–15 minutes at a time, to manage swelling
- Take pain relief as directed rather than waiting for discomfort to build
- Rest and avoid strenuous activity for at least 24 hours
This covers the essentials for the first day. If you want the full week-by-week picture — what's normal on day 3, when swelling actually peaks, and how to tell ordinary healing from dry socket — our day-by-day tooth extraction healing guide covers the complete recovery timeline in detail.
When to Call Your Dentist
Most extractions heal without any complications, but contact your dentist promptly if you notice:
- Severe pain that doesn't improve after a few days, or gets worse instead of better
- Bleeding that doesn't settle after firm gauze pressure
- Signs of infection — fever, pus, or a persistent bad taste or smell
- Dry socket symptoms — pain that spikes again a few days in, often with an unpleasant taste
- Swelling that keeps increasing rather than settling, or difficulty opening your mouth
What Does It Cost?
On the NHS, extractions fall under Band 2 (£76.60) — a single charge covering the whole course of treatment, including any needed fillings. Privately, straightforward extractions at Robinhood Dental Practice start from £110, up to a maximum of £195, unless a surgical or wisdom tooth extraction is required, in which case pricing is confirmed after your assessment. For the full breakdown of what affects extraction pricing, see our complete guide to tooth extraction costs in the UK.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a tooth extraction hurt?
Not during the procedure itself — the area is fully numbed with local anaesthetic first, so what you notice is pressure and movement rather than pain. Some soreness afterwards, once the anaesthetic wears off, is normal and manageable with over-the-counter pain relief.
Will I be awake during the extraction?
For most extractions, yes — you're awake but the area is numb, so you don't feel it. Sedation (such as nitrous oxide) is available for anxious patients who'd prefer to feel more relaxed throughout, without being fully asleep.
How long does a tooth extraction take?
A simple extraction typically takes 20–40 minutes. Surgical extractions, such as impacted wisdom teeth, usually take 30–60 minutes depending on complexity.
Can I drive myself home after a tooth extraction?
If you've only had local anaesthetic, yes, most patients can drive themselves home. If you've had sedation (nitrous oxide or IV), you'll need someone to drive you, since sedation affects your reactions and judgement for several hours afterwards.
How do I know if I need a simple or surgical extraction?
Your dentist will confirm this from an X-ray before your appointment. It depends mainly on whether the tooth is fully visible and intact, or impacted, broken below the gum line, or has curved roots.
What if I'm nervous about the procedure?
Dental anxiety is genuinely common — say so when you book, and we'll factor it into how the appointment is run. Sedation options can help, and your dentist can also walk you through exactly what to expect step by step beforehand, which often helps more than people expect.
Can I eat before my extraction appointment?
If you're only having local anaesthetic, normal eating beforehand is fine. If sedation is planned, you may be asked to avoid eating for a few hours before — your dentist will confirm the exact timing for your specific appointment.
Book a Tooth Extraction Assessment in Birmingham
Robinhood Dental Practice has been treating patients in Hall Green since 1975. Dr Mudassir Ur Rehman, GDC No. 196599, and the team carry out both simple and surgical extractions, with same-day emergency appointments available when needed. We're open seven days a week at 1491 Stratford Road, Hall Green, Birmingham B28 9HT.
If you have an extraction coming up and want to know exactly what to expect for your specific case, call us on 0121 744 1484 or book a New Patient Examination online.
Medical disclaimer: This article is for general information only and does not replace personalised advice from a qualified dentist. If you have concerns about your own extraction or recovery, please contact your dental practice directly.
