Tooth extractions and aftercare in Cardiff

What it’s for

Surgical and restorative care covers removing teeth that can’t be saved and replacing missing teeth, whether with dentures, implants or crowns.

Extractions

A simple extraction removes a tooth that is visible and accessible, under local anaesthetic. A surgical extraction may be needed when a tooth is broken at the gum line or has not fully come through.

Your dentist will explain what is involved, give you aftercare advice and tell you if a referral would be more appropriate.

Surgical extractions and wisdom teeth

In a simple extraction, the tooth is gently loosened and lifted out. The area is numbed first, so you’ll feel pressure rather than pain. A surgical extraction is used when a tooth is harder to reach, such as some wisdom teeth; it takes a little longer and is usually followed by a few stitches.

Wisdom teeth usually come through in the late teens or early twenties, and many cause no trouble. Without enough room, one may only partly come through or stay below the gum (impacted), which can sometimes lead to sore gums or trouble with the tooth next to it.

NICE advises against removing wisdom teeth that aren’t causing any trouble. Where a wisdom tooth is more complex to remove, we may refer you to a specialist oral surgery team.

Dentures

Dentures replace missing teeth and can be removed for cleaning. Several types are available, and your dentist will explain which suits your mouth.

Acrylic dentures, a well-established option for partial or full dentures
Valplast and flexible dentures, partial dentures made from a flexible material
Chrome dentures, partial dentures built on a thin metal framework

Illustration of a lower dental arch from above, with a partial denture replacing two missing teeth, held by clasps on the neighbouring teeth — A partial denture replacing missing teeth
Replacement teeth
Made to match your natural teeth.
Base
Sits on the gum and holds the replacement teeth.
Clasps
Help hold the denture in place. Some flexible designs use tooth- or gum-coloured clasps instead.
Connecting bar
On metal-based (chrome) dentures, a thin bar behind the front teeth links the two sides.

What happens

Examination
A check of the tooth or area concerned, with X-rays if needed.
Options
Each suitable option explained, with its costs and what it involves.
Treatment
Carried out when you’re ready, with clear aftercare advice.
Follow-up
A review to check healing, fit and comfort.

How you might feel afterwards

Before any extraction, your dentist will ask about your health and any medicines you take, such as blood thinners or medicines for osteoporosis, and whether you’ve had radiotherapy to the head or neck, so everything can be planned safely. Please don’t stop a prescribed medicine unless your doctor or dentist advises you to. Your dentist will talk you through what to expect for your own tooth. Afterwards, it’s normal to have:

Some soreness, swelling or bruising for a few days, which everyday painkillers usually help
A little oozing from the socket on the first day
A slightly stiff jaw for a few days after a wisdom tooth

Looking after yourself after an extraction

Your dentist will give you advice for your own situation. In general, this is what helps the socket heal.

Straight afterwards
Bite firmly on a clean, damp gauze pad or folded cotton handkerchief for at least 15 minutes to help a blood clot form. A little oozing for the rest of the day is normal.
The first 24 hours
Rest and avoid strenuous exercise. Don’t rinse, spit, have hot drinks or drink alcohol, as these can disturb the clot. Avoid smoking for at least 24 hours, and ideally longer, as it slows healing.
Eating and drinking
Once the numbness has worn off, eat soft food and chew on the other side for a few days.
From the next day
Brush as usual, taking care around the socket, and rinse gently with warm salt water (half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water) after meals. Painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen can help; ask a pharmacist if you’re unsure which is safe for you.

Replacing a missing tooth: your options

Not every gap needs filling, but it’s worth thinking about before an extraction. Over time, neighbouring teeth can drift into a gap and the tooth opposite may move into the space, affecting your bite. The main options are:

A dental implant: a post in the jawbone that supports a replacement tooth without relying on neighbouring teeth. It involves surgery, takes several months and isn’t suitable for everyone
A bridge: a replacement tooth fixed to one or both neighbouring teeth, which may need to be shaped to support it
A denture: a removable replacement for one tooth or several, and usually the least invasive option. See our dentures page for the types available
Leaving the gap: a reasonable choice for some people, particularly when the gap is at the back and doesn’t affect chewing or appearance

Fees

Simple extraction: from £100
Surgical extraction: from £400
Acrylic dentures: from £500
Valplast dentures: from £695
Flexi dentures: from £695
Chrome dentures: from £895

Private fee guide, September 2026. Where a fee is shown as “from”, the final cost depends on your treatment; your dentist will explain your options and their costs before any treatment begins. See all fees.

Questions

Will I be awake for an extraction?

Yes. Extractions are usually carried out under local anaesthetic, which numbs the area. Your dentist will explain what to expect and check you’re comfortable before starting.

How long does it take to make a denture?

Dentures are usually made over several appointments, so that the fit and appearance can be checked along the way. Your dentist will explain the timescale for you.

What are my options for replacing a missing tooth?

Options may include a denture, a bridge or a dental implant, or leaving the gap. Your dentist will explain what suits your situation.

Can a tooth be saved instead of taken out?

Sometimes. Depending on the problem, a filling, a crown or root canal treatment may save it. At our practice in Pontcanna, Cardiff, your dentist will explain the pros and cons of each, including leaving things as they are.

What is dry socket, and how can I avoid it?

Occasionally, a few days after an extraction, the healing socket becomes more sore rather than less; this is called dry socket. Not smoking and not rinsing for the first 24 hours both help to prevent it. If you think you have it, call us: it’s easily treated, and your dentist can clean the socket and place a soothing dressing.

When should I get help after an extraction?

Call us if bleeding doesn’t settle with firm pressure, if pain or swelling gets worse after two or three days, or if you have a high temperature. Outside our opening hours, call NHS 111 Wales. If bleeding is heavy and won’t stop, or swelling affects your breathing or swallowing, call 999 or go to your nearest emergency department.

How long does it take to recover?

Most people feel much better within a few days of a simple extraction. After a surgical extraction, soreness and stiffness can last a week or so. The gum usually heals over a few weeks.

How much does an extraction cost?

A simple extraction is from £100 and a surgical extraction is from £400. The final cost depends on the tooth and what’s involved, and your dentist will confirm it before treatment begins.