Dr Layal Tarhini
Tooth Extractions & Minor Oral Surgery in Dubai
Removing a tooth is a decision, not a default. Most of the work here is the part before it: establishing whether the tooth can be kept, what keeping it would involve, and what the gap would mean afterwards.
What this covers
Routine and surgical extractions, including some wisdom teeth, removal of retained roots, and minor procedures on the soft tissue.
Complex cases — impacted teeth requiring specialist surgical access, jaw surgery, or anything better managed under general anaesthetic — are referred to an oral or maxillofacial surgeon. Knowing where that line is, and saying so early, is part of the job.
When a tooth may need removing
Decay too extensive to restore, a root fracture, advanced gum disease that has lost the supporting bone, a tooth that cannot be treated predictably, or a wisdom tooth causing repeated infection or damage to the tooth in front of it.
Sometimes a tooth is removed as part of a wider plan rather than because of a problem with the tooth itself, to make orthodontic space for example.
Saving it, where that is realistic
Root canal treatment, a crown, or periodontal treatment can each keep a tooth that looks doubtful at first glance. Where one of those has a fair chance, you will hear about it, along with what it costs in time, money and likelihood.
You will also hear the honest version of what happens if nothing is done, including when that is a reasonable choice and when it is not.
The assessment
Examination and X-rays to see the root shape, the bone around it and the position of nearby structures. Your medical history matters here more than anywhere else on this site: blood thinners, bisphosphonates, diabetes, immune conditions and recent treatment all affect planning and healing.
Bring a current list of your medications to the first appointment. It genuinely changes the plan.
On the day
The area is numbed with local anaesthetic. You should feel pressure and movement rather than sharpness. If you do feel something sharp, saying so is expected, and more anaesthetic is given.
Surgical extractions may involve lifting the gum and removing a small amount of bone, and sometimes a stitch. This takes longer than a simple extraction but is still done under local anaesthetic in most cases.
Healing and aftercare
You will be given written aftercare instructions. Expect some soreness and swelling for a few days, managed with ordinary painkillers unless advised otherwise. Most people return to normal activity quickly; heavy exercise, smoking and rinsing too early all slow healing.
Contact the practice if bleeding does not settle, if pain increases after day two or three rather than easing, or if swelling worsens. These are the things worth calling about rather than waiting out.
What comes after the gap
Where a visible or functional tooth has been removed, replacing it is discussed as part of the same plan rather than raised months later. Depending on the site that may mean a bridge, an implant, a partial denture, or a decision to leave it.
Planning the replacement before the extraction sometimes changes how the extraction itself is done.
Common questions
- Does having a tooth out hurt?
- The area is fully numbed, so what you should feel is pressure rather than pain. Afterwards, some soreness for a few days is normal and is usually manageable with ordinary painkillers. Everyone's experience differs, which is why aftercare instructions and a number to call are given.
- Can the tooth be saved instead?
- Often it can. Root canal treatment, a crown or gum treatment may keep a tooth that looks hopeless. Whether that is realistic in your case needs an examination and an X-ray, and you will be told the likelihood honestly rather than optimistically.
- Do wisdom teeth always need removing?
- No. Many cause no trouble and are left alone. Removal is considered when there is repeated infection, decay that cannot be restored, or damage to the neighbouring tooth. Some are referred to a specialist rather than treated here.
- How long does healing take?
- The gum usually closes over within a couple of weeks, while the bone underneath continues to fill in for some months. Simple extractions tend to settle faster than surgical ones.
- How soon can the tooth be replaced?
- It varies. Some sites are ready within weeks, others need months of healing first, and occasionally a temporary replacement is made straight away. It is planned before the extraction, not after.
