First Step
Consultation
The dentist checks your concern and confirms whether this treatment is suitable before care begins.
Surgical & Emergency Dentistry
Book Tooth Removal at Smile On Dental
Book Tooth Removal with Smile On Dental. Start with an assessment, understand your options, and get clear next steps before treatment begins.
Quick Summary
What to know about Tooth Extractions.
Best For
Patients with teeth that cannot be restored
Suitability depends on oral health, symptoms, goals, and clinical findings.
Planning
Personalised
Timing, visits, cost factors, and aftercare are explained after the assessment.
Branch Access
Pretoria & Polokwane
Use the location section to choose the branch that is easiest for you to attend consistently.
Overview
About Tooth Extractions
Treatment Introduction
Assess urgency first.
Tooth extractions are considered when a tooth cannot be restored or is causing ongoing problems. A careful assessment helps the dentist explain the approach, aftercare, and future replacement options if needed.
Decision Support
A consultation comes before the treatment decision.
Smile On Dental uses the visit to understand your symptoms, goals, oral health, and expectations before recommending a suitable treatment plan.
Visual Guide
Educational visuals for Tooth Extractions.
Treatment Guide
Tooth Extractions: options, process, benefits, and care.
01
When a tooth extraction may be considered
Tooth extraction is considered when keeping a tooth is not suitable, predictable, or in the patient's best interest after assessment.
A dentist may discuss tooth extraction for severe decay, a broken tooth that cannot be restored, advanced gum support loss, infection risk, orthodontic planning, crowding, trauma, or a tooth causing repeated pain. The decision should follow examination and, where needed, dental X-rays.
At Smile On Dental, extraction planning includes whether the tooth can be saved, what happens if it is removed, and how the space may affect chewing, appearance, bite, and future treatment. Removal is not treated as a shortcut when a better conservative option is available.
Reasons extraction may be discussed
- A tooth is badly decayed, fractured, or unrestorable.
- Gum support is too weak to keep the tooth stable.
- Infection or pain keeps returning.
- Space is needed for a wider treatment plan.
02
Assessment before extraction
Assessment helps the dentist understand the tooth, roots, bone, infection risk, and possible replacement options.
The dentist checks the tooth structure, gum condition, tenderness, swelling, bite, neighbouring teeth, and medical history. X-rays may be needed to see root shape, bone levels, decay depth, infection around the root, or the position of nearby structures.
This information helps determine whether a routine extraction is appropriate or whether the case is more complex. The dentist should also explain alternatives where reasonable, such as fillings, crowns, root canal treatment, gum treatment, monitoring, or referral for surgical management.
Planning checks
- Tooth condition and whether it can be restored.
- Root shape, bone support, and infection signs.
- Medical history and healing considerations.
- Alternatives and replacement options after removal.
03
What happens during the procedure
The extraction process depends on the tooth position, root shape, remaining tooth structure, and surrounding bone.
For a straightforward extraction, the dentist numbs the area and gently loosens the tooth before removing it. If a tooth is broken down, has curved roots, or is difficult to access, the dentist may discuss a different approach or referral before proceeding.
Patients should expect the dentist to confirm numbness, explain pressure sensations, and give instructions for the rest of the day. Pain should be controlled during the procedure, but pressure and movement are common because the tooth is being released from the socket.
Procedure basics
- The area is numbed before removal.
- Pressure may be felt even when pain is controlled.
- Complex teeth may need different planning.
- Aftercare instructions are given before leaving.
04
Comfort and anxiety considerations
Comfort planning is important because many patients feel nervous about having a tooth removed.
The dentist can explain each step, pause when needed, and check that the area is numb before continuing. Patients should tell the team if they have had difficult dental experiences, trouble getting numb, strong anxiety, or medical conditions that may affect treatment.
Clear communication helps avoid surprises. The patient should know what is normal, what is not, and who to contact after the appointment if bleeding, swelling, pain, or healing does not seem to be following the expected pattern.
Tell the dentist about
- Previous difficult extractions or dental anxiety.
- Medication, health conditions, or bleeding concerns.
- Problems getting numb in the past.
- Any swelling, fever, or spreading symptoms.
05
Recovery and aftercare
Aftercare protects the blood clot and supports healing after the tooth has been removed.
The dentist will explain how to bite on gauze if needed, what to avoid, how to clean around the area, and when to restart normal eating. Patients are usually advised not to disturb the socket, smoke, rinse aggressively, or poke the area while early healing begins.
Some tenderness and swelling may occur, depending on the tooth and the procedure. Patients should contact the practice if bleeding does not settle, pain worsens after initially improving, swelling spreads, a bad taste develops, or they are unsure whether healing is progressing normally.
Aftercare priorities
- Protect the clot and avoid disturbing the socket.
- Follow eating and cleaning instructions.
- Avoid smoking or vigorous rinsing while advised.
- Report worsening pain, swelling, bleeding, or bad taste.
06
Benefits and replacement planning
Extraction can remove a source of pain or infection, but the space left behind should be considered.
When a tooth cannot be kept, removal may relieve symptoms, reduce infection risk, or make space for a larger treatment plan. The benefit depends on the diagnosis and on following aftercare so healing can progress as expected.
After extraction, the dentist may discuss leaving the space, a denture, bridge, implant assessment, orthodontic space management, or monitoring. Replacement planning is important because missing teeth can affect chewing, appearance, speech, and how neighbouring teeth move over time.
Planning after removal
- Ask whether the space needs replacement.
- Discuss chewing, appearance, and bite changes.
- Consider timing before bone and gum shape change.
- Keep review appointments where healing is monitored.
07
Cost factors and choosing Smile On Dental
Extraction costs depend on complexity, X-rays, the tooth involved, and whether replacement planning is needed.
A simple tooth removal is different from a broken, infected, or difficult-to-access tooth. Costs may also be affected by imaging, the tooth location, root shape, review visits, medication guidance, referral needs, or future replacement options such as dentures, bridges, or implant assessment.
Smile On Dental can assess whether extraction is the right step and explain the plan before treatment begins. The takeaway is to avoid delaying assessment when a tooth is painful, swollen, broken, or repeatedly infected, because waiting can make care more complicated.
Takeaway
- Extraction should follow diagnosis, not guesswork.
- Costs depend on tooth complexity and planning needs.
- Aftercare is essential for healing.
- Ask about replacement options before or after removal.
Who It Helps
When this treatment may be suitable.
Patients with teeth that cannot be restored.
Patients with pain, infection, or damaged teeth requiring assessment.
Patients who need removal and aftercare explained clearly.
Treatment Journey
Your Tooth Extractions Journey
You arrive and explain what is happening
May be same-day or planned after assessment and X-rays.
You may come in with a painful, broken, loose, infected, or badly damaged tooth that may not be restorable.
The dentist will ask when it started, what makes it better or worse, whether there is pain or sensitivity, and what you want the visit to help you solve.
What this first step covers
- Your main concern
- Symptoms or goals
- Medical and dental history
- What you hope to leave understanding
The dentist checks the cause
Before treatment starts, the dentist confirms what is actually going on.
The dentist checks the tooth, gum, swelling, X-ray findings, medical history, and whether saving the tooth is possible before recommending removal.
The dentist may then explain options such as Simple extraction where suitable, Surgical extraction if removal is more complex, Replacement planning after healing when needed, depending on what the examination shows.
What may be checked
- Teeth and gums
- Bite and comfort
- X-rays if needed
- Whether same-day care is suitable
Care starts or the next visit is planned
Some treatments are completed in one appointment, while others need a separate visit.
If removal is appropriate, the dentist explains numbing, pressure sensations, aftercare, and what to expect while the area heals.
A second visit may be needed if infection must settle first, imaging is required, or replacement options need planning.
What you should know before leaving
- What was done today
- Whether another visit is needed
- What to expect afterwards
- What symptoms should be reported
You leave with aftercare and prevention advice
The journey should end with you knowing how to protect the result.
Follow-up depends on the case. Some patients only need aftercare instructions, while others need review for healing or replacement planning.
You receive instructions for bleeding control, eating, cleaning, medication use, and warning signs that should be reported.
Your home-care plan
- Cleaning guidance
- Food or habit advice
- Review timing
- When to call the practice
Benefits
Why patients consider this treatment.
Addresses teeth causing ongoing problems when removal is necessary.
Can support relief from infection or damage-related discomfort.
Creates a clear path toward healing and replacement planning.
Suitability
What the dentist checks before recommending care.
Surgical & Emergency Dentistry
Assess urgency first.
Pain, swelling, infection, trauma, or removal planning should start with diagnosis so the dentist can explain the safest next step and aftercare.
Suitability
Not every option suits every patient.
The dentist considers symptoms, oral health, bite, medical history, expectations, and maintenance before recommending tooth extractions.
Costs
Fees depend on the final plan.
Cost discussions are most useful after diagnosis because materials, complexity, visit count, and follow-up needs vary from patient to patient.
Appointment
What to expect when you visit Smile On Dental.
Careful Assessment
Your dentist reviews your concern, oral health, and treatment goals before recommending next steps.
Clear Guidance
The team explains the likely process, timing, and care options in straightforward language.
Personal Plan
Your treatment plan is shaped around comfort, function, appearance, and long-term oral health.
Costs & Aftercare
Plan treatment with clear next steps.
Before You Book
Explain the concern
Mention whether you are booking for extractions, pain, appearance, function, prevention, or a second opinion.
At the Visit
Ask questions
Ask about diagnosis, options, number of visits, comfort, maintenance, and what could happen if treatment is delayed.
Aftercare
Follow guidance
Your dentist will explain home care, review visits, and any symptoms that should be reported after treatment.
FAQs
Questions about Tooth Extractions.
How do I know which treatment is right for me?
The best starting point is a consultation. Your dentist will assess your teeth, gums, bite, symptoms, concerns, and smile goals before recommending a personalised treatment plan.
Can I book online?
Yes. Use the Book an Appointment button to open the booking site and choose a convenient appointment time. You can also request a callback if you would prefer the practice team to contact you first.
Can I request a callback instead?
Yes. You can request a callback if you prefer the practice team to contact you before booking. This can be helpful when you are unsure whether you need a routine visit, cosmetic consultation, orthodontic assessment, or urgent support.
Can I ask about treatment costs before starting?
Yes. Costs depend on the diagnosis, treatment complexity, materials, and number of visits required. Your dentist can explain the recommended next step before treatment begins.
What should I bring to my appointment?
Bring your identification, medical history, current medication details, previous dental information if available, and any questions you want to discuss with the dentist.
What if I have pain, swelling, or sensitivity?
Book an assessment so the dentist can diagnose the cause before you choose a treatment. Pain or swelling may need urgent attention, X-rays, restorative care, or another clinical next step.
Related Treatments
Continue exploring dental care.
Locations
Choose a Smile On Dental branch.
City Treatment Pages
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Clinical Leadership
Care led by a verified dental profile.
Chief Dentist & Practice Director
Dr. Kholofelo Machaba-Selatole
Dr. Kholofelo Machaba-Selatole leads Smile On Dental & Aesthetic Studio with a warm, patient-focused approach to family, restorative, cosmetic, and orthodontic care.
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Patient Feedback
What patients have shared.
60+ five-star patient reviews across Pretoria and Polokwane.
60+
Five-star reviews
5.0
Average rating
4
Practice locations
"Customer care is superb, very friendly front desk staff. I'm happy to have gained my confidence back."
Vusi Maluleke
Polokwane
"From reception right into the doctor's consultation room it was all smiley faces that welcomed us."
Amy Kwenaite
Polokwane
"The best dental service I have seen in Pretoria, cannot wait for my next appointment."
Makutuma Evans
Pretoria
"Customer care is superb, very friendly front desk staff. I'm happy to have gained my confidence back."
Vusi Maluleke
Polokwane
"From reception right into the doctor's consultation room it was all smiley faces that welcomed us."
Amy Kwenaite
Polokwane
"The best dental service I have seen in Pretoria, cannot wait for my next appointment."
Makutuma Evans
Pretoria
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