October 27, 2026
If you have been told a tooth needs to come out, it helps to know the steps. Before the extraction the dentist looks at the tooth and usually takes X rays. During it, the area is numbed so you do not feel pain, and many people feel pressure rather than sharpness. Afterwards you rest, keep the area clean, eat soft food and follow the aftercare advice you are given. Below, we walk through what to expect at each stage.
Every mouth is different. A tooth that is loose or already broken is not the same job as a wisdom tooth that is stuck below the gum, so your own dentist will explain your plan after examining you. What follows is a general guide to help you prepare and to know when to ask for help.
A tooth extraction means removing a tooth from its socket in the jawbone. Our aim is always to keep your natural teeth where we can.
Our tooth extraction service covers both simple extractions and teeth that need a surgical approach, such as some impacted wisdom teeth. Your dentist will tell you which applies to you.
You can read more about root canal treatment if you are weighing up the two.
The first step is an assessment. The dentist looks at the tooth and the gum around it, asks about your symptoms and your medical history, and usually takes X rays. According to the NHS, a dentist may take X rays to check how wisdom teeth are positioned.
A routine dental examination at our clinic includes a review of your medical history and X rays where needed, and ends with a report and a suggested treatment plan. If your tooth is causing pain right now, you do not need to wait for a routine slot. Our emergency dentist service offers same day emergency appointments, and extraction is one of the treatments used when a tooth cannot be saved.
Ask what is being recommended and why, whether there is a way to keep the tooth, and what you can do about the gap afterwards. Ask for the treatment plan and costs in writing before you go ahead. If you feel nervous, say so.
Many people feel anxious about having a tooth out, and that is normal. According to the NHS, sedation can be used to help you relax, mainly if a tooth is harder to remove or you are anxious.
You can read more about dental sedation, including what to do before the appointment. Our post on dental sedation for nervous patients explains how IV sedation works, step by step.
In most cases the dentist begins by numbing the area. According to the NHS, you will usually have an injection to numb the gum, so you will not feel any pain. Many people notice a sensation of pressure while the tooth is being loosened and lifted out.
According to the NHS, for a wisdom tooth the surgeon may cut the gum over the tooth, widen the socket and remove the tooth whole or in pieces. Dissolvable stitches are used if needed, and they disappear by themselves. The NHS adds that most people go home the same day.
It is worth thinking about the space the tooth leaves before the day. We can talk through options such as socket preservation, which helps limit bone loss after an extraction.
When the numbness wears off you may feel some discomfort, and your dentist will give you aftercare advice to help keep side effects down. The NHS sets out clear guidance on recovery for wisdom tooth removal, and it is a helpful guide to the first days.
Most extractions heal without trouble, but it helps to know the possible complications. According to the NHS, these include:
If a tooth was removed after a difficult extraction, your dentist may talk to you about whether extra healing support is worth considering. Our post on PRP and wisdom tooth removal explains what PRP is and when it might be used.
An empty socket does not have to stay empty. Leaving a gap can lead to bone resorption, which means the bone shrinks over time, so it is worth discussing replacement early. The main choices are an implant, a bridge or a denture.
You can read about the ways to replace missing teeth, a single dental implant for one tooth, and the range of dentures we provide.
According to the NHS, you should ask for an urgent dentist appointment or contact NHS 111 if you have bleeding that does not stop, severe or worsening pain and swelling that painkillers are not helping, or pain with a bad taste in your mouth, a high temperature or you feel unwell. You can call 111 or use the NHS 111 online service.
The area is numbed first. According to the NHS, you will usually have an injection to numb the gum, so you will not feel any pain. You may feel pressure while the tooth is moved, and some discomfort can follow when the anaesthetic wears off. If you feel anything sharp during the extraction, tell your dentist.
It depends on the tooth. The NHS says wisdom tooth removal often takes just a few minutes and should take no more than 40 minutes. A more difficult tooth takes longer than a simple one, and your dentist can give you an idea of timing once they have seen your X rays.
Yes, for nervous patients we offer IV sedation, and our sedation service explains how it works. According to the NHS, sedation is mainly used when a tooth is harder to remove or you are anxious. You will need an adult to take you home afterwards.
The NHS advises soft or liquid food until chewing is comfortable. It also says to avoid hard or crunchy food and foods that could get stuck in the wound, such as nuts or seeds. Alcohol and very hot drinks are best avoided too.
The NHS says to press firmly on the area with a clean cloth or cotton wool for at least 10 minutes. If bleeding does not stop, ask for an urgent dentist appointment or contact NHS 111.
According to the NHS, most people return to normal activities the day after wisdom tooth removal, though you may need 1 to 3 days off if it was harder or you had a general anaesthetic. Pain and swelling usually start to improve after 1 or 2 days and can last up to 2 weeks. Your own recovery depends on the tooth and how involved the extraction was.
The NHS describes dry socket as a painful condition where the blood clot does not form properly or is dislodged before the wound has healed. Not smoking helps protect the wound. If you have severe or worsening pain that painkillers are not helping, ask for an urgent dentist appointment or contact NHS 111.
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4,8
I could not be more satisfied with my experience at Maida Smiles - A special mention to Dr Gurteurez who is one of the most friendly and professional dentists I have ever met
Adam
I had my first visit and the team was very warm, caring and professional. The online booking platform makes it very easy to arrange your appointment. Doctor Pedro made me feel comfortable despite this being my first appointment since Covid. He is incredibly knowledgeable and offers you the best treatment for your specific condition. I would highly recommend them
Gian Paolo Ziletti
Professional. Friendly. Informative. Maida Smiles offers great dental services including cleanings, oral surgery and realignment. I feel very lucky to have them so close by. I had an appointment just this week that was quick, thorough and safe.
Emily Chmura
Being very nervous about using dentists after a terrible experience when I was younger, I came to Maida Smiles and loved the calm patient demeanour of Pedro. You can clearly see Pedro and the team take pride in what they do and are perfectionists. The whole experience was great and I will never go to another dentist again.
Reena Nathwani
Delighted with the outcome of my treatment by Pedro. Meticulous attention to detail explaining exactly how the procedure would be carried out from first consultation to completion backed up with supporting guidance notes. Clearly an expert in his field and someone who cares passionately about the outcomes for his patients. Highly recommended.
George Jones
I loved my first visit to Maida Smile Dental Clinic. The staff member at reception was very warm, welcoming and professional. My dentist, Priscilla, and her assistant were fantastic. I have quite sensitive teeth near my gums and I can find the probing and investigation quite uncomfortable during a consultation, but this wasn’t the case at all. I didn’t experience discomfort and felt in very safe hands. This also applied to the hygienist work. I didn’t even have to ask Priscilla to avoid using the ultra sound cleaner on the sensitive areas of my teeth. I’m looking forward to going back, and that’s not often you can say that about going to the dentist!
Simone Gibson
Since I first had the luck to be recommended and book an appointment with Dr. Pedro Gutierres over 8 years ago, I have never trusted my dental health nor my family’s to anyone else. It’s very hard to find a dentist who ticks all the boxes and even goes beyond any expectations you may have, from service, sympathy, professionalism, and expertise, etc., 5 stars are not enough to rate him. I was so happy when he opened his own clinic and surrounded himself with the best professionals you can find, I cannot recommend Maida Smiles Dental Clinic enough.
Sofia Gouveia
Maida Smiles Dental Clinic is excellent!! The staff is very friendly, professional and always aiming for the customers best experience! A special thank you to Dr. Pedro Gutierres who is truly amazing. I am absolutely satisfied with the results and highly recommend this great dental clinic!
Ana Cruz
Dr. Pedro Gutierres is the best Implantologist I have come across. His work is amazing and of very high quality! I would highly recommend him and Maida Smiles to all my friends and family. If you want the perfect smile this is the place to go.
Blossom
“Pedro was so patient and professional throughout my treatment for my implants.. I chose to have my treatment with a local anaesthetic rather than any sedation and have a very bad gag reflex when anything touches the back of my throat. His patience throughout the experience was wonderful, completely putting me at ease and he also gave me a technique to help me in the future. I have seen him for my follow up and fully intend to book an annual visit in 2020. which is no small thing as I live 60 miles away.I can thoroughly recommend him for any treatment.”
Denise Gilbert
I was very nervous to pull my ingrown wisdom tooth. Dr Pedro Guiterres made me feel really comfortable and the job was completed very professionally. It didn’t take long at all and I didn’t feel any pain. I would definitely recommend his service at this practice.
Jihan Daoud
From the day I made my first appointment. The team at Maida smile were amazing. They didn’t treat me like a customer but more like family. They have been great in every step in FINALLY GETTING MY DREAM SMILE from the receptionist to my dentist Pedro Laranjeira I can’t thank you enough and of course Pedro Laranjeira beautiful wife…… they are very professional and understand that I had to change my appointment now and then for work commitments and they were very understand. I will defo recommend them 100% not forgetting how chic the office is
Tracy Mensah
I was very nervous about having a dental implant but was immediately put at ease by Dr Pedro Gutierres. The procedure was explained in full and the care both during and after treatment has been of the highest standard. I received advice on how to look after my implant and have had no problems. I highly recommend.
Dawn Briggs
I had 7 implants installed by Dr Pedro Gutierres, including one which required a bone graft. In my 70 years I’ve had some bad experiences with dental treatment so it takes a lot for me to relax but, from my initial consultation, through to the end of the treatment, I had complete trust in Pedro’s expertise: preparations for the treatment and after-care were extremely thorough and fully explained, the treatment itself was surprisingly endurable (considering what was involved) and the implants have made a major difference to my life. If you are considering implants then I would whole-heartedly and sincerely recommend Pedro for this work.
Russ Hickman
I couldn’t recommend Maida Smiles enough: the care, attention to detail and the way Dentists and Nurses made sure I felt comfortable and safe throughout the treatments was incredible. Dr Pedro explained the treatments in detail to me and I have never felt under pressure to proceed… but I am very glad I did as I am happy and confident to smile again!
Mariana Pinheiro
Highly recommend this place to anybody looking for a friendly and trustworthy practice with an incredibly friendly and patient staff. Dr Pedro has been one of the best dentists I’ve ever had, he made me feel comfortable and were very knowledgeable in explaining every step of what he was doing and answering all of my questions. Amazing thorough the procedure, excellent communication, superb and professional treatment. I hope they keep it this way for a long time.
Joas Souza
Dr Pedro is a very good, confident and experienced professional. I’ve known him for some years now and always felt well cared for, either for small or bigger treatments.The facilities of the clinic are amazing and all the staff are very friendly. Highly recommended.”
Nelson Cafruni
I went to different clinics before, and nobody could really convince me until Maida Smiles did. The team here makes you comfortable , shows you different options and different budgets , and doesn't try to make you go only for one plan. I felt that the team was knowledgeable and wanted to help me , so that's why I decided to start
Diogo
I was referred to Dr. Pedro who did such a wonderful job with my teeth. The staff was extremely professional, they put you at ease, and it just made the whole experience easier. I've never looked back since
Theresa
"I told him, 'I want beautiful teeth, beautiful but natural, I don't want fake looking teeth.' Now I smile, I talk... it just makes you more confident. If you wear a beautiful nice suit... you have beautiful teeth, then it's like a perfect."
Louca
"I went to my hygienist a little while ago, and she said to me they were the best implants that she'd ever seen and she would never have known that they weren't my real teeth."
Sharon
Dr. Pedro explained the process of Invisalign to me. It sounded easy, it was quite a quick process, and the end result is my teeth moved back, so I'm quite happy.
Soula
I feel like I've not just developed a professional relationship with my dentist and the staff... they become more like friends as well, because of the kind of compassion and sympathy that they give you during treatment.
Alvin
"After a friend recommended the clinic, I was referred to Dr. Pedro, who did such a wonderful job with my teeth. The staff was extremely professional; they put you at ease, and it just made the whole experience easier. They have more than met my expectations. I have to have a few more implants, and I'm not afraid anymore. Now, finally, I can live again."
Lesley
"After not having a great experience with previous dental treatments, I was desperate for someone that I trusted. I broke a tooth, and even before I saw Dr. Pedro, he reassured me that I was going to be fine. He made me feel very comfortable and at ease. It was an amazing experience, from not only Dr. Pedro but also all the staff in the clinic, and I would definitely recommend [them] ".
Mariana
I chose Maida Smiles because of the reviews and a friend who was really happy with the results. The results definitely met my expectations. My expressions are much more smooth than before and it really makes the difference
Carolina
I’m very grateful for the quick and efficient service I received when I needed an emergency appointment. The staff were kind and accommodating, and the dentist provided clear, helpful advice that made a real difference. The whole experience was reassuring. Highly recommend their professionalism and expertise!
Safiya Guled
I am always anxious when having to see the dentist and this was one of my first experiences with Maida Smiles. The dentist, Benedict Harrison was very reassuring and immediately put me at ease. He was quite lucid in his explanations of what had to be done, etcetera, and is making good progress with the ongoing treatment. Also, the rest of the staff were friendly and just plain nice.
John Jacobs
Wow wow Dr Claudia is the best dentist in London, my kid adores her and it is always a pleasant visit. Can’t recommend her enough
Bel Cohn
I am delighted with the results of my replacement veneers.
Dr Benedict Harrison was very good at talking me through the whole process and keeping me informed during the treatment if there were any issues - which there weren’t.
He has a charming demeanour which is an added advantage in a dentist, who I think we all agree are not our favourite people, overall a 5 star experience.
Karen Shepherd
I went to the Maida Smiles Clinic for the first time and had the most wonderful experience! I am dentist phobic but strangely left the place with a big smile on my face (literally!). The receptionist was super kind, Susan was impeccable and very helpful, and I had my appointment with the most amazing dentist Dr Mafalda Vilhena. Couldn’t recommend her enough. She explains the whole procedure and is very rigorous in her work. Congratulations to Dr Pedro Gutierres for creating such an excellent working environment and to all the team. I will be back and bringing my family along and we don’t even live in Maida Vale. Thank you for such an impeccable job on my teeth and for taking my fear of dentists away. Note: they don’t cover NHS, only private bookings or with insurance.
Maria Monteiro
Address: 207-209 Sutherland Ave, London W9 1RU. Get directions.
Paid parking is available using ParkBee on Lanark Road (the road right next to the practice). For public transport users, we are a two-minute walk from Maida Vale tube station.
