Some teeth are easier to take out than others. A local anaesthetic (an injection in your mouth) will be used to numb the tooth before it is extracted; this is the best treatment for most patients. In some cases, for children or nervous patients or where a tooth might prove difficult to remove, sedation (something to make your relaxed) with a local anaesthetic may be used.
On rare occasions a general anaesthetic may be considered. If a general anaesthetic is needed, you will have to go to a hospital or a specialist treatment centre (you are likely to be able to go home the same day, but not all patients are able to do so). After working out the best way to take the tooth out, your dentist will discuss with you:
- How to minimise what your feel while the extraction is happening.
- Whether you should bring someone with you if you are to have sedation or general anaesthetic.
- When it would be convenient for you to have the tooth removed.
- You might also discuss other treatment you might need – for example, whether you may require a denture.