Dentist Belfast

Extractions, wisdom teeth and oral surgery in Belfast

By Dr Faiz Azizan · Last updated October 2026 · How we list clinics

A tooth extraction removes a tooth from the mouth, often because there is a problem with it. Wisdom teeth grow at the back of the gums and are removed if they cause problems such as pain, swelling or infection. The NHS says a local anaesthetic numbs the gum, and sedation is an option.

Reviewed by Dr Faiz Azizan, who is also the site author, so this is a self-review rather than an independent one. Last updated 2026-10-06. Editorial policy.

What it involves

A tooth extraction removes a tooth from the mouth. Wisdom teeth grow at the back of the gums and need removing when they cause problems. The NHS lists pain, swelling, infection, tooth decay, gum disease and cysts, and notes that a tooth can lack enough space to come through fully.

According to the NHS, you will usually have a local anaesthetic injection to numb the gum. The dentist may cut the gum, widen the socket and remove the tooth, sometimes in pieces. Sedation or a general anaesthetic can be used in some cases. For sedation options, see sedation and nervous patients.

Recovery and risks

The NHS says most people return to normal activities the day after, with pain, swelling and bruising for up to 2 weeks. It lists dry socket, infection and nerve damage as possible complications, and advises urgent care for uncontrolled bleeding, severe pain or signs of infection.

For a toothache or abscess, nidirect advises seeing a dentist as soon as possible.

Questions to ask a practice

  • Does the practice carry out this extraction, or refer to a specialist?
  • Which anaesthetic or sedation options are offered?
  • Is the treatment Health Service or private in Northern Ireland, and what is the exact cost?
  • What aftercare is advised, and who should I contact if there is a problem?

Belfast-area practices that list extractions

16 practices show this on their own website or Google listing; 13 mores mention it only on a group website, so we do not count them. Whether a practice offers it for you, and at what cost, is for the practice to confirm.

AreaPractices
Dentists in Belfast BT153
Dentists in Belfast BT93
Dentists in Belfast BT42
Dentists in Belfast BT82
Dentists in Lisburn2
Dentists in Belfast BT111
Dentists in Holywood1
Dentists in Newtownards1

All 16 practices, A to Z

Frequently asked questions

How long does a wisdom tooth removal take?

According to the NHS, checked 6 October 2026, removing a wisdom tooth often takes just a few minutes and should take no more than 40 minutes. More difficult cases can take longer to recover from. Ask the practice how long your own appointment is expected to take.

Will I be awake during an extraction?

The NHS says you will usually have a local anaesthetic injection to numb the gum. Sedation to help you relax is an option, and a general anaesthetic, where you are asleep, can be used for difficult removals or anxious patients. Ask the practice which options it offers.

What are the risks of wisdom tooth removal?

The NHS lists dry socket, infection needing antibiotics, and nerve damage causing numbness or tingling in the tongue, lips and chin as possible complications. It advises seeking urgent care for uncontrolled bleeding, severe pain or signs of infection. Ask the dentist to explain the risks for your case.

How many Belfast-area practices list extractions?

16 listed practices show it on their own website or Google listing, most often in Belfast BT15 (3), Belfast BT9 (3), Belfast BT4 (2). A practice may offer it without publishing it, so ask the practice.

Are the extractions practices ranked on this page?

No. The 16 practices that list extractions are shown A to Z, and each area page lists its own practices alphabetically. Ratings shown elsewhere on the site come from Google and are not a measure of clinical quality.

Sources