Some teeth cannot be lifted out the simple way, usually because they have broken at the gumline or are buried in the jaw. These are removed surgically, gently, by an experienced oral surgeon, with the area fully numbed and sedation available if you would rather be more relaxed.
Tell us when suits and we will call you back to arrange it. No obligation.
Treatment Overview
What Is a Surgical Extraction?
Most teeth that need to come out can be removed the simple way. The dentist loosens the tooth and lifts it out, with the area numbed first. That is a simple extraction, and it sits under our Restorative Dentistry, on the tooth extractions page. A surgical extraction is different. It is for the teeth that cannot be removed that way.
A tooth usually needs surgical removal when there is not enough of it to grip, or when it has not come through properly. That might be a tooth that has broken off at or below the gumline, a badly decayed tooth that has crumbled, a tooth that is buried in the jaw, or roots left behind from an old extraction. To reach a tooth like this, the oral surgeon makes a small opening in the gum, removes the tooth (sometimes in a few pieces to make it easier), and then closes the area over. It sounds more daunting than it feels. With the area properly numbed, most people find it far more straightforward than they expected.
This work is carried out by our oral surgeon, an experienced clinician with postgraduate training in surgical dentistry, so it is regular work done in a place you already know. We take our time and talk you through each step first. The area is fully numbed before anything starts, using The Wand, which numbs you without the big needle or the sting. If you would rather be more relaxed, we can offer sedation, either a tablet or a drip into a vein. You should not feel pain during the procedure, only some pressure or movement.
If a tooth is causing you pain right now, do not wait it out. Call us, and see our emergency dental care page for what to do while you wait to be seen.
When a tooth needs surgical removal:
A tooth that has broken off at or below the gumline
A badly decayed tooth that has crumbled and cannot be gripped
A tooth that is buried in the jaw or has not come through properly
Roots left behind from a previous extraction
A tooth that a simple extraction could not remove
A tooth that needs removing before other treatment can start
How we keep it comfortable:
Local anaesthetic with The Wand, so the area is fully numb
Oral or intravenous sedation if you are anxious
Longer appointments, so nothing is rushed
Digital X-rays to see the root and plan the procedure, with far less radiation
Clear aftercare advice to take home
The same familiar faces, before and after
Book your appointment
New patient examination £92
Including any X-rays you need. This is the first step, where we assess the tooth and tell you what happens next.
Before anyone looks in your mouth, we ask what is bothering you and how you feel about being here. If you are nervous, tell us. It changes how we do things.
02
We assess and plan
We examine the tooth and take a digital X-ray if we need one, so we can see the root and plan the procedure properly. Then we explain what is involved, talk through pain control and sedation, and give you an itemised cost.
03
The procedure, done gently
We numb the area fully with The Wand, or use sedation if you have chosen it, and we take our time. You are checked on throughout, and you can stop for a break whenever you need one.
04
Aftercare check-in
You go home with clear aftercare advice for your treatment. If anything worries you afterwards, call us and we will help, usually the same day.
Longer appointments, so we can talk through your concerns and give you a break if you need one.
Almost pain-free injections
The Wand numbs you without the big needle or the sting. Most patients are surprised how easy it is.
Digital X-rays
We diagnose faster, more accurately and with far less radiation than older film.
A hand to hold
Bring a partner in, or hold a nurse's hand. If you ever need us, we respond the same day.
About Waterside Dental
Your private dental practicein Hythe.
Waterside Dental is a private practice in Hythe, owned and led by principal dentist Dr Nikos Louskos since 2017. It has recently been refurbished to feel more like home than a clinic, and is run by a small, hand-picked team — so you'll always see a familiar face.
Care here is unhurried and patient-led. Appointments are longer so concerns can be talked through properly, treatment is explained in plain language, and nothing is rushed — with breaks during longer procedures whenever you need them.
We welcome private patients from Hythe and across Southampton — whether you're registering as a new patient or visiting for a single course of treatment while staying with your current dentist.
"I firmly believe that dentistry doesn't have to be unpleasant or scary, and that often it can be life-changing."
DR NIKOS LOUSKOS
Our Principal Dentist
Meet Dr NikosLouskos.
DDS · MSc Endodontics · GDC No. 102626
Principal dentist and practice owner, with a special interest in endodontics.
Dr Nikos Louskos qualified in Athens in 2005 and moved to the UK in 2006. He worked as an associate at Waterside before taking ownership of the practice in 2017.
In 2016 he completed a Master's in Endodontic Practice at Queen Mary University of London. He accepts referrals for complex root canal cases, which he treats under a microscope, and enjoys all aspects of general dentistry.
Nobody wants surprises after a dental visit. You'll get an itemised treatment plan with exact costs before anything begins, plus monthly payment options to spread the cost.
Finance is provided by Tabeo and is interest-bearing from 9.9% APR. Practice-plan discounts apply to selected treatments — full terms are listed on the Fees and Plans pages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Questions patientsask us.
A few of the things patients ask us most often. If your question isn't here, just get in touch — we're happy to talk it through.
A simple extraction is when a tooth is fully through and can be loosened and lifted out in the usual way, with the area numbed first. That work sits under our Restorative Dentistry. A surgical extraction is for a tooth that cannot come out that way, for example one that has broken at the gumline or is buried in the jaw. It needs a small opening in the gum to reach the tooth, which is why it counts as surgery.
The area is fully numbed with The Wand before anything starts, so you should not feel pain during the procedure, only some pressure or movement. It is normal to be a little sore once the numbness wears off, and we give you advice on managing that. If you are worried about pain, tell us and we can talk through sedation.
Yes. We offer oral sedation, which is a tablet, or intravenous sedation, which is given through a vein, for patients who feel anxious. Both help you feel calm and relaxed through the procedure. Tell us when you book so we can arrange it and explain how to prepare.
We give you clear aftercare advice to take home, including what to do and what to avoid while the area heals. How quickly you feel back to normal varies from person to person and depends on the tooth, so we will tell you what to expect for your treatment rather than give a blanket answer. If anything worries you afterwards, call us and we will help, usually the same day.
It depends on the tooth and how complex the surgery is, so we cannot give one price for everyone. You get an itemised cost before anything starts. A new patient examination is £92 and is the first step, where we assess the tooth and give you an exact price. Our Practice Plan and finance options can help spread the cost.
Yes, and you are not alone. A lot of people put off having a tooth out because they are frightened. Tell us when you book. We use The Wand for almost pain-free injections, we allow longer appointments so nothing is rushed, and you can bring someone in with you or hold a nurse's hand. If you need more, we offer oral or intravenous sedation.
If a tooth is causing you real pain, call us and we will do our best to see you the same day. We will get you comfortable first, then talk about what needs doing. You can also read what to do on our emergency dental care page.
Your procedure is carried out by our oral surgeon, an experienced clinician with postgraduate training in surgical dentistry. This is familiar, regular work for them, so you are in experienced hands.
Whether you'd like to book or just have a question about treatment, send us a message and a member of the team will get back to you — the same day wherever we can.
