Patient video
Welcoming and Wonderful Practice
A patient shares the welcoming atmosphere and positive experience they found at our Port Dover office.

Port Dover Family Dentistry
When a tooth is badly broken or infected, urgent removal may be the safest choice. Nixon patients can learn how the decision is made and what recovery involves.
Let’s get you smiling
Tell us how we can help. Our team will follow up to confirm a time.
Serving patients from Nixon and the surrounding countryside at our Port Dover office
See every dental service for NixonWhen removal cannot wait
Most extractions are planned, but sometimes a tooth needs to come out sooner. A tooth split below the gumline, severe infection that cannot be managed another way or a tooth so damaged it cannot be restored may make removal the safest choice. The decision is made after an examination and, usually, X-rays to understand the full picture.
If you are in Nixon with severe dental pain or a badly broken tooth, call our Port Dover office to discuss your symptoms. The team will advise how soon you should be seen. The dentist will consider alternatives where possible and explain why extraction may be recommended before proceeding.

When it is needed
A tooth with a vertical root fracture, extensive decay below the gum, severe mobility from gum disease or an infection that keeps returning despite treatment may need urgent removal. Sometimes a wisdom tooth becomes infected and painful. The dentist will explain the specific findings in your case, using X-rays to show what is happening beneath the surface.
Before recommending extraction, the dentist will consider whether root canal treatment, a crown or other care could save the tooth. Ask about the outlook for each option, since a saved tooth may still have a limited lifespan. Understanding the alternatives, and why they may not suit your tooth, helps you feel confident about the decision you make.
Preparing quickly
Tell the dentist about all medications, especially blood thinners, bone medications and supplements, as well as conditions like diabetes, heart problems or a weakened immune system. If you have an active infection, antibiotics may be considered before or after the extraction. Do not stop any prescribed medication without medical advice, even if you think it might interfere with treatment.
If possible, arrange for someone to drive you home, especially if you are feeling unwell or sedation is used. Have soft foods and pain relief at home. Ask the team for written aftercare instructions to take with you, since the details can be easy to forget when you are uncomfortable and anxious about the procedure.
The extraction
Local anaesthetic is used to numb the area. Infection can sometimes make freezing less effective, so let the dentist know if you still feel sharp sensations. You may feel pressure as the tooth is loosened and removed. Some teeth are sectioned into smaller pieces to remove them more gently. The dentist will pause if you need a moment to rest.
After removal, gauze is placed over the socket, and you will be asked to bite firmly to control bleeding and help a clot form. The team will explain how to care for the area, what pain relief to use and signs that need attention. Ask any questions before you leave, including when to schedule a follow-up visit.
Recovery
Avoid rinsing hard, spitting, smoking or using straws for the period recommended, as these can disturb the clot. Use cold compresses for swelling and eat soft foods on the other side. Pain should gradually ease. Call the office if bleeding persists, pain worsens after a few days or a bad taste develops. Seek emergency care for urgent warning signs.
Once the area heals, the dentist can discuss whether to replace the tooth with a bridge, implant or partial denture, depending on its location and your preferences. Leaving a gap can sometimes allow neighbouring teeth to drift. There is no need to decide immediately, but it helps to understand the options and timing while healing is underway.
Planning your appointment
Phone our Port Dover office if you have severe tooth pain or a badly broken tooth. Describe your symptoms so the team can discuss urgency, availability and whether you should arrange a driver.
Bring a list of medications, any allergies and the contact details for your family doctor in case coordination is needed.
Before you book
Have a question about your situation? Our team can help you plan a visit.
Often it can, but it depends on the infection and your health. In some cases antibiotics may be used before or after extraction. The dentist will assess the situation and explain the safest approach for your tooth.
Some soreness is normal and usually improves over several days. The dentist will recommend suitable pain relief. Contact the office if pain increases after a few days, as it may indicate a dry socket or another problem.
Many people return to light activities the next day, but this depends on the extraction and your job. Avoid heavy lifting or strenuous work for a short time. The dentist can give guidance specific to your situation.
Not always, but it is worth discussing. Missing teeth can affect chewing and allow neighbouring teeth to shift. The dentist will explain the options, such as implants, bridges or partial dentures, once the site has healed.
A dry socket happens when the blood clot is lost too early, exposing bone and causing increasing pain. Following aftercare instructions, especially avoiding smoking and straws, helps lower the risk. Call the office if you suspect one.
When a tooth cannot be saved, removal may be advised. Nixon patients can learn why extractions happen, how to prepare and what healing usually looks like.
An emergency exam focuses on one urgent problem: finding the cause, easing pain and planning next steps. Nixon patients can see what to expect.
Recognized year after year
Best Dentists in Norfolk
Proudly recognized among Norfolk’s top-rated dental practices for six consecutive years.

2021 Winner

2022 Winner

2023 Winner

2024 Winner

2025 Winner

2026 Winner
Stories from our patients
Watch a patient’s experience and browse more five-star reviews from people who have visited our Port Dover dental clinic.
Patient video
A patient shares the welcoming atmosphere and positive experience they found at our Port Dover office.
Google reviews
Swipe or use the arrows
Read all reviewsYour next visit can start today
New patients and CDCP patients are welcome. Tell us how we can help and our Port Dover dental team will follow up with you.
Evening appointments Monday and Tuesday