Tooth Extractions

When a tooth is severely broken down or unable to be saved, an extraction may be the next best step. By removing your tooth, we can address issues like pain, infection and potential damage to adjacent teeth.

Extractions are commonly recommended in situations involving

• Dental emergencies
• Aggressive decay
• Severe fractures
• Broken roots
• Non-salvageable teeth
• Chronic pain or infection
• Advanced periodontal disease
• Full mouth reconstruction
• Impacted wisdom teeth

Things to keep in mind about Tooth Extractions

Each tooth plays an important role. As a placeholder in your smile, your tooth affects the alignment of its neighbours. Losing one due to an extraction or accident creates a gap. This extra space can lead to adjacent teeth tilting into it. Even your opposing teeth will drift out of alignment.

To prevent tilting or shifting teeth, we’ll need to create an upfront plan to address your missing tooth before its extracted.

Doing so will help to preserve your smile’s alignment and natural function. Some of the most common types of tooth replacement include dental implants, bridges and partial dentures.

Alternatives to Tooth Extractions

If your tooth can be saved with a root canal, we may recommend completing the treatment instead of getting an extraction. Preserving your tooth reduces complications and added costs associated with tooth replacement in the future.

We will typically only recommend extracting your tooth if endodontic therapy isn’t an option. Or if the tooth is so damaged that it does not qualify for other types of restorative therapy (such as a crown or filling).

In most cases, we want to do everything possible to help you save your smile. Tooth extractions are typically reserved as a last-case scenario when other dental therapies are not appropriate.

Do Tooth Extractions hurt?

Your comfort is important to us. Our extractions are completed using local anaesthetic (numbing medication) to prevent any sensitivity. The only thing you should feel is a little bit of pressure.

If you’re feeling a bit nervous, that’s completely normal. We also offer sedation dentistry to help you relax. That way you can feel comfortable enough to access the care you deserve. Our sleep dentistry options include nitrous oxide (happy gas) and Penthrox (green whistle).

Planning for Recovery

We’ll provide you with written instructions to keep in mind as your mouth heals. Take care not to eat any hard or crunch foods on that side of your mouth for several days, as they could irritate the extraction site. Additionally, try to avoid hot foods, carbonated beverages and alcohol. Do not smoke, as it can delay in wound healing.

For the first 24 hours, apply a cold compress as needed, up to 20 minutes at a time. An over-the-counter anti-inflammatory such as ibuprofen can provide added relief when used as directed. If for any reason you experience severe redness or bleeding, let our office know straightaway.

Retained Function and Aesthetics

Missing teeth can cause embarrassment and changes in your oral anatomy. We’ll work with you closely to ensure solutions to keep your smile looking healthy for years to come.

That way you won’t have to be self-conscious about an unnecessary gap in your smile. Our comprehensive menu of tooth replacement treatments means we have something for everyone.