Is Tooth Extraction Necessary?
Tooth extraction might be necessary for various reasons, such as:
- Removal of baby teeth that fail to exfoliate naturally
- Extraction for orthodontic purposes
- Removal due to pain or infection
- Extraction of a fractured tooth
Tooth extraction isn’t always the sole solution. If you’re dealing with tooth pain, early intervention is essential. We might still be able to quickly alleviate your pain while preserving the tooth.
Let Us Know If You Are Experiencing Any of the Following Symptoms:
- Intense tooth pain
- Pain that increases with pressure or chewing
- Jaw stiffness or discomfort
- Swollen gums surrounding the tooth or teeth
- Indications of gum disease like discolouration, bleeding, or unpleasant odour
The Treatment Plan
A tooth extraction typically requires just one office visit and is performed by a dentist or oral surgeon. Here’s our approach, from initial assessment to aftercare:
Looking for Solutions
Our dentists conduct a detailed examination of your symptoms and review all possible treatments with you to find the optimal solution for your dental health before considering tooth extraction.
The Extraction Process
For the extraction, local anesthesia will be administered to numb the specific areas where the tooth will be removed, depending on the dentist and patient preferences. Sedation options are also available if necessary. Our oral surgeons employ a minimally invasive approach to gently extract teeth, prioritizing your comfort and ensuring a speedy recovery.
Feeling Better
After the procedure, you’ll receive detailed aftercare instructions covering:
- How to care for your mouth as it heals
- What to expect
- What to do if you experience complications
We are pleased to arrange a follow-up appointment to address any further concerns you may have.
Contact us today
to schedule an initial consultation & exam.
Your consultation will include an examination of everything from your teeth, gums and soft tissues to the shape and condition of your bite. Generally, we want to see how your whole mouth looks and functions. Before we plan your treatment we want to know everything about the health and aesthetic of your smile, and, most importantly, what you want to achieve so we can help you get there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Removing wisdom teeth is commonly viewed as a milestone, yet it’s essential only if they become impacted or disrupt your jaw and teeth alignment.
Thanks to modern dental techniques and equipment, tooth extractions are virtually painless. Many patients are surprised by how quick and easy the procedure actually is! Of course, some discomfort is to be expected, but we will provide you with aftercare instructions to help keep you as comfortable as possible during the quick healing process.
You can typically eat about an hour after your procedure, once you’ve removed the gauze sponges from your mouth. Stick to soft foods for the first 24 hours and avoid hot foods and drinking from straws for several hours to promote healing.
After your tooth extraction or dental surgery, we will provide you with personalized aftercare instructions during your appointment. Here are some general guidelines to help minimize complications and promote a quick recovery:
- Avoid spitting, mouth rinsing, blowing your nose, using a straw, and smoking in the first 24 hours.
- Refrain from touching the extraction site with your finger or tongue.
- Avoid hot foods and drinks.
- Do not take aspirin, as it can inhibit blood clotting.
- Avoid strenuous physical activities and exercise.
Recovery time after a dental extraction varies depending on the procedure complexity. For simple tooth removal, recovery typically takes about 7 to 10 days. In cases of surgical tooth extraction or wisdom tooth removal, expect a recovery period of around 2 weeks. Regardless of the procedure complexity, discomfort during recovery is typically minimal.
Assuming no unforeseen complications, a typical tooth extraction usually takes around 45 minutes or less.
If you experience prolonged bleeding beyond the first 24 hours after a tooth extraction, place a fresh gauze pad over the extraction site and bite down firmly for 30 minutes. If bleeding persists, contact your dentist for further instructions.
You should avoid brushing and flossing around the extraction site for the first 24 hours to allow for proper healing. After this initial period, you can resume gentle brushing and flossing, taking care to avoid the extraction site. Gradually reintroduce normal oral hygiene practices as recommended by your dentist.