Extractions
When a tooth can’t be saved, removal becomes part of the healing.
It’s not the news anyone walks in hoping to hear. You come in expecting a solution that keeps things intact – a filling, maybe a crown. Then your dentist says it’s time to take the tooth out.
That can give you pause. It’s natural to feel uncertain. But if removal is being recommended, it’s not the easy way out – it’s because leaving the tooth in place could lead to bigger problems down the road.
A failing tooth doesn’t just sit still—it affects everything around it.
In some cases, decay has advanced too far to treat. In others, the surrounding bone has deteriorated. There are also situations involving pressure – a back molar crowding its neighbour, or spacing issues that create more risk than they’re worth.
Extraction isn’t always a matter of urgency. But acting sooner rather than later can help prevent complications that are much harder to address later on.
Situations where extraction may be the best choice:
• A fracture or break that extends below the gumline
• Recurring infections that haven’t responded to treatment
• Bone loss that has weakened the tooth’s support structure
• Teeth shifting out of alignment due to overcrowding
• Preparation for orthodontic work in a crowded arch
Your dentist will talk you through every part—and give you time to ask questions.
Most extractions are straightforward and take very little time. The area is completely numbed before anything begins. The tooth is carefully loosened and taken out. If the tooth is positioned below the gum or is difficult to access, a small opening may be needed to reach it. Gauze is placed to encourage clotting. In certain situations, a few stitches help support the area while it heals.
You’ll go home with clear aftercare instructions – and a contact number if anything doesn’t feel right afterward.
Here’s what usually happens:
• Freezing is applied so the area is fully numb
• The tooth is removed gently and with care
• Gauze is used to control any bleeding
• Easy-to-follow aftercare instructions are sent home with you
Your dental questions, answered.
Letting go of a tooth doesn’t mean letting go of your smile.
If an extraction is being considered, you’ll have a say in how things move forward. You’ll be supported at every stage – before, during, and after – with a clear plan that works for your health, your comfort, and what lies ahead.