Dental Extraction (Having a Tooth Pulled)
In children, baby teeth usually fall out painlessly on their own. However, sometimes they need a little help, and the dentist can perform a quick and painless dental extraction. In adults, while we strive to preserve permanent teeth, there are instances where tooth extraction becomes necessary to restore proper function or to clear an infection.
Reasons to Consider Dental Extractions in Toronto
- Overcrowding: When there isn’t enough room in the jawbone for teeth to fit properly, it can make cleaning difficult, leading to gum disease and cavities. Removing one or more teeth might be necessary to restore function to your bite and maintain healthy gums.
- Severe Tooth Decay: Cavities can often be treated with fillings or crowns. However, if a cavity has destroyed most of the tooth, tooth extraction may be the only option to eliminate the infection.
- Severe Gum Disease: Sometimes the tooth itself is fine, but the surrounding gum and bone are infected. Without healthy support from gums and bone, the tooth becomes loose and needs to be extracted.
- Broken Tooth: A tooth might break off at or below the gum line for various reasons. When this happens, it’s often impossible to restore the tooth with a crown, and the remaining root must be extracted.
Types of Tooth Extractions
Simple Tooth Extraction
A visible tooth in the mouth can be pulled using local anesthesia. This type of extraction is typically performed by a general dentist and involves a lower cost.
Surgical Tooth Extraction
More complex extractions, such as those involving teeth that haven’t erupted or are broken off at the gum line, require a surgical approach by an oral surgeon, usually at a higher cost.
What to Expect During a Tooth Extraction Procedure
Having a tooth extraction is usually a quick appointment. Most extractions can be performed using just a local anesthetic. For more complicated cases, such as impacted wisdom teeth, a general anesthetic might be recommended.
The Tooth Extraction Process
Once you’re completely numb, the dentist will use an instrument to loosen the ligaments around the tooth. Then, rocking the tooth back and forth, the dentist will remove it from the socket. If the tooth is difficult to remove, it may be sectioned and removed in pieces.
Post-Extraction Care
After the tooth extraction procedure, you’ll go home and follow the provided aftercare instructions. Extraction sites typically heal quickly and are only sore for a few days.
Replacing the Missing Tooth
Once the extraction site has healed, you may need to replace the missing tooth. Options include dental implants, bridges, or partial dentures. However, if wisdom teeth are extracted, no replacements are needed.
Cost of Dental Extractions in Toronto
The cost of a dental extraction varies depending on the complexity of the case. With dental insurance, out-of-pocket costs usually range from $100 to $200+ per tooth. For those without insurance, costs can range from $300 to $600+ per tooth. Accurate quotes can only be provided after an in-person exam and comprehensive evaluation.
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
There are several reasons to consider wisdom tooth extraction. Often, there is insufficient room for these teeth to fully erupt, leading to oral hygiene challenges, increased risk of cavities, infections, periodontal problems, and pain. A radiograph and examination will help determine the best course of action.
Modern dentistry prioritizes your comfort. Using minimally invasive techniques and effective anesthetics, we ensure as little trauma as possible to promote fast healing. Aftercare instructions will be provided to ensure a smooth recovery process.
About an hour after the procedure, you can remove the gauze sponges and have something to eat. Soft foods are recommended for the first 24 hours, and it’s important to avoid hot foods and drinking from straws for several hours.
We provide detailed aftercare instructions specific to your needs. Generally, avoid spitting, mouth rinsing, blowing your nose, using straws, and smoking in the first 24 hours. Also, avoid touching the extraction site, consuming hot foods and drinks, and taking aspirin.
You should plan for three to four days of rest or light duty post-extraction. Full recovery usually takes about two weeks, during which you should feel minimal discomfort.
By understanding the reasons for and the process of dental extractions, you can approach the procedure with confidence. Whether it’s for resolving severe tooth pain, addressing gum disease, or facilitating orthodontic treatment, our dental practice is here to ensure your extraction is as comfortable and efficient as possible.
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