Tooth Extractions in Scarborough

Not every extraction is the same, and the approach we take depends on the tooth and what's going on around it. Before anything is decided, we take a look with an exam and X-rays so we understand the shape of the roots and how the tooth sits in the bone. From there, an extraction usually falls into one of two categories.

Simple extraction

A simple extraction is used when the tooth has come through the gum and can be reached without much fuss. We loosen it gently and lift it out. Most single, visible teeth are handled this way, and the appointment tends to be short.

Surgical extraction

A surgical extraction is needed when a tooth is broken at the gumline, hasn't fully come in, or has curved or stubborn roots. Impacted wisdom teeth often fall into this group. It may involve a small incision in the gum, and sometimes the tooth is removed in sections to protect the bone around it. If a tooth can be saved instead, we'll talk through options like root canal therapy before recommending removal.

Knowing the order of things ahead of time tends to make the whole visit feel calmer. Here's how a typical extraction goes from start to finish.

1. We review your medical history and any medications, then go over the X-rays together so you know what we're looking at.
2. We numb the area with local anesthetic so the tooth and the gum around it are fully frozen. You'll feel pressure and movement, but the sharp sensation is taken away.
3. The tooth is gently loosened and eased out. For a surgical case, this may include a small incision or removing the tooth in pieces.
4. We clean the socket and, if needed, place a stitch or two. You bite down on a piece of gauze to help a clot form.
5. Before you leave, we walk you through aftercare and answer any questions while everything is fresh.

The first day matters most. After a tooth comes out, a blood clot forms in the socket, and that clot is what protects the bone and nerve while the area heals. Looking after it carefully is the heart of a smooth recovery.

Keep gentle pressure on the gauze for the first hour or so, and expect some oozing the first day, which is normal. A little swelling is common too, and a cold compress held against your cheek in short stretches can take the edge off.

• Avoid rinsing, spitting forcefully, or drinking through a straw for the first 24 hours, since the suction can pull the clot loose.
• Skip smoking and alcohol while you heal, as both slow things down.
• Stick to soft, cool foods like yogurt, soup, or smoothies eaten with a spoon, and chew on the other side.
• Take any medication we recommend as directed, and rest with your head slightly raised.

Losing that clot too early can lead to dry socket, where the bone underneath is left exposed. It often shows up as a dull, throbbing ache a few days after the extraction, sometimes with a bad taste. It's manageable, so if that happens, give your clinic a call and we'll help you settle it. After the first day, gentle warm salt-water rinses can keep the area clean as it heals.

If the extracted tooth was near the front or played a role in chewing, it's worth thinking about replacing it. When a gap is left for a long time, nearby teeth can drift and the bite can shift over time. The good news is you have choices, and we can plan replacement around the same time as the extraction.

A single-tooth implant fills the space on its own without leaning on the teeth beside it, while dentures can be a practical route when more than one tooth is missing. There's no rush to decide on the day of your extraction. We'll let the area heal and then sit down to find an option that suits your mouth and your budget.

For more on routine care that helps you keep the rest of your teeth strong, visit our general & preventive dentistry page.