Tooth Extractions
At Yonge & St. Clair.
When a tooth cannot reasonably be maintained, or removing it is otherwise the appropriate treatment, an extraction may be considered. We assess the tooth first, explain the available options and refer when specialist care would be preferable.
Have significant tooth pain or swelling? Call us so we can help determine how promptly you should be seen.
Removing a tooth
The decision comes before the extraction.
A damaged, painful or infected tooth does not automatically need to be removed. Before recommending an extraction, we consider what is wrong with the tooth, whether it can reasonably be repaired or treated, and what keeping or removing it means for your overall dental health.
Sometimes maintaining the tooth is the better option. Sometimes extraction is the more predictable or appropriate path.
Our goal isn't to remove a tooth simply because it has a problem. It's to determine whether the tooth is worth maintaining.
Why extractions are needed
There are different reasons a tooth may not be maintainable.
Extensive tooth damage
A tooth may be too badly broken or decayed to restore predictably.
A significant fracture
Some cracks or fractures extend far enough that maintaining the tooth is no longer a reasonable option.
Infection
If a severely compromised or infected tooth cannot appropriately be retained, extraction may be considered as part of treating the source of the problem.
Advanced loss of support
In some situations, the tissues supporting a tooth may be compromised enough that the tooth can no longer be maintained predictably.
Other clinical reasons
Occasionally, removal is considered for reasons related to the position, condition or overall treatment plan for a tooth.
Before an extraction
Can the tooth be saved?
When appropriate, we consider whether there is a reasonable way to maintain the tooth before recommending removal.
How much healthy tooth remains
A tooth needs enough sound structure to support a predictable restoration.
Where the damage extends
Deep fractures, decay or other damage can affect whether the tooth can reasonably be repaired.
The health of the supporting tissues
The gums, bone and surrounding structures also influence the outlook for a tooth.
What treatment would be required
Sometimes a tooth can technically be treated, but the expected prognosis, complexity or amount of treatment required still needs to be considered.
“Can it be saved?” and “Should it be saved?” are not always exactly the same question.
The process
What should I expect?
Assess and plan
We examine the tooth and surrounding area and review any appropriate dental X-rays before deciding how the tooth should be removed.
Keep you comfortable
Local anaesthetic is used to numb the area before the tooth is removed.
Remove the tooth
The approach depends on the tooth, its position and the surrounding structures.
Review aftercare
We'll explain how to care for the area afterward and what to expect as it heals.
Specialist care
Some extractions are better managed by a specialist.
Chandler & Nightingale Dental provides extractions in our office, and works alongside specialists when required. Some teeth or clinical situations are more complex because of the tooth's position, anatomy, surrounding structures or other factors.
When we believe specialist care is the better approach, we'll explain why and coordinate referral to the appropriate provider.
The goal isn't to keep every procedure in-house. It's to get you the right care.
Common questions
Common questions about tooth extractions.
How do I know if a tooth needs to be extracted?+
An examination and appropriate dental X-rays are usually needed to understand whether a tooth can reasonably be maintained. Pain or infection alone does not automatically mean the tooth needs to be removed.
Does a tooth extraction hurt?+
Local anaesthetic is used to numb the area during an extraction. Some soreness or tenderness can occur afterward as the area heals.
Is it better to have a root canal or an extraction?+
It depends on whether the tooth can reasonably be restored and maintained. If it has a favourable outlook, root canal treatment to retain it may be considered. If it is too compromised, extraction may be the more appropriate option.
Do you perform tooth extractions at C&ND?+
Yes. We provide extractions in our office, and work alongside specialists when required. When the procedure or clinical situation would be better managed by a specialist, we'll explain why and coordinate referral.
Do you remove wisdom teeth?+
We assess wisdom teeth and provide treatment in our office, working alongside specialists when required. Depending on the position and complexity of the teeth, specialist referral may be the more appropriate option.
Do I need to replace a tooth after an extraction?+
Not every extracted tooth needs to be replaced. The decision depends on which tooth is missing, your bite, the surrounding teeth and your overall dental needs. When replacement is appropriate, options may include a dental implant, bridge or removable prosthesis.
Can an infected tooth be extracted?+
Extraction may be one treatment option for some infected teeth, but the appropriate approach depends on the tooth, the extent of the problem and whether the tooth can reasonably be retained.
I'm anxious about having a tooth removed. Is nitrous oxide available?+
Nitrous oxide may be available for appropriate patients who are anxious about treatment. Let us know about your concerns so we can discuss comfort options with you.
Related care
Think a tooth may need to come out?
Start with an assessment. We'll determine whether the tooth can reasonably be maintained, explain your options and let you know whether treatment at C&ND or specialist care makes the most sense.
Or feel free to email us at reception@smilemail.ca. We reply to appointment requests within one business day.
If you're experiencing significant pain or swelling, call the office so we can help determine how promptly you should be seen.