Dr. Theo Katsaros
Lead periodontist
Last Updated
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Background
What is a tooth extraction?
A tooth extraction is the process of removing a tooth that cannot be repaired. Whether it's damaged beyond repair, severely decayed, or causing infection, a tooth extraction may be the best solution to relieve discomfort and protect your mouth. Our team can extract any tooth in your mouth when it is infected and can’t be treated.
Extracting a damaged tooth eliminates ongoing pain, prevents the spread of infection to neighbouring teeth, and makes space in your mouth for future treatments, such as dental implants.
A tooth extraction is a treatment option that can help protect your mouth from more serious oral health problems later on. At Bloor-Yorkville Periodontics in Toronto, our expert periodontists prioritize your comfort throughout the extraction process and supports optimal healing every step of the way.
When is a tooth extraction recommended?
There are many common reasons when a tooth extraction may be needed, including the following:
Severe damage: When a tooth has a large cavity or is badly broken and can't be fixed with treatments like a filling or crown.
Persistent tooth infection: When antibiotics or root canal treatment can't clear up the tooth infection
Loose teeth from severe gum disease: When gum disease is severe, it can damage the bone that keeps your teeth in place. If a tooth becomes too loose, it may need to be removed.
We will carefully examine your tooth and take X-rays photos to determine if a tooth extraction is the right treatment option for you.
Before we begin, we explain the treatment process and what to expect . We want you to understand why we recommend removing the tooth and what will happen next.
Our Process
Tooth extraction process at Bloor-Yorkville Periodontics
Step 1: Initial examination and treatment plan
We'll start by talking with you about your symptoms, how you're feeling and how the tooth has been bothering you. We'll review your dental records, medical history, and any medications you're taking that could could impact your oral health. From there, We will examine your mouth, jaw, and the tooth area carefully, and take X-rays to see the tooth more clearly, how it is positioned.
Once we have a clear picture, we'll walk you through our findings and explain whether a tooth extraction is the right treatment option for you.
Step 2: Preparing for the tooth extraction
We want you to feel relaxed and safe during the procedure! We will numb the area near the tooth extraction site with a local anesthetic so you don't feel anything during the procedure.
If you feel nervous, we can also offer medication (minimal oral sedation) to help you stay calm. We'll discuss what works best for you during your initial examination and consultation.
Step 3: Taking out the tooth
Once you're comfortable and the area is fully numb, we'll gently begin the extraction. For straightforward cases, we carefully loosen the tooth until it can be removed cleanly. For more complex situations, such as an impacted or incorrectly positioned wisdom tooth, we may need to make a small incision in the gum or remove a small amount of bone to access the tooth safely. We work carefully to protect your surrounding teeth, gums, and jawbone while we work.
Step 4: Cleaning up and recovery
Once we have removed the tooth, we'll clean the tooth extraction site thoroughly and place sutures (stitches) if needed. We will place a cotton gauze on top of the extraction area to help control any bleeding and encourage clot formation.
Before you leave, we'll provide you with clear aftercare instructions and let you know what to expect during recovery, including any temporary swelling or discomfort. If you follow our aftercare instructions, you should heal and feel better soon after the extraction
After having the extraction and implant, I was very surprised not to have had any pain what so ever, and my check-up was a glowing success.
Tim Jones
Google Review
Your periodontal specialists
Why choose Bloor-Yorkville Periodontics in Toronto for a tooth extraction?
At Bloor-Yorkville Periodontics, we understand that learning you need a tooth extraction can feel daunting. We are committed to making that process as informed, comfortable, and clinically effective as we can.
Individual treatment plans - We listen to your concerns and design a tooth extraction and care plan that fits your specific oral health needs.
Gentle care - We combine modern extraction techniques with a compassionate approach to make your procedure both safe and comfortable.
Supportive environment - Our team is here to make you feel safe, relaxed, and supported throughout your tooth extraction.
Local convenience - Located right in Toronto we are easy to reach for all your appointments.
Gum disease does not resolve on its own, and delays in treatment allow it to advance to stages that are significantly more difficult and costly to manage. If uncertainty or anxiety has prevented you from seeking care, our team in Toronto is here to help you take that step with confidence.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about tooth extractions
How do I know if my tooth needs to come out?
Watch for these warning signs:
Your tooth hurts a lot and the pain doesn't stop.
You see puffiness around your gum or cheek near that tooth.
The tooth is cracked in a bad way or has a really big hole from decay.
Your tooth feels wobbly when you push on it.
If you see any of these problems, please call us. Our specialists needs to look at your tooth to decide if it should be taken out.
Will a tooth extraction be painful?
We work hard to keep you comfortable! Before we begin, we numb the area around your tooth with a special medicine (called a local anesthetic, such as lidocaine).
This means you shouldn’t feel pain during the removal. You might notice some pushing or tugging, but it shouldn't hurt.
How much time does it take to get better after a tooth extraction?
The time it takes to heal depends on which tooth we removed and how your body recovers.
Many people start feeling a lot better within 3 to 5 days.
The spot where your tooth was taken out is usually healed in 1 to 2 weeks.
If the removal was more difficult (such as a wisdom tooth), you may need a bit more time to fully recover.
Important: If you have strong pain, bleeding that doesn't stop, or swelling that keeps getting worse after a few days, call us right away! We'll check the spot to make sure everything is healing properly.
How do I care for my mouth after my tooth extraction?
Here are easy tips to help you heal well after a tooth extraction:
Press softly on the cotton pad we give you for half an hour to help stop bleeding.
Rest on the first day and avoid heavy lifting or strenuous activities.
Stick to soft foods like soup, yogurt, and mashed potatoes for a couple of days.
Don't use a straw or spit forcefully (this can hurt the healing spot).
After one day, rinse your mouth gently with warm salt water to keep it clean.
Our team will give you detailed care tips before you go home!
How can I fill the space where my tooth was after a tooth extraction?
Once you're healed, if needed, we can discuss ways to put a new replacement tooth in that spot. Your choices are:
Dental implants: A lasting solution that acts and looks just like your natural tooth.
Dental bridges: A fixed piece that uses the nearby teeth to hold a replacement tooth in place.
Dentures: Removable teeth you can take out and clean.
We'll work with you to find the best treatment option for you!
I was referred for an extremely complicated case. The roots of two of my molars had fractured and the infection had spread into the sinus cavity. The surgeries went super smooth and I was pleasantly surprised that I did not have severe pain after the surgery. Till date I have had complex tooth extractions, bone grafting, clinical crown lengthening and would undergo dental implants.
Kaustav Das
Google Review
