Tooth Extraction

When decayed teeth have progressed too far, or a tooth is beyond saving due to an accident or injury, tooth extraction or a tooth removal may be necessary. A tooth extraction is the removal of a tooth from its socket in the jawbone. This is a common dental procedure that can be performed by a general dentist or an oral surgeon, depending on the complexity of the case.

Dentistry in Waterloo has dental professionals that can perform gentle tooth extractions. We ensure every patient has a smooth and stress-free procedure whenever they come to us. We also believe every procedure has a higher success rate whenever the patient is comfortable while undergoing the treatment.

Reasons for Tooth Extraction

• Severe Tooth Decay or Infection. When tooth decay reaches the center of the tooth (the pulp), bacteria can infect it, leading to a severe and painful infection. If root canal therapy isn’t possible or hasn’t been successful, extraction may be necessary to prevent the spread of the infection.
• Periodontal Disease. This is an infection of the structures around the teeth, including the gums, periodontal ligament, and alveolar bone. In the later stages of periodontal disease, the teeth can become loose. This may necessitate tooth extraction.
• Impacted Teeth. These are teeth that have failed to emerge fully into their expected position. This often happens with wisdom teeth. They can cause numerous problems, including infection, damage to neighboring teeth, and cysts. As a result, they often need to be extracted.
• Overcrowding. Sometimes dentists extract teeth to prepare the mouth for orthodontics. The goal of orthodontics is to properly align the teeth, which may not be possible if your teeth are too big for your mouth.
• Fractured Teeth. If a tooth is fractured below the gum line, it may be necessary to extract it. In some cases, a crown or filling isn’t enough to repair the damage, especially if the fracture extends into the root.
• For Certain Medical Treatments. Some medical treatments, such as chemotherapy or organ transplants, may require tooth extractions. These treatments can weaken the immune system, turning even a slightly infected tooth into a health risk.
• Cosmetic Reasons. For cosmetic purposes, sometimes dentists extract teeth. This usually happens when the teeth are misshapen or badly positioned. Extraction can make the remaining teeth look better or create space for an implant or bridge.

Regular Teeth Extractions Vs. Wisdom Teeth Removal

Regular tooth extraction and wisdom tooth removal are both dental procedures, but they can differ in several ways:

Complexity of the Procedure

A simple extraction is often a straightforward process, especially if the tooth is fully erupted and visible. In contrast, wisdom tooth extraction can be more complex due to the tooth’s location and the possibility of impaction, which may require an incision into the gums or even the removal of bone.

Type of Anesthesia Used

Regular tooth extractions are usually performed under local anesthesia. However, the complexity of wisdom tooth extraction may require either local or general anesthesia.

Professional Performing the Extraction

Both procedures can be performed by a dentist or an oral surgeon, but wisdom tooth extraction is often carried out by an oral surgeon due to its potential complexity.

Potential for Post-Operative Discomfort

While both types of extractions may cause some level of discomfort, surgical extractions, often required for wisdom teeth, generally involve more post-operative discomfort due to the more involved nature of the procedure.

What Happens During a Tooth Extraction Process

• Initial Consultation. Our dentist performs a complete oral exam and takes X-rays to understand the tooth’s condition. If necessary, we may prescribe antibiotics before the extraction to prevent infection.
• Anesthesia Administration. Before the procedure, our dentist will numb the area around the tooth with local anesthesia. This ensures you won’t feel any pain during the extraction. If the procedure is a more complex tooth wisdom removal or involves multiple extractions, you may receive sedatives or general anesthesia, depending on your preference and our dentist’s recommendation. We may also provide sedation to patients with dental anxiety even for simple extractions.
• Tooth Extraction. The procedure itself can take anywhere from a few minutes to half an hour, depending on the complexity of the case and how many teeth are being extracted. Our dentist will remove the tooth by first widening the socket with special dental instruments before gently rocking it back and forth until it comes out. If necessary, the tooth may be sectioned into smaller pieces to ease removal.
• Cleaning and Disinfecting. Once the tooth is removed, the socket (the hole left by the tooth) is cleaned and disinfected. In some cases, a dental bone graft may also be placed, which helps preserve the socket structure for future implant placement.
• Controlling Bleeding. A gauze pad will be placed on the extraction site to control bleeding. You will be instructed to bite down on the gauze pad for about 3-4 hours after extraction, changing the gauze before it becomes soaked with blood.
• Aftercare Instructions. Before you go home, our dentist will provide you with detailed instructions on how to care for the extraction site in the coming days. This may include avoiding smoking, rinsing your mouth gently with warm salt water, and taking any prescribed medications as directed.
• Follow-Up Appointment. Our dentist will schedule a follow-up appointment to check on your healing progress and remove any stitches if necessary. It’s essential to attend this appointment to ensure proper healing.