Our dentists always try to save your natural teeth. However, every tooth cannot be saved. One of your teeth may need to be removed (extracted) because of disease, trauma (injury) or crowding.

​

Tooth extraction is a general dentistry procedure performed for a variety of reasons, whether it’s to remove wisdom teeth or to provide room for other teeth. Tooth extraction is a quick procedure with either local, general, intravenous anesthesia, or a combination. If you are experiencing pain and discomfort due to an infected tooth, a wisdom tooth, or simply need to make space for teeth to shift into place, our expert dentists can help you find immediate relief.

 

We at Dunwin Dental do simple and surgical teeth extractions in-house. We strongly recommend that you replace the extracted tooth with a bridge, an implant or a denture so that you can maintain eating function and your mouth structure.

​

Wo offer bone grafting after a tooth extraction because after a tooth a lost or extracted, the bone around the tooth will shrink. Bone grafting can help preserve the jaw bone so that an implant or a bridge will work better.

​

In the meantime, here is some more information regarding what is involved in a tooth extraction:

​

WHY EXTRACT A TOOTH?

 

• Tooth impaction (a sideways growing tooth pushing against another tooth often seen with wisdom teeth).

​

• Tooth decay caused by the build-up of tartar and plaque.

​

• Gum disease (Periodontal Disease and Gingivitis).

​

• Tooth trauma caused by external damage to the tooth such as an accident or blunt force.

​

• Overcrowding that can prevent teeth from appearing straight.

​

​THE TOOTH REMOVAL (EXTRACTION) PROCESS AND WHAT TO EXPECT

​

1st Appointment

 

​During your first consultation at our dental office, the dentist will take an x-ray of your mouth and discuss your medical history. They may prescribe you antibiotics in the days leading up to the procedure if you have an infection or a specific medical condition.​

​

Surgical Extraction Appointment

​

Preparing For Your Extraction

​

On the day of your dental extraction appointment, remember to:

​

• Wear a short-sleeved or loose-fitted shirt if you are receiving IV anesthesia.

​

• If you are receiving IV anesthesia, don't eat or drink 8 hours prior to your appointment. 

​

• Don't smoke before your appointment. 

​

• If you have a cold, or had nausea or vomiting the night before, speak to your dentist as you may need to reschedule. 

​

• Be sure to have someone who can drive you home if you are receiving general anesthesia.

Your Extraction Appointment

​

On the day of your appointment, we will talk you through the process. To ensure that you are comfortable and relaxed, you will receive a local anesthetic or IV sedation. Following the extraction, you will receive aftercare instructions as well as a follow-up appointment date if necessary.

​

Follow-up Appointment

​

Your follow-up appointment will give the dentist an opportunity to check the dental extraction site and ensure there are no complications or infections. However, if you do experience any severe pain or discomfort before your follow-up appointment, contact your dentist immediately.

​

TOOTH EXTRACTION AFTERCARE

​

• Use an ice pack for 10 minutes at a time on your check directly after the extraction to reduce swelling.

​

• Leave the gauze applied by the dentist for 3-4 hours, or until the pad is soaked (biting down on the gauze helps to reduce bleeding and form a blood clot).

​

• Take any prescribed medication, including over-the-counter pain medications.

​

• Allow yourself at least 24 hours to rest and recover before resuming normal activities.

​

• Don’t rinse your mouth for 24 hours. After 24 hours, rinse your mouth with half a teaspoon of salt to eight ounces of warm water.

​

• If you find it is uncomfortable to lie down, prop yourself upright with pillows.

​

• Eat soft foods, slowly introducing other foods as you heal.

​

With the exception of trouble-making wisdom teeth, your extracted tooth should be replaced to restore your eating and speaking functions and your smile. Please refer to Restorative Dentistry section of this website for your options including dental implants, dental bridges and dentures.

​

RECOVERING FROM A TOOTH EXTRACTION

​

The following video briefly explains how to recover from your extraction:​