Learning you need to have a tooth extracted is never welcomed news. Here’s all the information you should know about tooth extractions and what to expect from the procedure.

What is a tooth extraction?

A tooth extraction is the removal of a tooth from the jawbone. There are many reasons why you may need an extraction, but the most common reason is that the tooth has experienced significant decay that cannot be fixed through non-surgical methods. This decay is often caused by periodontal disease, or a dental accident causing a crack or break in the tooth that cannot be repaired.

How is a tooth extraction performed?

There are surgical tooth extractions and non-surgical tooth extractions. Speak to your family dentist in Caledon to decide which option is best for you.

Before your tooth is extracted, your dentist will take a complete medical and dental history and discuss the length and severity of your pain. The tooth will be assessed, and x-rays will be taken.

When it’s time for the extraction, your dentist will administer a local anesthetic to make sure you don’t feel a thing. This is delivered via injection into your gum right near the root of the tooth being extracted, and another into your nerve.

The dentist will use multiple instruments to remove the tooth from the bone where it sits.

How do I know I need a tooth extraction?

There are many different reasons you may need a tooth extraction, but here are the most common:

• Pain in the tooth – now this doesn’t always mean that you need a tooth extraction, but it is definitely a sign that you need to see a dentist either way.
• Crowding – if your teeth are crowded and misaligned, you might need to have one or more extracted. Your dentist can help you determine if this is the case.
• Gum disease – if left unchecked, gum disease can become severe enough to require a tooth extraction.
• Wisdom teeth that have become impacted.
• Tooth decay that is too severe to be treated.
• Breaks, cracks or chips in the tooth that are too severe to be fixed.

If you’ve been told you need a tooth extraction or are concerned that you might, call the team at Caledon Dental Centre today. We’ll schedule a time to examine your teeth, assess your situation, and discuss the best treatment options for you.