Tooth Extractions

Tooth extractions are easier when you have a skilled dentist at Avero Dental perform them. Find out more.

The Facts About Tooth Extractions

No dentist wants to extract a tooth, but sometimes it is necessary. Teeth that are split, heavily decayed, impacted, growing wisdom teeth, or those severely broken close to the root need to be pulled. The good news is that the procedure is minimally uncomfortable and has a quick healing time at Avero Dental in Kitchener, Ontario.

The Extraction Procedure

Tooth extractions are a highly routine procedure at Avero Dental. They fall into two categories:
Checkmark
No complications

This is a tooth growing correctly, with the problem easily identifiable, and it can be pulled without invasive surgery. General dentists can perform these extractions easily in 10 to 15 minutes.

Checkmark
Complicated extractions

Sometimes, teeth don’t grow as they should. An impacted tooth can grow sideways under other teeth or into the jawbone. Wisdom teeth may not fully erupt and become infected. A split tooth may require a surgical approach. Complicated problems require an oral surgeon to do a more invasive procedure to extract the tooth.

What to Expect

Some aspects of tooth extractions are consistent regardless of the type of procedure you are recommended to undergo. You will be given both a topical and injected anesthetic to numb the area. It will take around 10 minutes to become numb. The extraction can take up to an hour or more, depending on complications.
There are sedation options available for those who are anxious. Ask your dentist about these options. You will need a driver to take you home with sedation.
After the extraction, the dentist or surgeon will suture the wound, usually with a biodegradable stitch. Typically, it falls out on its own, but a dentist can remove any remaining stitches in a follow-up visit.
It can take two to three hours for the numbness to wear off. You will need to take off work or school on extraction day and possibly the next couple of days if you have a complicated procedure. Pain will begin once the anesthetic wears off, so get any prescriptions from your dentist filled on the way home. Over-the-counter pain medications can also be used to manage pain.

What to expect after a tooth extraction
Gentle tooth extraction with the patient kept comfortable

Aftercare for a Tooth Extraction

Your oral surgeon will give you a list of instructions for recovering after a tooth extraction. Be sure to follow them. One of the most important instructions is not to smoke or use a straw for at least 48 hours. The reason is that the sucking motion in those activities can dislodge the blood clot on the wound, causing a dry socket. A dry socket can result in significant pain and should be avoided. Other instructions include avoiding extremely hot or cold foods for about a week and sticking to a soft diet for a few days until significant healing occurs. A follow-up checkup is usually scheduled in about two weeks after a tooth extraction. Any remaining stitches are removed, and the dentist checks healing.

How Are Your Teeth?

A dental exam at Avero Dental can show you whether you have healthy teeth or need dental work. Those worried they may need a tooth extraction can find out after we perform an X-ray and a dentist looks at your teeth. We try to save teeth, and a tooth extraction is the last choice. Call us or book an appointment online to get your exam and X-ray!

FAQ

Can you remove more than one tooth at a time?
Yes, our dentists and oral surgeons can remove multiple teeth as the individual treatment plan dictates.
Yes, we have a variety of teeth replacement options including bridges, dentures, and dental implants.
It depends on the number of teeth removed and the case’s complications. Can a simple single-tooth extraction be done in under an hour?
It depends on whether you have sedation added to your procedure. Regardless, it is best to take the day off for a tooth extraction to rest and recover.

FAQs

When does a tooth need to be extracted?
When decay or damage is beyond repair, when infection threatens surrounding teeth, for severe gum disease, or occasionally to relieve crowding.
Does an extraction hurt?
The area is fully frozen, so you feel pressure rather than pain. Soreness for a few days afterward is normal and manageable.
How long does healing take?
The gum closes over within one to two weeks, and bone continues filling in for a few months.
What is a dry socket?
It happens when the blood clot is dislodged from the socket, exposing bone. It is painful but treatable. Avoid straws, smoking, and vigorous rinsing for the first few days.