Tooth Extractions North York, ON
Tooth extraction is the complete removal of a tooth from its socket. A tooth may need to be removed if it is no longer healthy and too damaged to save. Extraction may also be necessary when existing teeth are blocking other teeth from erupting.
The only way to know for sure if a tooth needs to be extracted is to have a thorough oral exam and an x-ray taken with your North York, ON dentist to determine the prognosis. If you find out that you need an extraction, don’t put it off! Trying to avoid a tooth extraction can lead to pain, swelling, and infection--but once your appointment is over, your pain will be relieved, and your dental health greatly improved.
Our dentists and specialists at Parkwoods Dental perform tooth extractions to improve your oral health. Our experienced, professional staff provide individual attention to all our patients and will answer any questions you have to ensure you understand the recommended course of treatment. We are here to help put you at ease and guide you through the procedure. Read on to learn more about tooth extractions or call our office today at (416) 444-2828 to schedule an appointment!
Reasons to Consider Extraction
There are many reasons why a tooth may need to be extracted. Some of the most common reasons include:
Extensive Damage
When fillings, root canals, and crowns aren’t enough to save a tooth, it will likely need to be extracted and then replaced with a prosthetic tooth. Children may need baby teeth extracted if they suffer from extensive decay early in life.
Risk of Infection
Anyone with a weakened immune system is at higher risk for tooth decay and gum disease and may need to have teeth extracted to prevent infection from spreading throughout the body. People at high risk of infection include cancer patients and those who have had organ transplants.
Impacted Teeth
An impacted tooth is one that is blocked from pushing through the gum, either by other teeth or by excessive soft tissue. This can lead to inflammation and jaw pain, as well as an increased risk of gum disease and decay in the surrounding areas. Impacted teeth are frequently candidates for extraction to prevent complications.
Preparing For Orthodontics
Sometimes there’s simply not enough room in the arch for all the teeth to sit comfortably. In these cases, some teeth may need to be extracted to solve the crowding problem. Crowding can also cause an adult tooth to erupt in the wrong place, failing to push out the baby tooth. The baby tooth must be removed before the crowding can be corrected with orthodontics.
Loose Teeth Due to Periodontal (Gum) Disease
When the gums are infected, the underlying bone can begin to break down and cause teeth to become loose. Sometimes this process can be reversed with bone grafting, but if this isn’t an option for your health condition, then extraction may be necessary.
Tooth Extraction Procedure & Post Op Care
The root of each tooth is encased within your jawbone in a "tooth socket," and your tooth is held in that socket by a ligament. To extract a tooth, your North York dentist must expand the socket and separate the tooth from the ligament holding it in place. After the procedure is complete, you will be provided with instructions to help you through the healing process.
Once a tooth has been removed, neighboring teeth may shift, causing problems with chewing or with your jaw joint function. To avoid these complications, our dentists may recommend that you replace the extracted tooth with a bridge or dental implant.
