At Fort York Dentist, our goal is to preserve your natural teeth whenever possible. However, there are situations where a tooth may need to be removed due to severe decay, infection, gum disease, or trauma. In other cases, extractions may be necessary as part of orthodontic treatment or to prepare the mouth for dentures or implants.

While the thought of having a tooth pulled can feel overwhelming, tooth extractions are common, safe, and often lead to relief from pain and infection. Understanding what to expect before, during, and after an extraction can help ease your concerns and promote a smooth recovery.

When Is a Tooth Extraction Necessary?

A tooth extraction may be recommended for several reasons, including:

• Severe tooth decay that cannot be restored with a filling, crown, or root canal
• Advanced periodontal disease (gum disease) causing loosening of the tooth
• Infection or abscess that does not respond to antibiotics or other treatments
• Fractured teeth that cannot be repaired
• Crowded teeth that interfere with orthodontic treatment
• Wisdom teeth that are impacted, painful, or prone to infection

Our experienced team at Fort York Dentist will always explore conservative treatment options first. When extraction is the best course of action, we ensure a gentle, pain-managed experience using advanced techniques and proper anesthesia.

What to Expect During a Tooth Extraction

The procedure itself is typically quick and straightforward. Before the extraction, we’ll take X-rays to evaluate the tooth’s position and surrounding structures. We will administer a local anesthetic to numb the area so you remain comfortable during the procedure. If the tooth is impacted or broken below the gumline, a surgical extraction may be necessary.

Once the tooth is removed, we may place a gauze pad over the socket to control bleeding. In some cases, dissolvable stitches are used to close the area.

Post-Operative Care at Home

Proper care after your extraction is essential to minimize discomfort, prevent complications, and support healing. Here are some key guidelines to follow:

1. Control Bleeding

Bite down gently on the gauze pad placed over the extraction site for 30–45 minutes after the procedure. If bleeding continues, replace the gauze and continue to apply gentle pressure.

2. Manage Pain and Swelling

Mild discomfort and swelling are common after extractions. Use over-the-counter pain medications as directed or as prescribed. Applying an ice pack on the outside of your cheek in 15-minute intervals can help reduce swelling in the first 24 hours.

3. Protect the Blood Clot

A blood clot will form in the socket to protect the bone and nerves underneath. To avoid dislodging it (which can lead to a painful condition called dry socket), follow these tips:

• Avoid spitting, rinsing forcefully, or using straws for the first 24 hours
• Don’t smoke or vape for at least 3–5 days
• Avoid vigorous physical activity for the first 24 hours

4. Keep the Area Clean

Do not brush the surgical area for the first day. After 24 hours, you may gently rinse with warm salt water (1/2 teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water) several times a day to keep the area clean. Continue regular brushing and flossing of the other teeth.

5. Eat Soft Foods

Stick to soft foods like yogurt, mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, or smoothies (without a straw) for the first couple of days. Avoid hot, spicy, or crunchy foods that could irritate the area.

6. Follow-Up

Attend any scheduled follow-up appointments so we can monitor your healing and remove any sutures if necessary.

The Importance and Benefits of Socket Preservation

After a tooth is extracted, the bone that once supported the tooth begins to resorb (shrink). This process can lead to changes in your facial structure, difficulty with future dental restorations, and challenges if you later want a dental implant.

Socket preservation, also known as ridge preservation, is a procedure we often perform at Fort York Dentist to maintain the shape and volume of the bone after a tooth is removed. It involves placing a bone graft material directly into the empty socket immediately after extraction.

Why Consider Socket Preservation?

• Prevents bone loss: Preserves the height and width of the jawbone, especially important for future implant placement.
• Supports facial aesthetics: Helps maintain natural facial contours by preventing sunken cheeks or jaw shrinkage.
• Improves stability for dentures or bridges: Maintains a more stable foundation for removable or fixed prosthetics.
• Reduces future treatment complexity and cost: Prevents the need for additional bone grafting procedures in the future.

Socket preservation is a minimally invasive procedure and is often completed during the same appointment as the extraction. Our team will discuss whether it’s recommended for your case based on your oral health goals and treatment plan.

Your Comfort and Health Are Our Priority

At Fort York Dentist, we take a patient-centered approach to all treatments, including extractions and post-op care. We understand that no one looks forward to losing a tooth, but when it’s necessary, our goal is to make the process as smooth, safe, and comfortable as possible.

We are here to guide you through every step — from initial evaluation to aftercare and long-term tooth replacement options, including implants, bridges, and dentures.

If you’re experiencing tooth pain or have been advised to consider an extraction, contact us today to schedule a consultation. Let’s work together to restore your comfort, oral health, and confidence.