Extractions

Having a Tooth Pulled

There are times when a damaged or decayed tooth cannot be saved, and the best option is to remove it. Other possible reasons for a tooth extraction include:

Tooth crowding – to help straighten teeth
Wisdom teeth impaction
Broken tooth
Infection

Tooth extractions can be divided into two types:

Simple extraction – When a tooth is above the gum line and can be easily removed. Tooth is loosened and then extracted with dental forceps.
Surgical extraction – When a tooth that may have broke off at gum line or has not yet erupted in the mouth, surgical access is required. Medication may be prescribed to help manage post-operative swelling or discomfort.

Most adults are familiar with wisdom teeth extractions, the most common form of tooth extraction. However, a baby (or primary) tooth extraction is also sometimes necessary (and beneficial) for different reasons such as alleviating crowding, improving the alignment of teeth or dealing with trauma. Other times decay may be too extensive and a tooth cannot be saved.

A baby tooth extraction may sound severe, but it is usually a simple procedure and much easier than an adult extraction. Our team will walk you through the procedure before your kids’ dental procedure.

Tooth Extraction: What to Expect

The process for a tooth extraction at our Surrey dental clinic begins with a consultation with Dr. Bajwa. After reviewing your medical and dental history, he will examine your digital X-rays, and work with you to plan the best way to remove the tooth.

Before removal, the area around your tooth will be numbed. If you have anxiety around having dental work, sedation options can also be reviewed together.

After removal, you may experience different sensations during the healing process (from pain and swelling to difficulty in eating) depending on the type of surgery – we will review these with you in detail before the procedure and give you instructions to help promote healing.

Have a question about tooth extraction in Surrey? Contact our dental clinic for assistance.

Common Questions

What is an “impacted” tooth?

Answer

An impacted tooth has not broken through the gum. This usually only occurs with molars such as wisdom teeth. Impacted teeth are not an issue unless they start to cause problems such as crowding, pain or infection.

Will I need stitches?

Answer

Depending on the extraction you may need stitches. Some will need to be removed after a few days at a follow-up appointment with your dentist while other stitches will dissolve over time.

Can I eat or drink after a tooth extraction?

Answer

Yes, you can eat soft, healthy foods and you should drink lots of liquids. However, avoid hot liquids, alcohol and drinking straws. You can try eating solid foods the next day if you can chew comfortably. The easiest way to start is to chew on the side of the mouth opposite to the extraction.

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–Unknown
DID YOU KNOW?

Roughly 60% of children from age 5-17 are affected by dental decay, a disease caused by bacterial infection and one of the most common childhood disorders.
–Canadian Dental Association
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DID YOU KNOW?

Only 28% of people floss five times per week.
–Canadian Dental Association

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