Why You Might Need an Extraction
Removing a tooth is never our first choice. We look at every alternative first, but sometimes extraction is genuinely the best path forward. Common reasons include:
- Decay that’s gone too deep for a filling or root canal to fix
- A tooth that’s fractured below the gum line
- Crowding that needs to be resolved before orthodontic treatment
- An infection that’s putting neighbouring teeth at risk
- A tooth that hasn’t come in properly and is causing problems
Before recommending removal, we’ll talk through options such as root canal therapy or a crown and explain why extraction makes more sense for your specific situation. You can read more about the general dentistry services we offer that often come into play alongside extractions.
How Tooth Extractions in London Work at Our Office
Your visit starts with a conversation. We’ll review your medical history, ask about pain levels, and answer any questions before moving forward. From there, we take a closer look with imaging that helps us map the tooth and surrounding bone, allowing us to plan carefully rather than guess. You can learn more about the tools we rely on on our advanced dental technology page.
Once we’re ready, we numb the area thoroughly and work with a steady, careful hand to protect the surrounding gum and bone tissue. If anxiety is holding you back from booking the appointment in the first place, we also offer sedation to help you stay relaxed throughout. After the tooth is out, we place gauze and go over wound care instructions before you head home.
Healing After Your Extraction
The first 48 hours matter most for a smooth recovery. Here’s what tends to help:
- Apply ice packs in short intervals to reduce swelling.
- Take pain relief as directed, whether prescribed or over-the-counter.
- Skip straws and vigorous rinsing, since both can disturb the healing clot.
- Stick to soft foods and cool drinks for the first day or two.
- Rest and avoid heavy lifting while the site begins to heal.
Most people feel back to normal within a few days. Simple extractions typically heal faster than surgical extractions, and mild soreness or light bruising is common in the first week. If swelling, pain, or bleeding seem to be getting worse rather than better, call us right away so we can check on things.
Who’s Behind the Chair
Dr. Norman Lewis and our clinical team handle extractions with an eye toward keeping the process as predictable as possible. For more complex cases, we coordinate with oral surgery specialists when that route offers a safer or more effective outcome. You can learn more about our approach to care on our about us page.
What Comes After the Extraction
Losing a tooth, whether planned or due to injury, often raises the next question: what now? Depending on the location and your long-term goals, we might discuss replacement options during a follow-up visit. If your extraction is part of an orthodontic plan, we’ll coordinate timing with your orthodontist so nothing falls out of sync. We also keep an eye out for any signs of infection at follow-up appointments, and we’re always available sooner if something doesn’t feel right.
Cost is often on people’s minds, too, and we’re upfront about it. Before any procedure, we go over what to expect financially, and it’s worth checking our current specials to see if there’s a way to make treatment more affordable. For anything beyond a straightforward extraction, our full range of dental services can address the next steps, from restorations to broader treatment planning.
Talk to Us About Your Tooth
If a tooth has been bothering you or a dentist has mentioned extraction as a possibility, don’t sit with the uncertainty. Reach out to our contact page, and we’ll walk you through what to expect, answer your questions, and get an appointment on the calendar. We’re located in London, ON, and easy to find using our map. The sooner we take a look, the sooner you’ll have a clear plan and one less thing weighing on you.