Extractions & Wisdom Teeth in Whitby

Sometimes, tooth damage can become so severe that it extends to the pulp. This area is located in the centre of the tooth, and contains nerves and blood vessels. Bacteria can enter the pulp, leading to infection. 

Although we can perform root canal therapy to correct the problem, this treatment will not be successful if the damage is too severe. An extraction may be the only option available to keep the infection from spreading. 

Patients who have a weak immune system are at higher risk for infection. We may recommend tooth extraction as a preventative measure. Those who are receiving chemotherapy, for example, can suffer deadly consequences should an oral infection occur. Often times, this is reason enough to remove the compromised tooth.

Periodontal disease is an infection of the tissues and bones that support the teeth. It is typically triggered by bacteria in dental plaque. However, it is your body’s response to the infection that causes the most problems. In an effort to eliminate the bacteria, cells in your immune system release substances that cause inflammation of the gums. This results in loosening of the teeth, which have no choice but to be pulled out. 

During a routine dental exam, our team may recommend the removal of wisdom teeth. These teeth are a third set of molars in the back of the mouth. They usually come in between the ages of 17 and 25. Most people have them removed for the following reasons:

• Impaction: Because the wisdom teeth have not grown in properly, they may be trapped in the gums or jawbone
• Wrong angle: They may be pressing against other teeth, which can be very painful
• Mouth is too small: Jaw has no room for an extra set of molars
• Cavities or gum disease: Because wisdom teeth are so far back, they are difficult to keep clean with regular brushing and flossing

Before an extraction, our dentists will provide anesthesia so you don’t feel pain during removal. The overall process of removing all 4 wisdom teeth should take about 45 minutes to an hour.  

Our patients can be at ease knowing Dundas Street Dental Centre uses the utmost care during all extraction procedures. Afterwards, we may prescribe an antibiotic to prevent infection. We also ask patients to avoid certain foods and rigorous activity for the first few days after extraction is complete. 

Once a tooth is pulled out, the procedure will leave behind a small hole where the tooth once was. This hole, or socket, will be very sensitive. Our dentists may recommend socket preservation immediately after the extraction to protect it. 

A dry socket can form if the blood clot that’s protecting the healing area is knocked loose, exposing the nerves underneath. Preserving the socket is also crucial in protecting the alveolar ridge. This is the strip of bone that surrounds the roots of your teeth. If this bone is compromised, it could complicate other dental procedures, such as implants, down the line.

Socket preservation procedure involves placing a bone graft directly into the hole where the tooth once was. This graft is usually made of synthetic materials or bone from other animals. Once the graft is placed in the socket, our dentists will cover it with a collagen membrane and stitch the area to keep it closed. 

Our patients can be at ease knowing Dundas Street Dental Centre uses the utmost care during all extraction procedures. Afterwards, we may prescribe an antibiotic to prevent infection. We also ask patients to avoid certain foods and rigorous activity for the first few days after extraction is complete.