Removing a tooth is never the first choice. At Mint 32 Dentistry, we always assess whether a tooth can be saved with a filling, crown, or root canal before recommending extraction. When extraction is the right step, we make the procedure as comfortable as possible and discuss your options for replacing the tooth at the same appointment.
Extraction is recommended when keeping the tooth would cause more problems than removing it.
When decay has destroyed too much of the tooth for any restoration to hold reliably, extraction removes the source of infection and allows the surrounding area to heal.
A tooth fractured below the gumline or split vertically through the root cannot be saved. Extraction is the only option when the fracture extends into the root at a level that makes restoration impossible.
Occasionally, a tooth needs to be removed to create space for orthodontic treatment to work correctly. This is planned as part of the overall treatment.
An abscess that has not responded to root canal treatment, or that has spread to surrounding bone, may require the tooth to be removed to eliminate the infection completely.
In severe periodontitis, the bone and tissue supporting a tooth can be lost to the point where the tooth is no longer stable. Removal prevents ongoing infection and allows treatment of the surrounding area.
Before recommending an extraction, we always consider whether the tooth can be treated another way.
| Situation | Alternative to Extraction |
|---|---|
| Cavity | Filling or crown |
| Infected pulp | Root canal treatment |
| Cracked tooth (above gumline) | Crown |
| Gum disease (early to moderate) | Gum disease treatment |
| Cracked below gumline or split root | Extraction only |
If extraction is the only option, we tell you clearly why and what the next step should be.
The procedure is straightforward when the tooth has erupted normally and is accessible.
Before extraction, your dentist examines the tooth and reviews an X-ray to understand the root shape and position. This helps us plan the safest, most efficient removal.
The area is thoroughly numbed. You will feel pressure during the extraction but not pain. Let your dentist know immediately if you feel anything sharp.
Your dentist gently loosens the tooth using specialized instruments before removing it. Most simple extractions take only a few minutes once the area is numb.
Gauze is placed over the socket to control bleeding. You bite down on this for around 30 minutes after the procedure.
Most patients recover well within a few days following these steps.
First 24 hours:
Eating and drinking:
Cleaning the area:
Contact us promptly if you experience:
After a tooth is removed, we always discuss your options for replacement at the same appointment. Leaving a gap untreated leads to bone loss, shifting of neighbouring teeth, and bite changes over time.
Replacement options include:
Tooth extractions, including medically necessary ones such as infected or broken teeth, are covered under the Canadian Dental Care Plan for eligible patients. Our team confirms your coverage and provides a written cost estimate before proceeding.
Our North York team handles extractions gently, efficiently, and with a clear plan for what comes next.
No. The procedure is performed under local anaesthetic. You will feel pressure as the tooth is loosened and removed but should not feel pain. Some soreness after the anaesthetic wears off is normal and managed with over-the-counter medication.
Most patients feel significantly better within two to three days. Complete soft tissue healing takes one to two weeks. Bone healing in the socket takes longer but does not cause discomfort.
Soft foods are recommended for the first few days. Avoid anything hard, crunchy, or sticky until the site has healed. Avoid straws for at least 24 hours.
In most cases, yes. Saving a natural tooth is almost always the preferred outcome. We recommend extraction only when the tooth cannot be predictably restored or when saving it would cause more harm than removing it.
Not always, but we recommend replacement in most cases. Leaving a gap can cause neighbouring teeth to shift and bone loss to develop in the area over time.
Yes. Tooth extractions, including medically necessary ones, are a covered service under CDCP for eligible patients.