Tooth Extractions in Kitchener, ON
Only When Necessary
At MI Dental, our first priority is always to preserve your natural teeth whenever possible. However, when a tooth is beyond repair or poses a risk to your overall health, extraction may be the most effective solution. A severely damaged tooth can cause persistent pain, inflammation, infection, or even cyst formation. Removing it not only alleviates discomfort but also protects your remaining teeth and maintains balance in your bite.
When Is a Tooth Extraction Necessary?
There are several reasons why a tooth may need to be removed:
- Severe decay that cannot be restored with a filling, crown, or root canal
- Cracks or fractures extending below the gumline
- Impacted wisdom teeth causing pain, infection, or crowding
- Advanced gum disease leading to loosening of teeth
- Orthodontic reasons, where space must be created for proper alignment
- Infections or abscesses that put your health at risk
In these situations, an extraction is often the most reliable way to restore comfort and protect your long-term oral health.
The MI Dental Extraction Technique
When patients come to us for extractions, the phrase we hear most often is: “Just pull it out!” In reality, teeth are never simply pulled straight out.
Here’s how we do it at MI Dental:
- For an upper tooth, gentle movements are made toward the palate and cheek.
- For a lower tooth, the pressure is applied toward the tongue and cheek.
- These side-to-side motions gradually expand the tooth socket, loosening the tooth in a controlled and gentle way.
This method is safer and more comfortable because it minimizes the risk of breaking fragile teeth. Some teeth—such as those with large cavities, cracks, or old root canals without crowns—can be more brittle and may fracture during the process. If that happens, the tooth can still be removed in pieces, though the procedure takes longer. Our goal is always to keep the process as short, smooth, and stress-free as possible.
Dr. Manzoor takes his time with gentle pressure, slowly loosening the tooth until it naturally slides free. The result is a far more controlled and comfortable experience than the outdated idea of “pulling.”
A Comfortable & Minimal-Stress Experience
We know the thought of an extraction can be intimidating. That’s why we place special emphasis on patient comfort. Before any procedure, we:
✔ Use advanced digital imaging (panoramic X-rays and intraoral cameras) to carefully plan the procedure.
✔ Discuss all your options and explain each step so there are no surprises.
✔ Provide local anesthesia and offer nitrous oxide (laughing gas) for patients who feel anxious.
✔ Use precision instruments to minimize tissue trauma, which helps promote faster healing.
Many patients are surprised at how comfortable and straightforward the experience actually is.
Healing and Recovery
After the extraction, we’ll give you detailed instructions for care at home. This may include:
- Resting and avoiding strenuous activity for the first 24 hours
- Applying cold compresses to minimize swelling
- Eating soft foods and avoiding chewing at the extraction site
- Following a gentle oral hygiene routine to keep the area clean
Most patients feel significantly better within a few days, and full healing of the bone and gums continues over several weeks.
Fun Fact
Did you know that tooth extraction is one of the oldest recorded dental procedures? Evidence of extractions dates back thousands of years, when early civilizations used rudimentary tools to remove painful teeth. Thankfully, modern dentistry—with advanced anesthesia, technology, and gentle techniques—has made the process far more comfortable and predictable.
FAQs About Tooth Extractions
1. Do tooth extractions hurt?
No. With modern anesthesia and sedation options, most patients feel little to no pain during the procedure.
2. How long does it take to recover?
Initial healing typically takes a few days, though full gum and bone healing may take several weeks.
3. What if my tooth breaks during the extraction?
This can happen, especially with teeth that are decayed or root canal–treated. In these cases, the tooth is removed in pieces—a safe, common approach that ensures complete removal.
4. Can I replace a tooth after extraction?
Yes. In fact, replacing missing teeth with options like dental implants, bridges, or dentures is often recommended to maintain proper function and alignment.
5. Is it better to save a tooth or extract it?
Whenever possible, saving the natural tooth is the goal. But when a tooth is beyond repair, extraction is the healthiest choice to prevent infection and protect surrounding teeth.
Trust MI Dental for Expert, Gentle Care
If you’re dealing with a problematic tooth, don’t wait until the pain worsens. At MI Dental, we combine advanced imaging, compassionate care, and a gentle, socket-expansion technique to make extractions as comfortable as possible.
Call our Kitchener office today at (519) 894-9444 to schedule your consultation. Let us help you move past the pain and toward a healthier smile.
