Tooth Extraction

What is a Tooth Extraction?

A tooth extraction is a dental option wherein a tooth is removed from its dental alveolus or socket. It is primarily performed by an oral surgeon. However, general dentists and periodontists also carry out tooth extraction procedures as part of their core skills as dental providers.

When Is A Tooth Extraction Recommended?

• 1. Irreparable Tooth Damage Due To Severe Decay

This happens when tooth decay reaches the center of the tooth which is the pulp. The bacteria produced by the decay can invade the pulp and cause an infection. A root canal procedure may help treat the infection. However, if the infection is severe, an extraction may be performed to avoid the infection from spreading.

• 2. Damaged Caused By Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease is an infection of the gums, periodontal ligaments, alveolar bone and other structures surrounding the teeth. The more severe kind of periodontal disease affects the periodontal ligaments and the alveolar bone supporting your teeth. When periodontal disease causes the loosening of a tooth, a tooth extraction is a possible dental option.

• 3. Extraction May Help An Impacted Tooth

A tooth is impacted when it is blocked from coming out, or when the gums did not fully erupt preventing the tooth to come out. This is usually the case for wisdom teeth. Our Peterborough dentists may recommend the extraction of the impacted tooth to prevent it from damaging other teeth. Extracting an impacted tooth may also help lower the risk of infection and overcrowding.

• 4. To eliminate teeth overcrowding

It’s not always going to be your favourite thing, but your dentist is your best bet for keeping your teeth in great shape.



• 5. Necessary after an accident

When an accident, like a car collision, happens and a tooth suffers severe dental damage and cannot be saved, a tooth extraction may be required.

Wisdom Teeth Extractions

Extractions for Wisdom Tooth in Peterborough, Ontario

These teeth are generally the last four teeth to erupt, making their grand entrance between ages 17 and 25. When they come through correctly, healthy wisdom teeth can help you chew. It’s normal to feel a little discomfort when your wisdom teeth appear, but if you have pain, see your dentist immediately.

Wisdom Teeth Symptoms

Why do wisdom teeth need to be removed?

Because most people don’t have the room in their mouth to accommodate wisdom teeth, they are often removed. As a result of the lack of space, you can end up experiencing pain, infection, and impaction. Dental x-rays will help our Peterborough dentists at Horizon Family Dental, determine any current or potential damage to the surrounding teeth and oral structures to better understand your risk.

After your examination, our Peterborough dentists will work with you to determine when and if your wisdom teeth should be removed. Most people are encouraged to remove their wisdom teeth before any problems arise.

Wisdom Teeth Related Problems

Is your tooth pain or discomfort wisdom teeth related? Wisdom teeth can cause numerous problems if they erupt improperly or without enough space.

• Impaction
• Infection
• Sinus pain
• Cavities
• Damage to nearby teeth
• Overcrowding
• Cysts
• Pain



If you are experiencing any pain, call Horizon Family Dental in Peterborough, Ontario as soon as possible to schedule an oral examination.