Huntsville SmilesDentistry
Hours (705) 788-9229

Winter · Protect & urgent care

Extractions & oral surgery

Lift a stone from still water slowly, and the lake stays clear. We remove a tooth with the same quiet care.

Sometimes the healthiest choice is to remove a tooth. When it is, we numb the area thoroughly, work carefully and explain how to care for yourself afterwards.

(705) 788-9229
A hand gently lifting a smooth pale stone out of clear, shallow lake water above a bed of pebbles

We try to save a tooth whenever we can. But a tooth may need to come out if it’s badly broken or decayed, loose from gum disease, or causing an infection that can’t be treated another way.

Wisdom teeth often don’t have enough room to come in properly. They can get stuck under the gum, grow in at an angle, or trap food and cause infections. Not every wisdom tooth needs to come out, so we check first with an exam and x-rays. Complex cases may be referred to a specialist.

How it works

  1. 01

    Assessment

    We examine the tooth, take x-rays, review your health and medications, and explain your options before we start.

  2. 02

    Numbing

    We numb the tooth and the area around it thoroughly, so you stay comfortable.

  3. 03

    Removing the tooth

    We gently loosen the tooth and lift it out. Some teeth are removed in sections, which is gentler on the bone around them.

  4. 04

    Closing up

    We may place a few stitches. You’ll bite on gauze to help a blood clot form, and we’ll go over your aftercare.

Afterwards

For the first day, bite gently on gauze as directed and rest. Don’t rinse, spit, smoke or drink through a straw. These can loosen the blood clot and lead to a painful problem called dry socket. Eat soft, cool foods and hold a cold pack on your cheek to ease swelling.

After 24 hours, rinse gently with warm salt water a few times a day, especially after meals. Some soreness and swelling for a few days is normal. Call us if bleeding doesn’t slow with firm pressure, if the pain gets worse after a few days, or if you have a fever or swelling that keeps growing.

Questions people ask

Will it hurt?

We numb the area thoroughly before we begin, so you should feel pressure but not pain. Any soreness afterwards usually eases with over-the-counter pain medicine.

How long does it take to heal?

Many people feel much better within a few days. The gum usually closes over within a few weeks, while the bone underneath takes a few months to fill in.

Should I replace a tooth that’s been removed?

Wisdom teeth don’t need replacing. For other teeth, a gap can let nearby teeth shift, so we’ll talk about an implant, a bridge or a partial denture.

How much does an extraction cost?

Costs depend on how complex the extraction is and on your plan. We’ll give you a written estimate before treatment and can send a pre-determination to your insurer.

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Come sit a while.

New patients, returning patients and visitors to Muskoka are all welcome. Tell us what’s going on and we’ll find a time that suits you.

(705) 788-9229

Hours: Mon–Thu, 8 am – 5 pm