Erin Mills Smiles Dentistry - Blog

When Tooth Extractions Become Necessary

As a dentist practicing in Mississauga, I've performed countless tooth extractions over the years. Many patients feel anxious when they hear they need a tooth extraction. However, understanding the difference between simple and surgical tooth extractions can help ease these concerns. At Erin Mills Smiles Dentistry, we ensure each extraction procedure is as comfortable and stress-free as possible. Moreover, we take time to explain whether you need a simple or surgical tooth extraction and why.

What Are Simple Tooth Extractions?

Simple tooth extractions involve removing teeth that are visible in the mouth and easily accessible. These extractions typically target teeth that have fully erupted through the gum line. Additionally, these teeth usually have straightforward root structures that don't require special techniques for removal.

During a simple tooth extraction, I first apply a local anesthetic to numb the area completely. Once you're comfortable, I use specialized instruments called elevators to loosen the tooth from its socket. Then, I carefully remove the tooth using dental forceps with a gentle rocking motion. Most patients feel pressure during this process but no pain due to the effective anesthesia.

Simple tooth extractions are generally quick procedures, often completed in just 20-30 minutes. Furthermore, recovery tends to be straightforward with minimal complications when aftercare instructions are followed properly.

When Are Surgical Tooth Extractions Necessary?

Surgical tooth extractions become necessary in more complex situations. These might include:

• Impacted wisdom teeth partially or completely below the gum line
• Severely broken teeth with little structure above the gum
• Teeth with curved or multiple roots
• Failed simple extraction attempts
• Extractions needed before orthodontic treatment
• Teeth affected by extensive decay or infection

Unlike simple extractions, surgical tooth extractions require making an incision in the gum tissue. This approach provides better access to teeth that aren't easily visible or accessible. In some cases, we may need to remove small amounts of bone surrounding the tooth or section the tooth into pieces for easier removal.

The Surgical Tooth Extraction Process

When performing a surgical tooth extraction, I follow several important steps to ensure your comfort and safety:

1. Comprehensive examination including X-rays to visualize the tooth's position
2. Discussion of sedation options beyond local anesthesia if needed
3. Creation of a small incision in the gum tissue
4. Gentle removal of any bone covering the tooth if necessary
5. Sectioning of the tooth if required for easier removal
6. Careful extraction of all tooth fragments
7. Thorough cleaning of the socket
8. Placement of stitches when needed
9. Application of gauze to control bleeding

Surgical tooth extractions typically take longer than simple extractions, usually 30-60 minutes depending on complexity. Recovery also tends to involve more swelling and a slightly longer healing period.

How We Determine Which Type of Tooth Extraction You Need

At Erin Mills Smiles Dentistry, we conduct a thorough assessment before recommending any tooth extraction. This evaluation includes:

• Comprehensive visual examination
• Digital X-rays to see the tooth's position and root structure
• Review of your dental and medical history
• Discussion of your comfort level and anxiety concerns

Based on these factors, we'll recommend either a simple or surgical tooth extraction. We always explain our reasoning and ensure you understand what to expect during the procedure.

Recovery Expectations: Simple vs. Surgical Tooth Extractions

Simple Tooth Extraction Recovery

After a simple tooth extraction, most patients experience:

• Mild discomfort manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers
• Minimal swelling that resolves within 1-2 days
• Formation of a blood clot that should be protected
• Ability to return to normal activities the next day
• Complete healing within 1-2 weeks

Surgical Tooth Extraction Recovery

Following a surgical tooth extraction, you can expect:

• Moderate discomfort that may require prescription pain medication
• More noticeable swelling lasting 2-3 days
• Possible bruising around the extraction site
• Need for stitches that may dissolve or require removal
• Gradual return to normal activities over several days
• Complete healing within 2-4 weeks

For both types of tooth extractions, we provide detailed aftercare instructions to promote healing and prevent complications like dry socket.

Cost Considerations for Tooth Extractions

The cost of tooth extractions varies depending on several factors:

• Whether it's a simple or surgical extraction (surgical typically costs more)
• The tooth's location in the mouth
• Need for additional procedures like bone grafting
• Type of anesthesia or sedation used
• Your dental insurance coverage

At Erin Mills Smiles Dentistry, we provide transparent cost information before any procedure. Additionally, we work with various insurance providers and offer payment options to make necessary tooth extractions affordable.

Preventing Future Tooth Extractions

While some tooth extractions are unavoidable (like impacted wisdom teeth), many can be prevented with proper dental care:

• Regular dental check-ups every six months
• Prompt treatment of decay and gum disease
• Wearing protective mouthguards during sports
• Addressing teeth grinding or clenching
• Maintaining excellent oral hygiene at home

Remember, whether you need a simple or surgical tooth extraction, our team at Erin Mills Smiles Dentistry is committed to providing gentle, effective care. We understand that tooth extractions can cause anxiety, and we're here to make the experience as comfortable as possible. Contact us today.

When Athletes Need an Emergency Dentist

Do you remember that heart-stopping moment when a hockey puck flies or an elbow connects with someone's smile? As an emergency dentist at Erin Mills Smiles Dentistry, I've seen hundreds of athletes walk in with dental injuries from their weekend game or competitive match. The terror in their eyes is always the same – will my smile ever be the same again? Here's the good news: with swift action and the right emergency dentist, many sports-related dental injuries can be successfully treated. The secret? Knowing exactly when to make the call and how quickly you need to get to our chair.

Common Sports-Related Dental Injuries

Knocked-Out Teeth

There's no shock quite like the surprise of having a tooth knocked out completely. You have a finite time window – ideally 30-60 minutes – to give the best chance of survival for that tooth. While you hurry to our office:

• Handle the tooth by the crown (not the root).
• Rinse it gently if it's dirty (don't scrub!).
• Place it in milk or your own saliva to keep it moist.
• Call our emergency dentist immediately.

Cracked or Fractured Teeth

That sickening crunch when a baseball bat or basketball court meets a tooth can be anything from a minor chip to a serious fracture. While minor chips might not have you rushing to an emergency dentist, those deeper cracks that cause pain or leave the inner tooth unprotected definitely should. I've seen players try to "tough it out," only to end up with infections that could have been prevented with a timely visit.

Displaced Teeth

Teeth do not always come out entirely but are sometimes forced into painful positions instead. Partially displaced teeth need the attention of an emergency dentist just as much as fully knocked-out teeth. Because such injuries do not appear as dramatic, players sometimes delay treatment—a mistake that can lead to permanent misalignment.

Why Immediate Care Matters

I recall the look of relief on a patient's face when we could reimplant his tooth, which was knocked out in a hockey mishap. He had done everything correctly—called our emergency dentist immediately and stored the tooth properly. Had he delayed another few hours, that tooth would have been lost forever.

Timely intervention by an emergency dentist saves:

• Permanent loss of a tooth.
• Infections from bacteria entering damaged teeth.
• More complex and expensive treatments later.
• Long-term complications like darkened teeth or bite problems.

Prevention Strategies for Athletes

Custom Mouthguards

Both as an emergency dentist and a sports fan, I simply can't stress this enough—get a custom mouthguard! The boil-and-bite models you buy in a store are no substitute. We create mouthguards that fit perfectly, protect totally, and are so comfortable that you'll actually wear them.

Regular Dental Check-ups

Strong, healthy teeth are less likely to be damaged – it's as simple as that. Through regular visits, we can diagnose and fix small problems before they become weak spots that can let you down at your next game. We can also monitor previous injuries to ensure they're healing properly.

What to Do Before Reaching an Emergency Dentist

Those couple of minutes between trauma and getting to an emergency dentist are precious. For bleeding, apply gentle pressure with clean gauze. For pain and swelling, use cold compresses on the outside of your cheek. Over-the-counter pain medications can take the edge off, but if there is bleeding, try to steer clear of aspirin.

I remember a parent who arrived with their child's knocked-out tooth in a dry tissue—unfortunately, too late to be salvaged. If you can gently replace the tooth into its socket, that's ideal. If not, milk is an excellent medium for storage until you reach an emergency dentist.

After-Hours Emergency Dental Care

Sports don’t work nine to five, and neither do we! At Erin Mills Smiles Dentistry, we understand that the championship match will be on Sunday afternoon, and that’s always when dental emergencies happen. That’s why we ensure our patients have access to emergency dental services even outside normal hours.

Long-Term Care After Sports Dental Injuries

We don’t stop caring for you there. We’ll develop a personalized follow-up plan that may include additional treatments to fully restore your smile. The most rewarding part of being an emergency dentist is seeing patients back on the field with confident, healthy smiles after we’ve walked them through a dental emergency.

Be Prepared – Save Our Number

When sports dental injuries occur, timing is everything. Knowing when to call an emergency dentist can make all the difference. At Erin Mills Smiles Dentistry, we're not just repairing teeth—we're helping athletes return to the game with smiles and confidence intact.

Save our number now and call us anytime at (905) 608-0077 for immediate emergency dental care.