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Port Dover Family Dentistry
Dental Extractions in Selkirk
When a tooth cannot be saved, a careful extraction and good aftercare matter. Selkirk patients can discuss removal and replacement at our Port Dover office.
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Serving patients from Selkirk at our Port Dover office
See every service for Selkirk patientsWhen keeping a tooth is not possible
Removal is one option, decided after other options are weighed.
Dentists generally aim to save natural teeth, but sometimes extraction is the most sensible choice. Severe decay, a cracked root, advanced gum disease, crowding or a wisdom tooth causing problems may all lead to that recommendation. Understanding why a tooth needs to come out helps you feel more comfortable with the decision.
An extraction affects the days that follow, so people coming from Selkirk often plan for a quiet evening at home afterward and someone to drive if needed. At our Port Dover office, the dentist will explain the procedure, the recovery and what can be done about the space before you agree to treatment.
Making the decision
Understanding the reason makes the choice clearer.
Reasons a tooth is removed
Teeth may be removed because decay or a fracture has left too little structure to restore, infection has not responded to other treatment, gum disease has severely loosened a tooth, or space is needed for orthodontic reasons. Wisdom teeth that are impacted or repeatedly inflamed are another common reason. The dentist will show you the findings on X-rays.
Alternatives to discuss first
Before agreeing to an extraction, ask whether root canal treatment, a crown or periodontal care could save the tooth, and what the long-term outlook would be for each. Sometimes keeping the tooth is possible but less predictable. Knowing the realistic alternatives helps you weigh the decision instead of feeling that removal is your only option.
Before the procedure
Health details shape how the extraction is planned.
Share your medical history
Tell the dentist about all medications, including blood thinners, bone-strengthening medications and supplements. Mention heart conditions, diabetes, bleeding disorders and any history of complications after dental work. Some situations require coordination with your physician or special precautions. Never stop a prescribed medication without guidance from the doctor who prescribed it.
Practical arrangements
Ask whether you will need someone to drive you home, especially if sedation is planned. Eat a light meal beforehand unless instructed otherwise. Plan soft foods for the days after. Having gauze, cold packs and any recommended pain relievers at home before the appointment can make the evening after treatment easier.
The extraction
The process is explained before it begins.
Numbing and removal
Local anaesthetic is used to numb the tooth and surrounding area. You will feel pressure as the tooth is loosened but should not feel sharp pain; let the dentist know if you do. Once the tooth is removed, gauze is placed to help a blood clot form. Stitches may be used in some cases.
Simple versus surgical extraction
A simple extraction involves a tooth that is fully visible and can be removed in one piece. A surgical extraction may be needed if a tooth is broken at the gumline, has curved roots or is impacted. The dentist will explain which type is expected and whether a referral to an oral surgeon may be more appropriate.
Healing well
Protecting the clot supports healing.
The first few days
Bite gently on gauze as instructed, rest and avoid rinsing, spitting, smoking or using straws for the first day or as advised. Cold compresses can help with swelling. Eat soft foods and chew on the other side. Contact the office if bleeding continues, pain increases after a few days, or you develop fever or swelling.
Replacing the missing tooth
Depending on the tooth’s location, you may want to replace it with an implant, bridge or partial denture. Some spaces at the back of the mouth do not always need replacement, but gaps can affect bite and neighbouring teeth over time. Discuss the options and timing with the dentist once healing has progressed.
Planning your appointment
Plan your extraction day from Selkirk.
Contact our Port Dover office to discuss the tooth and book the appointment. Ask whether you should arrange a driver and what to eat beforehand.
Bring a complete medication list, and let the team know if you take blood thinners or have conditions that affect healing.
Port Dover Family Dentistry
697 Norfolk County Hwy 6, Unit 2, Port Dover, ON N0A 1N2519-583-2929Directions to our office (opens in a new tab)Office hours & contact detailsBefore you book
Tooth extraction questions
Have a question about your situation? Our team can help you plan a visit.
Does having a tooth pulled hurt?
Local anaesthetic numbs the area, so most people feel pressure rather than pain during the procedure. Some soreness afterward is normal. Follow aftercare instructions and contact the office if pain worsens rather than improves.
What is a dry socket?
A dry socket occurs when the blood clot is lost from the extraction site, exposing bone and causing increasing pain a few days later. Avoid smoking, straws and vigorous rinsing early on. Contact the office if pain intensifies.
How long does healing take?
Initial healing often takes a week or two, with the bone continuing to change for longer. Recovery varies with the type of extraction and your health. The dentist will give you specific instructions and timelines.
Should I replace the extracted tooth?
It depends on its location and your goals. Replacing a tooth can help maintain chewing and keep neighbouring teeth from shifting. The dentist can explain options such as an implant, bridge or partial denture.
Can I drive myself home after an extraction?
With local anaesthetic only, many people can. If sedation is used, you will need someone else to drive. Ask the office for guidance specific to your planned procedure before your appointment.
After an extraction
General Dentistry →Wisdom Teeth Extraction →
Impacted or troublesome wisdom teeth may need removal. Selkirk patients can learn how wisdom teeth are assessed, removed or referred at our Port Dover office.
Dental Bridges →
A dental bridge fills a gap using neighbouring teeth for support. Selkirk patients can compare bridges with implants and partials at our Port Dover office.