Tooth extraction is the removal of a tooth that cannot be saved, or one that is causing trouble for the teeth around it. At Luka Dental Care on Aldersbrook Road in London, Ontario, we remove teeth gently for kids and adults. Local freezing numbs the area, so you feel pressure but not pain.
Pulling a tooth is never our first choice, so we look for a way to save it first. If you feel nervous about having a tooth out, you are not alone. Our team explains each step before we start and checks in with you along the way.
While we always aim to preserve your natural teeth, there are situations where removing a tooth is the safest and healthiest option. Tooth extractions are typically recommended when a tooth is too damaged to repair or when leaving it in place could cause complications for your other teeth or jaw.
Common reasons for tooth extractions include:
Severe decay that has destroyed too much tooth structure
Advanced gum disease (periodontitis) affecting tooth stability
Impacted or problematic wisdom teeth
Orthodontic treatment requiring space in the mouth
Baby teeth that haven’t fallen out on their own
Broken or fractured teeth that can’t be restored
At Luka Dental Care, we provide both simple and surgical extractions based on your individual case.
Performed on teeth that are fully erupted and easily accessible. After numbing the area, we gently loosen and remove the tooth using specialized instruments.
Used for teeth that are impacted, broken at the gum line, or not fully erupted (like many wisdom teeth). This involves a small incision in the gum and sometimes sectioning the tooth into smaller pieces for easier removal.
Wisdom teeth extraction means removing one or more third molars, often because they are stuck, crowded or at risk of infection. We numb the area with local freezing, and taking them out can help prevent problems later.
Before your extraction, we’ll conduct a full exam and take X-rays to evaluate the tooth and surrounding structures. We’ll talk through your symptoms, medical history, and any concerns you have. You’ll receive clear guidance on what to expect during the procedure, including instructions for eating, medications, and how to prepare comfortably for your visit.
On the day of your extraction, we numb the area well with local anesthesia, so you feel pressure but not pain. We gently remove the tooth, then clean the area and place gauze to help it heal. If you feel nervous, tell us, and we will talk you through each step.
Following your procedure, we’ll provide detailed aftercare instructions to help you heal smoothly. Most patients are able to resume light activities within a day or two. Discomfort is generally mild and can be managed with over-the-counter medication. If needed, we’ll also discuss long-term tooth replacement options during your follow-up.
Wisdom teeth, or third molars, are a common reason for extractions. When they are stuck, only partly through the gum or crowding other teeth, they can cause pain, swelling and infection. They are also hard to clean, so decay and gum problems are more likely.
We use digital imaging to see the position of your wisdom teeth and whether they need to come out. Many patients in London have them removed in their late teens or early twenties. Our wisdom teeth removal in London, Ontario page explains the whole process.
Good aftercare helps the socket heal and lowers the chance of a dry socket. We send you home with written steps, and here are the basics:
Most patients feel much better within 48 to 72 hours, and the gum usually heals in one to two weeks.
Here is what most people can expect as the socket heals:
The first day
Rest, bite on gauze and let a clot form in the socket. A cold pack on your cheek, 10 minutes on and 10 minutes off, helps with swelling.
Days two and three
Swelling is often worst around day two, then it starts to go down. Eat soft foods and chew on the other side.
Days four to seven
Most people feel close to normal again. Brush gently near the socket, and avoid smoking until it has healed.
When to call us
Call 519-472-4460 if pain gets worse after day three, the bleeding will not slow down, or you have a fever or a bad taste.
If you have a question while you heal, call us. No question is too small.
A dry socket occurs when the protective blood clot at the site of a tooth extraction becomes dislodged or dissolves too early, exposing the underlying bone and nerves. This can lead to intense pain and delay the healing process. While it’s a temporary complication, it requires prompt treatment.
If you have signs of a dry socket, call our office right away. We can treat it and ease the pain quickly.
To help prevent a dry socket:
Avoid smoking during recovery
Do not use straws or rinse your mouth vigorously
Follow all aftercare instructions carefully
We use modern tools to make the process smooth and gentle:
Clear, low-radiation imaging
3D imaging for complex extractions
For precise, gentle removal
Local freezing and calm, clear explanations
Getting care early can often save the tooth. If it cannot be saved, we help you feel sure about your next step.
If you experience any of the following, it’s time to visit our London dental office:
Melissa C.
Luka Dental Care Patient
Nobody looks forward to having a tooth out. We make it easier by explaining each step and taking our time with you.
Here’s what sets us apart:
If you are in London, Ontario or nearby and a tooth needs to come out, we are here to help. Call 519-472-4460 or book online to see us on Aldersbrook Road. If a tooth hurts now, our emergency dentist in London, Ontario page explains what to do first.
The gum usually heals in 1 to 2 weeks. The bone under it takes longer to fill in.
Yes. We numb the area with local freezing, so you feel pressure but not pain. Our team talks you through each step as we go.
Most patients feel pressure, not pain, during the procedure. Afterward, mild soreness is normal.
Stick to soft, cool foods for a few days, like yogurt, mashed potatoes or a smoothie eaten with a spoon.
Unless it’s a wisdom tooth, we usually recommend replacing the tooth to prevent future dental problems.
Do not smoke, use straws or rinse hard for the first 24 to 48 hours.
It depends on whether the tooth needs a simple or a surgical extraction, and whether you need X-rays first. After an exam, we tell you the cost before we start, and we help you check what your insurance plan pays.
If a tooth is hurting, call us at 519-472-4460, and we will try to see you the same day. Whether it comes out at that visit depends on the tooth.
2101 Aldersbrook Rd, London, ON N6G 3X1
