Tooth Extraction Ajax
Being told you need a tooth pulled can feel stressful. At Duffins Creek Dental, our first goal is always to save your natural teeth. When a tooth is too damaged, infected or crowded to keep, a careful extraction can end the pain and protect the rest of your smile.
Dr. Claire and Dr. John are general dentists who provide tooth extractions in Ajax for patients of all ages. They explain every step and make sure you feel comfortable before anything begins.
Our clinic is locate in Pickering Village, at the corner of Kingston Road and Church Street. We have cared for families in Ajax and across Durham Region since 2017. We welcome new patients, no referral is needed, and we bill most insurance plans directly.
When Does a Tooth Need to Come Out?
We recommend removing a tooth only when keeping it would cause more harm than good. Common reasons include:
- A tooth with decay so deep that a filling, crown or root canal can no longer fix it.
- A serious infection or abscess that could spread to nearby teeth, gums or bone.
- A tooth loosened by advanced gum disease.
- A tooth that has cracked or broken below the gum line.
- Wisdom teeth that are causing pain, infection or crowding.
- Crowded teeth that need more room before braces or clear aligners.
- A baby tooth that has not fallen out on its own and is blocking an adult tooth.
If a tooth can be saved, we will tell you. Sometimes a root canal treatment or a crown is the better choice, and we will explain your options so you can decide with confidence.
What to Expect During Your Tooth Extraction
- Exam and X-rays. We look at the tooth, the roots and the bone around it so we can plan the gentlest way to remove it.
- Freezing. We numb the tooth and the gum around it with local anaesthetic, often called freezing. You may feel pressure during the extraction, but you should not feel sharp pain. If you do, tell us and we will stop.
- Removing the tooth. The dentist gently loosens the tooth and lifts it out. A single tooth that is fully visible above the gum is often removed in one short visit.
- Aftercare. We place gauze to control bleeding and review your aftercare instructions with you before you leave.
Some teeth take a little more work, such as a tooth broken off at the gum line or one that has not fully come in. If your tooth needs care beyond what we provide, we will refer you to a trusted specialist and stay involved in your care.
Sedation Options for Nervous Patients
Feeling anxious about having a tooth taken out is common. Along with freezing, we offer two options to help you relax. We review your health history and medications first to make sure your choice is safe for you.
Nitrous oxide (laughing gas)
You breathe it through a small mask over your nose. Within a few minutes you feel calmer, but you stay awake and can talk with us. It wears off soon after the mask comes off, and in many cases you can go home on your own once your dentist confirms you have fully recovered.
Oral sedation (a pill)
With oral sedation, you take a prescribed pill before your appointment. You stay awake but feel drowsy and relaxed. Because the effects last for several hours, a responsible adult must take you home, and you should not drive for the rest of the day.
If you need to be fully asleep
We do not provide IV sedation or general anaesthesia in our office. If you need to be completely asleep for your extraction, we will refer you to a specialist who provides this care.
Wisdom Tooth Removal in Ajax
Wisdom teeth are the last molars at the back of the mouth, and many people do not have room for them.
They can get stuck under the gum, grow sideways, trap food, or push against nearby teeth.
We check wisdom teeth at regular checkups so problems are spotted early. Many wisdom teeth can be removed right here in our Ajax office. If a wisdom tooth is deeply buried in the jaw or sits close to a nerve, we will refer you to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon and help coordinate your care.
Tooth Extraction Aftercare: Tips for a Smooth Recovery
After a tooth is removed, a blood clot forms in the empty space. That clot protects the bone and helps the area heal, so most aftercare is about keeping it in place
For the first 24 hours
- Bite down gently on the gauze to help stop the bleeding, and change it as directed.
- Rest and avoid exercise for the day.
- Hold a cold pack on your cheek for 15 to 20 minutes at a time to reduce swelling.
- Do not rinse, spit, or drink through a straw. The suction can pull the clot loose.
- Do not smoke or vape, as this can also disturb the clot and slow healing.
- Stick to soft, cool foods like yogurt, applesauce, smoothies eaten with a spoon, and soup that has cooled down.
After The First Day
Contact us if the pain worsens after day two or three instead of improving, if the bleeding doesn't stop, or if you have a fever, pus, a bad taste, or swelling that keeps increasing. Worsening pain that spreads toward the ear can indicate a dry socket, which happens when the clot comes loose too early. It is treatable, so please do not wait it out.
Replacing a Missing Tooth After an Extraction
When an adult tooth is removed, nearby teeth can slowly drift into the gap and change your bite. We will discuss replacement options that fit your needs and budget, including implants, bridges, and dentures.
Emergency Tooth Extractions in Ajax
A severe toothache, a swollen face, or a badly broken tooth should not wait. Call us right away. We do our best to see patients in pain quickly, and if required, for an emergency tooth extraction in Ajax. Learn more about our emergency dental services.
Why Ajax Patients Choose Duffins Creek Dental for Extractions
- Calm, unhurried care. Patients often mention in reviews that Dr. Claire explains each step and that the visit was easier than they expected. Nitrous oxide and oral sedation are available if you feel nervous.
- Care for the whole family. We see children, teens, adults, and seniors in one familiar office.
- Easy billing. We accept most dental insurance plans, bill your insurer directly, and accept the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP).
- Easy to reach. Free parking at the rear, and public transit access from Ajax, Pickering, Whitby and Oshawa.
Dental Implant Frequently Asked Questions
Does a tooth extraction hurt?
We numb the area with freezing before we begin, so most patients feel pressure rather than pain during the extraction. Some soreness afterward is normal and usually eases within a few days. We will talk with you about how to stay comfortable at home.
Can I be sedated for my tooth extraction?
Yes. We offer nitrous oxide (laughing gas) and oral sedation in our Ajax office. If you need to be fully asleep, we will refer you to a specialist.
Do you remove wisdom teeth in Ajax?
Yes. Many can be removed right here in our office. If one is deeply buried or close to a nerve, we will refer you to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon.
Is a tooth extraction covered by insurance or the CDCP?
Most dental insurance plans cover part or all of an extraction, and the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) includes extractions as a covered service. We can send a predetermination to your insurance and bill your plan directly.
Are your dentists oral surgeons?
Dr. Claire and Dr. John are general dentists, not oral and maxillofacial surgeons. They perform many routine extractions and refer patients to a specialist when a case calls for it.
Book Your Tooth Extraction Consultation in Ajax
Whether you have a painful tooth, a wisdom tooth that is acting up, or you want a second opinion, our team is here to help. Call Duffins Creek Dental, your dental clinic in Durham Region, today.
Phone: (905) 683-2561 or (905) 683-7337
Address: 596 Kingston Road West, Ajax, Ontario L1T 3A2
Email: info@duffinscreekdental.com
Free parking at the rear of the building. Accessible by public transit.
