Tooth extractions are often seen as a last resort but in some cases, they’re the most important step you can take toward better oral health. If you’re in Toronto, particularly in areas like Forest Hill, Lawrence Park, or North Toronto, understanding the signs and situations that call for an extraction can help you make the right decision.
At Dental Arts Toronto, our approach is conservative, but when extraction is necessary, we make it gentle, informed, and stress-free.
Signs You Might Need a Tooth Pulled
- Severe decay, infection, or damage are common reasons for extraction
- Crowding before orthodontics or wisdom tooth impaction also require removal
- Extractions relieve pain and prevent spreading infection or complications
- Dental Arts Toronto offers both simple and surgical tooth extractions, including wisdom teeth
Tooth Extractions Are a Preventive and Restorative Measure
While saving natural teeth is always the goal, there are clear clinical reasons why removing a tooth may be the healthiest option. Extractions may precede other treatments like implants, dentures, or orthodontics and catching the need early reduces risk of complications.
Most Common Reasons for Tooth Extractions
You may require an extraction if you have:
- Severe tooth decay beyond repair
- Advanced periodontal disease causing loose teeth
- Fractured teeth that can’t be restored
- Infection or abscess with risk of spreading
- Crowding in preparation for orthodontic treatment
- Wisdom teeth causing pain or misalignment
Our clinic in Downtown Toronto and South Etobicoke sees all of the above on a regular basis.
Symptoms That Might Signal the Need for Removal
It’s time to consider extraction if you’re experiencing:
- Sharp or throbbing pain when biting
- Gum swelling, redness, or pus
- Loose teeth due to bone loss
- A tooth that is broken at the gumline
- Chronic discomfort near a wisdom tooth
If any of these symptoms persist, we recommend an exam and X-ray to assess your options.
Emergency vs Planned Tooth Extractions We use:
Not all extractions are scheduled. You may need a same-day emergency extraction if:
- You’re in severe pain
- A tooth has fractured suddenly
- An infection is spreading and unresponsive to antibiotics
For non-urgent needs, a planned extraction gives us time to:
- Coordinate post-extraction care
- Discuss tooth replacement options
- Review insurance and payment plans
Wisdom Teeth: A Special Kind of Extraction
Wisdom teeth are the third molars that often erupt between ages 17–25. We recommend extraction if they are:
- Impacted or misaligned
- Causing pain, cysts, or crowding
- Difficult to clean and at risk of decay
We perform preventive and urgent wisdom tooth extractions under local anesthesia and, when needed, sedation.
Read more in our Wisdom Tooth Extraction in Toronto article.
What Happens If You Delay an Extraction?
Putting it off can lead to:
- Worsening infection or abscess
- Bone loss in the jaw
- Damage to surrounding teeth
- Prolonged pain or complications
Early intervention = faster healing and fewer risks.
What to Do If You Think You Need a Tooth Pulled
Here’s how to start:
- Book an exam and describe your symptoms
- Get a digital X-ray and diagnosis
- Review options (root canal vs extraction, etc.)
- If needed, schedule a same-day or future extraction
At Dental Arts, we’ll explain every step so you can move forward confidently.
FAQs – When Tooth Extraction Is Needed
Rarely. If antibiotics fail, extraction or root canal is usually required.
It depends. We compare both options before recommending removal.
We offer sedation and compassionate care for anxious patients.
No, only if they’re problematic. We assess each case individually.
Book a Tooth Extraction Evaluation in Toronto
If you’re dealing with ongoing tooth pain or suspect an extraction may be needed, let Dental Arts Toronto guide you through your options.
📍 We serve patients from Forest Hill, Lawrence Park, Bedford Park, and throughout North Toronto.
