What to Expect When Having A Tooth Extracted
At My Dental Clinic, our dentists will recommend that you undergo a tooth extraction if it is the only best option you have to regain a healthy smile. The reasons for having a tooth pulled out include excessive decay, over-crowding, impact to a tooth and infections. These conditions often cause pain and great discomfort and if nothing is done, they can affect your entire oral health. For instance, if one tooth has an advanced infection such as periodontitis, it may be best to remove the tooth to avoid affecting the surrounding teeth. Dentists will often weigh the chances of success of alternative treatments before suggesting an extraction.
Preparing for the Procedure
Before undergoing tooth extractions in Calgary, AB, we will give you a quick run-down of the procedure and also allow you voice your worries and concerns. Most patients are usually afraid of the pain associated with the procedure and during the prep stage you will be educated on the various sedation options available. At this stage we will also revise your dental and complete medical history to ensure you are a good candidate for the procedure. It is important we know if you have any conditions or are taking any medications that may interfere with the extraction process. It is also necessary for us to take an X-ray of the affected area to help us identify the best technique for removing the tooth.
The Extraction Process
At this stage, there is already a clear plan on what will be done and how it will be done. Our skilled dentist will then administer a local anesthetic to numb the area being treated. You could either have a simple extraction or a surgical extraction.
A simple extraction is performed when the tooth is intact and visible above the gumline. A tool called an elevator may be used to loosen the tooth before pulling it from the jawbone and gums.
For a severely damaged tooth that is not intact or visible above the gumline, a surgery extraction is used to ensure the entire tooth is successfully pulled out. For this to happen, an incision is made on the gums and then the tooth is removed. It may take more time to complete but is effective especially for impacted teeth and wisdom teeth. an anesthetic will be administered prior to commencing the procedure.
Aftercare and Recovery
Once your tooth is out, the next step if for you to recover. Our tooth extraction dentist in Calgary will provide you with detailed post-procedure instructions. For a simple extraction, your recovery will be faster than a surgical extraction. However, factors such as the type of tooth, number of teeth removed and how deep your roots are also affecting the healing period.
The most important aspect of the recovery process is to ensure that the blood clot on the extracted tooth’s socket stays intact. To do this you should avoid disturbance to the treated area. You will need to adjust your diet and only consume soft foods that do not demand for a lot of chewing. Brushing and flossing remains vital but do so without touching the treated area. For both procedures you will be required you to take some antibiotics to keep off infections and some pain medication.
Complications and Risks
Healing from an extraction takes about 2 weeks although this could vary depending on factors such as age and lifestyle habits. Most dental extractions are successful and patients are able to resume with their lives without issues. However, some complications can still arise maybe because the procedure was not done properly or that you did not observe the aftercare instructions given. Signs that may indicate a problem include pain, swelling or bleeding that seem to get worse with time, high fever, leaking pus from the wound or nausea and vomiting. Quickly notify your dentist when you have any of the above signs.
If you are interested in learning more about tooth extraction near you and you are in the Calgary area, give us a call or write to us and our friendly and bilingual team will be on standby to help.