Category: tooth extractions

Pulling of the teeth is a necessary procedure in childhood because it is often done to remove primary teeth and pave way for the permanent ones. However, in adulthood, tooth extraction is done when the teeth cannot be saved using other procedures. Our primary goal is to preserve your teeth and dental health, and our dentist only recommends tooth extraction in NW Calgary when it is needed.

When is Extraction Unavoidable?

Although pulling of the teeth is a routine procedure, you should only get tooth extraction near you in the following situations:

• Impacted teeth. The most affected teeth are the wisdom teeth because they come out after the jaw has attained maturity and there is no space for the teeth to fit. Impacted wisdom teeth can cause pain and also affect the surrounding teeth.
• Periodontal disease. Advanced gum disease causes the gums to recede and expose the roots. This not only causes tooth sensitivity but also damages the supporting bone. The dentist can recommend teeth extraction (if there is severe damage) as part of your periodontal dental disease.
• Severely damaged teeth. Your teeth can get damaged because of decay, cavities, or fracture. While the dentist will first consider other treatments, tooth extraction may be inevitable if the teeth are beyond repair.

What Can You Expect During the Extraction?

Tooth extraction can either be simple or surgical depending on the location of the teeth. For visible teeth, the dentist will perform a simple extraction. This procedure involves loosening the teeth using forceps and pulling them, and the procedure may last for 30 minutes. A surgical extraction is reserved for impacted teeth that lie beneath the gums. The procedure lasts a few minutes longer because the dentist will have to open the gums to access the teeth. Sometimes, the teeth are broken down into little pieces for easy extraction.

What Happens After the Teeth Are Pulled?

Pain, gum bleeding, and soreness are the most common problems that will occur after the extraction procedure. 24 hours after the teeth are pulled, a blood clot will form in the socket to facilitate healing. It is paramount for you to protect the blood clot from breaking because it can slow down healing and cause other problems as well. If you accidentally break the blood clot, visit a dentist near you for immediate treatment. Healing will differ depending on the type of extraction that was done. A simple extraction can take a few days, while surgical extraction will take about two weeks. However, how you take care of the gums will influence the healing process.

• Bite a gauze pad to stop bleeding
• Use a cold compress on the affected gums to stop swelling
• Eat soft and easy to chew foods to avoid hurting the gums
• Use warm salt water to rinse your mouth because it helps to soothe gums and ease pain
• Do not use a straw to drink as it may dislodge the blood clot

How Can You Prevent Extraction?

Tooth extraction is a preventable procedure and you can avoid it with these tips:

• Maintain proper dental hygiene to prevent decay and gum disease.
• Visit the dentist regularly for an assessment and cleaning as this is the best way for the dentist to detect any dental problem.
• Get scaling and root planning, which is the primary treatment of gum disease and it prevents further spread of the infection.
• Consider root canal if the decay extends to the inner part of the teeth. This procedure helps to stop the spread of infection and preserve your teeth.
• Get a mouthguard if you suffer from bruxism or teeth grinding. Bruxism puts pressure on your teeth and promotes wear and tear.

What Can You Do After the Teeth Are Pulled?

Tooth extraction leaves gaps in between the gums. This not only causes the teeth to shift to the nearby spaces but also affects the supporting bone. You may need restorative dental procedures like implants, dentures, and bridges to replace the missing teeth.

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Visit Toothworks for more information on tooth extraction, how it is done, and how you can avoid it.

Tooth extractions are dental options recommended by dentists whereby a tooth is removed from its socket. Oral surgeons generally perform tooth extractions. However, general dentists and periodontists also perform extractions as part of their core skills as dental providers. The dentist near you is a highly skilled and experienced professional with adequate knowledge of performing tooth extractions. However, their primary aim is to keep your teeth intact, and tooth extractions are recommended only as a last resort. If you need a tooth removed from the dental alveolus, the dentist near you checks your teeth and gums besides your mouth before performing the procedure. Every effort is made by the professional to ensure they can preserve your tooth, but if the removal is imperative, the dentist ensures the process causes the least discomfort. The extraction site is entirely numbed with local anesthesia before proceeding with the disposal.

Types of Tooth Extractions Performed by Dentists

Dental professionals and oral surgeons perform two types of tooth extractions. They are:

• Simple Extractions.

Simple extractions are performed on visible teeth in the mouth, and the procedure only requires local anesthesia unless the patient is overly anxious.

• Surgical Extractions.

Surgical tooth removal is performed on a tooth inaccessible or impacted below the gum line. Surgical extractions are performed by oral surgeons and require incisions to elevate the soft tissues covering the tooth. The dental professional may decide to split the tooth into multiple pieces to facilitate its removal. General anesthesia is required by patients undergoing surgical extractions. Tooth extraction is ordinarily prescribed as a last resort. If you have any apprehensions about the procedure, you can consult tooth extraction in NW Calgary to understand why the dentist recommends tooth removal.

Reasons Why Dentists Recommend Tooth Removal through Extraction

Everyone has two sets of teeth, which are the milk teeth and the permanent teeth. The milk teeth fall off by age six or seven, and the second set of teeth, the permanent teeth replace them. The permanent teeth must last for a lifetime, but in many cases, their removal is recommended by dentists for some reasons mentioned below.

Severe Tooth Decay or Irreparable Damage

When tooth decay penetrates the enamel to reach the center of the tooth, the pulp the bacteria within the pollution causes an infection within the tooth. In such cases, root canal treatments can help preserve the tooth. However, if you have a severe infection and your dentist is unsure of whether they can provide appropriate treatment for your condition, they recommend the removal of the infected tooth.

Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease is an infection of the gums, alveolar bone, periodontal ligaments, and other surrounding structures. Gingivitis is the earliest stage of periodontal disease when the condition begins affecting the gums. The severity of periodontal disease attacks the periodontal ligaments and the alveolar bone. Periodontal disease is entirely preventable by maintaining excellent dental hygiene and visiting dentists for routine exams and cleanings. However, when periodontal disease begins loosening the tooth, dentists recommend tooth removal is the best option for the patient’s well-being.

Eliminating Teeth Overcrowding

Many people have the problem of overcrowding in their mouths, leaving them with crooked and misaligned teeth. Treatments for overcrowding are available from orthodontists who often recommend extracting one or several teeth to make space in the mouth for the other teeth to realign. Besides the above, tooth extractions also become necessary for impacted wisdom teeth and after accidents that may have severely fractured or knocked out the tooth altogether. The dentist north-west Calgary makes every effort to preserve your tooth with available options if the tooth is merely fractured, and it is possible for the dentist to restore the same. Even knocked out teeth are reinserted into the alveolar bone if you reach the dentist within 30 minutes. Wisdom teeth, however, do not receive any consideration and are extracted by dentists without hesitation because they are problematic and can leave you with multiple dental issues if left in your mouth. Wisdom teeth do not allow you to clean your mouth appropriately, resulting in a buildup of tooth decay. They are perhaps the only teeth in your mouth that dentists recommend removal with glee, knowing full well they are aware they are preventing unnecessary problems from occurring in your mouth. If you are recommended tooth extraction by dentist Calgary, rest assured sufficient reasons exist behind the suggestion. Dentists consider all options to preserve your tooth (except for wisdom teeth) before suggesting tooth removal as a method of safeguarding your dental health. You may have heard about tooth extractions, but do you know the reasons why dentists recommend them? Learn why dentists recommend this extreme procedure from this blog.

Has the dentist near you recommended that you undergo a tooth extraction because of excessive tooth decay or infection? You can undoubtedly think the dentist is out of his mind and recommending a procedure that you believe is unnecessary. You think you are taking excellent care of your oral health and even visiting your dentist for six monthly checkups. However, have you considered how dental infections can painlessly affect your teeth and put your oral health at risk? If not, it is time you did so right away and researched tooth extractions near you to have the procedure completed by an experienced dentist. Tooth decay, infections, and crowding around primary reasons why tooth extractions become essential. You may keep your oral health in excellent condition by following the advice of your dentist and doing everything possible to ensure you are not affected by any dental infections. However, you may have developed the disorder because of a crack in your tooth that you didn’t repair promptly. The minor neglect you showed towards the injury has brought upon you the need to undergo tooth extraction and have it replaced with artificial teeth.

What Do You Do After the Dentist near You Recommends Tooth Extraction?

You undoubtedly have the option of seeking a second opinion on whether the tooth must be extracted as informed by the dentist you first visited. If you see a dentist in Calgary, NW, for the second opinion, the dentist will take an x-ray of your tooth to determine whether the infection is excessive before recommending that you schedule the procedure for the extraction. At this time, you must provide the Calgary dentist information about any other medications you are taking, including over-the-counter varieties, herbal supplements, or prescription medications. Provide the dentist with information about your medical history and any other conditions you are suffering from to ensure they are all treated and stabilized before the extraction procedure. The dentist may prescribe antibiotics during the days leading to the process if your surgery is expected to be lengthy, you have a weakened immune system, or a specific medical condition.

The Procedure for Extracting Teeth

Your tooth extraction procedure will either be simple or surgical, depending on whether you have a visible or an impacted tooth. You receive local anesthesia for a simple extraction to numb the extraction site area and ensure you only feel some pressure but no pain. The dentist uses instruments called elevators to loosen your tooth before extracting it with forceps. Intravenous and local anesthesia are both provided if you have an impacted tooth needing surgical extraction. If you are incredibly anxious, dentists may decide to give you general anesthesia making you unconscious throughout the procedure. The dentist or oral surgeon will make incisions in your gums to remove bone around the tooth before cutting the tooth itself to be extracted in pieces.

The Risks Associated with Tooth Extractions

Every surgical procedure has some risks associated with it, and tooth extractions are not an exception. However, if your dentist has recommended it, you will likely benefit more than encounter any complications. Usually, after tooth extractions, a blood clot forms naturally into the socket from where the tooth was extracted. However, non-formation of the blood clot or dislodging can expose the socket and the bone inside. This is known as a dry socket, and when this happens, the dentist protects the area with a sedative dressing for a few days until new clot forms. Some of the risks associated with tooth extractions include bleeding lasting for over 12 hours, nausea or vomiting, severe fever and chills to indicate infections, and redness and swelling at the surgical site. If you experience any of the symptoms described, you must contact the dentist and the earliest.

Recovering From Tooth Extraction

You require a few days to recover from a tooth extraction. In the meanwhile, you can apply an ice pack to your cheek to reduce swelling. You must take any or all medications recommended or prescribed by the dentist without exceptions. Ensure that you leave the gauze pad until it is soaked with blood over the affected area because it helps to aid clot formation. Do not jump into your regular activities immediately after and rest for at least 24 hours. If you are a smoker and extraction is an excellent time to quit smoking forever. You can have soft foods on the day of the procedure and gradually reintroduce your regular foods with your diet over the next few days. If you experience any persistent pain or observe signs of infections, schedule an appointment with your dentist promptly, and seek attention.

It may be because the tooth hurts, infection, or you needed a less crowded mouth, there are many reasons that would have driven you to the Tooth Extractions in Calgary, AB. However, what matters more is the aftercare the follows the procedure. How you handle your dental issues after the procedure in the context of the risk. It is apparent that you may have a stern conversation with your dentist after the Tooth Extraction in Calgary on how to care for your oral health after the procedure, but do you know why and all that you need to know. To put this issue in context, let us go through the possible causes that would have driven you to the extraction and the specific type of care that matches the reason for the teeth pulling.

A crowded mouth

Teeth alignment is critical for aesthetics and performance of the mouth. However, a crowded mouth cannot achieve the necessary alignment if there is no enough space for the teeth to fit perfectly when aligned. For a perfect orthodontia, removal of some teeth may be necessary just to ensure that the desired outcome is achieved. Under these conditions, the tooth extraction does not feature any infection. However, if the purpose for teeth pulling is because a growing tooth cannot break through the gums then extract care will be necessary to prevent infection and ensure a sanitized mouth. Otherwise routine after extraction care will suffice.

Infection

Tooth damage and decay in some cases extend their effect to the pulp, which is the part that contains nerves and blood vessels. This is when the tooth becomes painful. The pulp is delicate such that bacteria from the mouth can cause an infection within the region if exposed. Root canal therapy is often used to correct this situation. However, if the situation is not handled by the therapy, the use of antibiotics is necessary. If both options do not work, then there is immediate need to prevent the spread of the infection through extraction of the affected teeth and this is where the pulling out comes out. This particular situation involves infections and the need to prevent further infection. The aftercare following the extraction is thus more important and should be taken seriously.

Tooth extraction to prevent risk of infection

Chemotherapy and organ transplant are known to cause compromise of immunity. This is a situation whereby the immune system is not effective in its purpose. Under these circumstances, you may have your teeth pulled. Gum diseases whereby there is an infection of the tissue and the bones that support the teeth may also necessitate the pulling out of the teeth. This is also a delicate situation that demands the right after care.

After care following tooth extraction

After the procedure, ensures that the gauze is in place for 2 hours. Your dentist will inform you to do so. The importance of having the gauze intact is to prevent blood loss by facilitating blood clot. Avoid intense activities and exercise after the procedure. The idea is to avoid increasing your blood pressure so that the site does not start bleeding again. Avoid smoking that is if you are a smoker and also avoid using a straw for the next three days. The idea is to prevent you from having a dry socket after the procedure that may result from smoking of using a straw. Contrary to popular belief, do not rinse your mouth for the next 24 hours after the extraction. To ensure that blood clot forms within the site and dry socket is avoided, rinsing the tooth is avoided to ensure that the clot blood is not dislodged. Avoid hard food, stick to soft food and liquids for the next 24 hours until the site is healed. However, you should apply ice on the swollen areas within your face. Doing it 15 to 20 minutes in every hour will do the magic. You should also sleep with your head elevated to decrease the swelling. If you experience fever, throbbing pain, unending swelling, foul taste and drainage coming from the mouth, unable to open your mouth after one week or any other indicator as directed by your dentist visit a Tooth Extractions near you and report.

Oral bacteria are present in everyone’s mouth, no matter how well you clean your teeth. This bacterium produces harmful acids that destroy enamel. When allowed to accumulate, these critters form a sticky layer that adheres to teeth. The unremoved plaque will eventually eat a hole in tooth enamel, commonly known as a cavity. If the cavity continues to spread, the bacteria can destroy the tooth structure and travel into the center nerve. When this happens, patients experience increased sensitivity or pain. The decay also causes the tooth to weaken and become more vulnerable to cracks, chips, and breakage. Luckily, an injured tooth can be treated with root canal therapy and a dental crown. But if the severity of the decay is irreparable, extracting the tooth may be the only solution to protect your oral health.

What to Expect During Your Tooth Extraction

Tooth extractions are performed all the time. First, it will be determined if an antibiotic is needed pre- or post- tooth removal. Then, the surrounding area will be numbed. The tooth is then extracted without pain. If it is an impacted wisdom tooth, any bone or gum tissue trapping the tooth will be removed first. After the path is cleared, the impacted tooth can be freed with forceps. Your dentist will use a gentle rocking motion to loosen and remove the tooth. Dissolvable stitches may be used to close the surgical site. Sometimes, a bone grafting is needed to maintain healthy bone. This added bone may be necessary if an implant is your chosen tooth replacement option.

What to Do After a Tooth Extraction

You will be provided with aftercare instructions post-extraction. Typical instruction after tooth removal include:

• Prop up your head and keep it elevated until you are no longer bleeding.
• Put pressure on the treatment area by biting on gauze, until bleeding subsides.
• Apply an ice pack to the cheek on the side of the extraction.
• Avoid physical activities and contact sports until the empty socket is covered with a scab.
• Keep the extraction site clean by gently brushing the area around the socket.
• Don’t tamper with the surgical area.
• Take prescriptions as directed and contact your dentist if you experience unusual itching or swelling.
• Stick with soft foods while the empty socket heals.
• Stay hydrated.

For at least 24 hours, do not smoke, use a straw, or make any sucking motions to avoid disturbing the blood clot. If the clot dislodges, it can lead to a painful dry socket. If a primary tooth was taken out, it might take a 1 or 2 day to recover. With the extraction of an adult tooth, expect several days of tenderness at the treatment site. No matter what lead to the need for your tooth extraction, we are here to help. Contact our dental office at +1 587.316.9728 to schedule an appointment today.

Do stains and discoloration dull your smile? Wish there was a quick, comfortable and affordable way to brighten and whiten your teeth? At Toothworks Dentist in NW Calgary we are proud to offer Spa Dent teeth whitening treatments. Unlike over-the-counter whitening kits which can take months, our treatment can provide results in as little as one hour and will not leave your teeth and gums sensitive and uncomfortable.

Calgary Teeth Whitening Procedure

Rather than risking damage and uncomfortable symptoms caused by over-the-counter whitening kits, you should consider contacting Toothworks Calgary for professional teeth whitening treatment. During your appointment, we will evaluate your teeth and overall oral health and determine if teeth whitening is the right option for you. The teeth whitening process at Toothworks takes just about an hour to complete. First, your gums will be protected from the bleaching gels. Next, the whitening gel will be applied to your teeth, using a specialized light we will activate the product and the whitening will begin.

Maintaining a Whitened Smile

Once your teeth whitening treatment has been completed, our professional dental staff will discuss any measures that may need to be taken to maintain your professionally whitened smile. We provide home whitening kits that can be used as needed to provide additional teeth whitening touch-ups. Certain dietary and lifestyle choices can also be avoided to ensure your whitening continues to last. These may include:

• Tobacco Products
• Coffee
• Tea
• Chocolate
• Citrus
• Berries
• Wine
• Balsamic Vinegar
• Curry Powder
• Turmeric

These have been known to cause dental staining and discoloration. If you must partake, be sure to wash it down with water, and if possible brush your teeth afterward. Dark beverages can be drunk through a straw to limit exposure to teeth.

Even though our permanent teeth are meant to last our entire life, occasionally situations arise where a tooth extraction may be the safest, best dental treatment option. At Toothworks Calgary, we try our hardest to avoid extractions of teeth, opting for less invasive dental treatment options when possible. So what exactly are the situations that require a tooth extraction?

Infection Risk

Certain patients at Toothworks Calgary must avoid infections of any kind, such as those with suppressed immune systems or those receiving chemotherapy treatment. Due to the suppression of the immune system in these patients, an infection can be life threatening. In these situations we may opt for a tooth extraction to avoid any further complications of an infection.

Tooth Infection

In situations where the neglecting of teeth and oral health have lead to an infection or abscess, a tooth extraction may be the only option to keep the rest of your oral health in check. In certain cases a root canal may be able to remove the infection and bacteria; however, if it is not successful or possible, a tooth extraction may be necessary.

Teeth Crowding

Certain patients at Toothworks Calgary do not have the space for all of their teeth, leading to the crowding of teeth, alignment issues, and occasionally no full eruption of teeth. In these situations, the extraction of teeth may be the best option for functionality and appearance of your smile.

Wisdom Teeth

Having wisdom teeth removed is an extremely common dental procedure, most often the teeth become impacted, can’t erupt, or lead to infection. In these situations, your dentist will recommend having your wisdom teeth extracted.

Gum Disease

Periodontal gum disease an extremely common oral condition that leads to infection of the tissue and bones that support your teeth. This can lead to loosening and shifting of teeth. Occasionally the best course of treatment is to extract the affected teeth to avoid any further complications.