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.