Tooth Extraction: A Closer Look into What It Is, the Procedure, and Aftercare

As you know, teeth are very strong, and on a good day, they can survive almost anything. However, they can still be damaged. Inasmuch as they are an essential part of your mouth, there are those people who may not enjoy their teeth for a lifetime.

Sometimes, extractions in Calgary can be deemed necessary by our dentist near you if your oral health is in jeopardy.

It’s no lie; no one would love their teeth to be pulled, even though you know it’s causing you a lot of pain. However, keep in mind that our dentist in Northeast Calgary does it as a last resort. The top priority of our dentist near you is to save your natural teeth at all costs. But if it is not possible, then you may need to have your teeth pulled.

Understanding Tooth Extractions

Extractions in Calgary are a common procedure performed by our dentist to remove broken, damaged, or even whole teeth. The procedure is pain-free because it is done under localor intravenously administered anesthesia. The procedure is done during a single visit.

Extractions are deemed necessary if you have:

• Impacted teeth
• Periodontal or gum disease affecting the structural integrity of your teeth
• Damaged teeth because of decay or trauma
• Preparing for orthodontic treatment and you have overcrowded teeth

How to Prepare for a Tooth Extraction  

When you come to our offices, our dentist will take an x-ray to have a clearer picture of your teeth before setting a date for the procedure. This is a necessary step because that is how our dentist may know the extent of the damage.

If you are taking any medications and herbal supplements, you should inform our dentist prior to the procedure. Also, tell our dentist if you are suffering from the following diseases:

• Diabetes
• Hypertension
• Adrenal disease
• Renal disease
• Thyroid disease
• Impaired immune system
• Congenital heart disease

Also, you may need to do the following before the procedure:

• Don’t smoke before the procedure.
• If you have a cold or the flu, tell our dentist so that your appointment can be rescheduled.
• If you are getting IV anesthesia, don’t drink or eat for six hours before the procedure. An escort will be needed to take you home after, you may not leave on your own.

How Is an Extraction Carried Out?

The X-ray that is taken during your initial visit will help our dentist in Northeast Calgary determine whether you need a simple or surgical extraction.

A simple extraction is carried out if the tooth that has to be pulled is visible above the gum line. On the contrary, a surgical extraction is considered when you have impacted teeth, meaning they cannot be seen above the gum line or your tooth is severely damaged.

After the type of procedure has been determined, our dentist near you will commence by administering anesthesia. This is done to ensure that the procedure is painless. However, you may feel some grinding or pulling. If you feel any pain, inform our dentist immediately since the process is meant to be painless.

After the tooth has been removed, our dentist can stitch the gum to stop the bleeding. Also, you may need to bite down a gauze to help in the clotting process.

How to Care for the Socket

The wound will have healed after ten days. However, it is crucial for you to do as you have been instructed to heal properly. Here are some aftercare tips:

Do’s

• Remove the Gauze at the Right Time.

The gauze is placed with the sole purpose of fastening the clotting process. You will need to bite down the gauze for 15 to 20 minutes, then checking to see if the bleeding has subsided.  If bleeding is still occurring, replace gauze and bite down on it with firm pressure for another 15 to 20 minutes.

• Use Icepacks.

You can use icepacks to reduce facial inflammation since swelling usually occurs during extractions.

• Rest.

Proper rest is key if you are to heal faster. Any strenuous activity may impede your healing and also increase blood flow to the wound.

• Maintain Oral Hygiene.

The extraction site is a wound, so you may have an infection if you don’t clean your teeth. But avoid the extraction site.

Don’ts

• Avoid using straws because they can dislodge the clot.
• No spitting within 24 hours since this will disturb the clot.
• Don’t drink alcohol or smoke.

You can contact our dentist at Sunridge Dental Clinic if you need a tooth extraction.