Edmonton Emergency Dentists
Tooth Extractions
In dentistry, a variety of techniques are used to restore damaged teeth, from root canals to dental crowns. But in some cases, tooth extractions are necessary to prevent pain, tooth infection, or further damage.
Developments in dental technology have made this procedure nearly painless for patients. Local or general anaesthetic is administered before your treatment, and the recovery process can be managed with pain relievers and cold compresses.
Patients may choose to have a tooth extraction for several reasons. If you’re in pain due to a damaged tooth or impacted wisdom teeth, our emergency dentistry services can help.
Reasons For Tooth Extractions
A tooth extraction is often the last resort in dental procedures. Your dentist will assess your mouth to determine if other restoration services are viable.
In the following cases, a tooth extraction may be required:
The tooth is decayed or infected
Teeth with deep cavities will lack the structure to support a filling or crown. When damage progresses beyond repair, the tooth will need to be extracted to prevent further complications. Emergency tooth extractions may be necessary to eliminate the pain or infection.
The wisdom teeth are impacted
If a wisdom tooth is impacted, there won’t be enough space in your mouth for the tooth to grow in. The tooth may emerge partially at an angle that damages other teeth. Or, it might fail to break above the gum line at all. It could cause other teeth to become crowded and misaligned.
To prevent the wisdom teeth from damaging surrounding teeth, wisdom tooth removal is often necessary.
Crowding
If you’re planning to get braces, one or more teeth may require an tooth extraction. This will free up space in your mouth so that orthodontic treatment devices can properly align your smile.
The Procedure
There are two types of tooth extractions:
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Simple tooth extraction:
Teeth above the gum line can be removed via a simple tooth extraction. In this procedure, the dentist loosens the tooth using an elevator. When the tooth is ready, it’s removed using forceps. Local anaesthesia is used during this procedure so that it is painless for the patient. You can expect to feel some pressure while the tooth is removed, but it should not be painful.
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Surgical tooth extraction:
To perform a wisdom teeth removal that are still below the gum line, a surgical extraction may be necessary. Broken or cracked teeth may also require a surgical extraction. Your dentist will make an incision and remove some bone or tissue. This procedure may need to be performed by an oral surgeon. Some patients may opt to be sedated via general anaesthesia during a surgical wisdom tooth extraction.
Does The Tooth Need To Be Replaced?
It all depends on the location of the extracted tooth. For example, consider your wisdom teeth—they’re at the very back of the mouth, and they rarely affect your ability to chew or speak normally. Wisdom teeth removal seldom causes issues so you won’t need to replace them.
But a front tooth or molar is important for preserving your smile and the functionality of your teeth. When these teeth are removed, it causes difficulty smiling, speaking, and chewing foods. You may invest in dental implants if tooth extractions impair the functioning of your mouth.
If you need a replacement for the extracted tooth, you can discuss dental implants, bridges, or dentures with your dentist.
What To Expect After Removal
During the recovery process, the area will be swollen and tender. You can take ibuprofen or acetaminophen to reduce inflammation and pain.
For a few days to weeks, be sure not to chew on the side of your mouth where the tooth was removed. Allow the area to heal completely.
Make sure not to use a straw or smoke while the tooth extraction site heals. Doing so may create a vacuum in your mouth, which can cause a painful, dry socket to form.
Book Your Appointment Today
A tooth that’s causing severe pain is a dental emergency. At our dental clinic, we provide tooth extractions to alleviate your pain and discomfort. Whether you require a simple or surgical extraction, we will connect you with an experienced emergency dentist in Edmonton who can extract your tooth.