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COLLINGWOOD TOOTH REMOVAL
Tooth Extractions & Removing Wisdom Teeth
When folks say something “is like pulling teeth,” a certain connotation comes up. That’s fair. But sometimes tooth removal becomes a necessity. We do our best to save the tooth, say in cases of infection, damage or even impaction. Quite often, impaction shows up on an X-ray or imaging scan and we can see that, for example, wisdom tooth removal is the only option. We have an experienced team when it comes to tooth extraction in Collingwood.
If a tooth has excessive decay, is affected by severe gum disease, has been fractured or is impacted by other teeth, we may determine after careful examination that tooth removal is called for. A local anaesthetic is used when tooth extraction is performed, and the day or two after the tooth removal appointment often involve some mild discomfort. We follow up with patients to ensure smooth recovery and will guide you through the process, answering any questions or concerns you may have. To book a consultation for tooth removal in Collingwood contact our dental clinic today.
Causes for Tooth Extraction
There are numerous causes for a dentist to advise having one or more teeth extracted. One of the most frequent causes is extreme tooth decay that cannot be saved. In these situations, an extraction is done to both make the patient more comfortable and avoid infection.
The removal of impacted teeth, broken teeth, or difficult-to-clean teeth, like wisdom teeth, may also be advised by a dentist. In addition to preventing crowding, removing wisdom teeth can reduce the risk of infection or irritation if they do not fully erupt.
The Process of Removing a Tooth
In most cases, teeth are removed surgically or by pulling. Teeth can only be "pulled" when they have completely emerged from the gum line. In this instance, we'll begin by numbing the region around your tooth and moving it around with a clasping instrument until it separates from the gumline. If it's not possible to remove a tooth by pulling it, the tooth must be surgically removed. To complete this procedure, we need to make a little incision in your gum tissue that will allow us to access all of your teeth.
Come in for a consultation at DDS Collingwood so we can assess your dental health and decide which extraction technique is required for you. When we talk about your extraction, we'll also cover the required tooth replacement options to avoid oral health problems down the road.
Tooth Extraction Aftercare
Every case is different, but here are some recommended steps for a quick recovery:
- Rinse with saltwater 24 hours after your procedure.
- Avoid using tobacco products until your mouth has healed.
- Elevate your head while sleeping.
- Get plenty of rest.
- Take recommended over-the-counter and prescribed medications as directed.
- Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling and discomfort.
- Stay away from hard, crunchy, and sticky foods.
Tooth Extraction FAQs
For a variety of reasons, including serious tooth decay, advanced gum disease, impacted wisdom teeth, overcrowding, or to get ready for orthodontic treatment, tooth extraction may be necessary. When a tooth is irreparably damaged or when it offers a risk to one's general oral health, dentists advise extraction.
You shouldn't experience any pain during a tooth extraction because your dentist or oral surgeon will normally numb the area with local anesthesia. During the operation, you can feel pressure or a little discomfort, but it shouldn't hurt. Prescription or over-the-counter pain relievers can be used to treat post-extraction pain and discomfort.
After tooth extraction, a painful condition called a dry socket may develop if the blood clot that typically develops in the extraction site is disturbed or dissolves too soon. Follow your dentist's post-extraction care recommendations carefully to avoid dry sockets, which may include refraining from using straws, quitting smoking, and keeping good dental hygiene. If you develop a dry socket, your dentist can provide treatment to alleviate the pain and promote healing.
The final set of molars, commonly referred to as wisdom teeth or third molars, usually erupt in late adolescence or early adulthood. They are routinely retrieved because they frequently don't have enough room to erupt correctly, which causes impaction. Extraction is frequently used as a preventative measure for impacted wisdom teeth because it can result in discomfort, infection, crowding, and damage to nearby teeth.
The best time to have your wisdom teeth removed depends on your age, oral health, and the placement of your teeth, among other things. When wisdom teeth exhibit symptoms of impaction and pain, or if they might be dangerous to the patient's oral health, dentists and oral surgeons may advise removal. Normally, this choice is made following a careful evaluation and consultation.
When wisdom teeth are impacted, which means they haven't fully emerged through the gumline, removal may call for a special procedure. Oral surgeons generally carry out the extraction in such circumstances. Making an incision in the gum, possibly removing bone as needed, and sectioning the tooth to make removal easier are all possible steps in the surgery. To make sure the patient is comfortable throughout the surgery, sedation or anesthesia is frequently employed.
In most cases, a normal extraction method is sufficient for fully erupted wisdom teeth.