Fieldstone Dental offers tooth extraction for patients in Brandon, MB. We use the latest technology and equipment to ensure a quick, comfortable experience for our patients. We understand that tooth extractions can be a scary prospect, which is why we work hard to make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Tooth extraction is a dental procedure during which your tooth may be completely removed from its socket.
When is tooth extraction recommended?
Tooth extraction is a recommended treatment when the tooth cannot be saved with other treatments such as root canal and to prevent infection from spreading.
When is tooth extraction recommended? If you have persistent issues with your teeth that don’t seem to be improving after see-your dentist regularly, then it might not just be a matter of cleaning up. A lot more than likely the problem lies within one or even multiple decay sites on deeper structures which will require professional attention sooner rather than later in order for everything get taken care off properly and efficiently without any lasting consequences from whatever procedure(s) happen next!
Your dentist may recommend tooth extraction if you have:
- Severe tooth decay (cavities).
- A fractured tooth.
- An impacted tooth.
- Crowded teeth.
- Severe gum disease.
- Tooth luxation or other dental injuries.
Who can perform tooth extraction?
While general dentists often perform tooth extractions, more complex cases are usually referred out to oral surgeons or periodontists.
Procedure details
Before tooth extraction
Once your dentist has assessed the damage and gathered information about you, they will discuss treatment options with their team. Your X-ray results are also checked during this time so that a comprehensive plan can be put into place for optimal care of not just one but multiple teeth involved in any dental emergency.
Be sure not only share what medications/supplements you are currently on but tell if there are any new ones being taken shortly before treatment begins.
During tooth extraction
First, your dentist will numb the area around your tooth and give you local anesthesia. Using specialized dental instruments to gently loosen it from its socket while preserving all surrounding gum tissue for safety reasons is key in removing a loose tooth.
Sometimes, your dentist will make an incision in your gum to access any teeth that are badly decayed or broken off.
Your dentist will remove your tooth and clean the socket with disinfectant. They may also put in a dental bone graft for better healing, and to help prevent further loss of jawbone.
After tooth extraction
Your dentist will place a piece of gauze over the extraction site and ask you to close down with firm, steady pressure. This helps slow bleeding so that blood clots can form in order for the healing process to be faster.
The bleeding will slow down over time and you’ll be able remove the gauze once it has stopped. You may experience light spotting for up to 24 hours.
Risks or complications of tooth extraction
There is a small risk of complications with any surgical procedure, but these can be overcame by following proper techniques and managing your pain. Tooth extractions may lead to:
- Post-surgical infection.
- Dry socket.
- Nerve injury.
- Perforation of maxillary sinus.
- Delayed healing.
Tooth extraction aftercare
The majority of people feel back to normal in just a few days. While you’ll be able resume your daily routine within 48 -72 hours, it usually takes the jawbone several weeks before healing is complete and without any signs or symptoms left behind!
The following can help minimize discomfort, reduce the risk of infection, and speed recovery:
- Place one gauze pad over the extraction site and bite firmly on it to reduce bleeding. Change pads before they become soaked with blood, otherwise leave them in place for three or four hours after surgery has been completed (or longer if necessary).
- The ice bag will help to keep down swelling and pain after the procedure, so apply it immediately for 10 minutes at a time.
- Take some time to relax after the extraction. If you’re active, try not do anything for at least 24 hours or two.
- To avoid dislodging the clot that forms in your socket, don’t rinse or spit forcefully for 24 hours after extraction.
- To remove any residue from the gum, rinse your mouth with a solution made of 1/2 teaspoon salt and 8 ounces warm water after 24 hours.
- You should not drink from a straw for the first 24 hours.
- Do not smoke.
- To reduce the chances of a fungal infection, it is important that you eat soft foods such as soup or applesauce after extraction. You can gradually add other solid food once your site has healed enough for them.
- When you’re laying down, prop your head with pillows. Lying flat can lead to prolonged bleeding because of the pressure on blood vessels in our face and neck area.
- Take painkillers as prescribed.
- Be sure to continue brushing and flossing your teeth, but avoid the extraction site. If you have any questions or concerns about this tooth loss procedure please contact a dental professional immediately!
FAQ
Following tooth extraction, there may be some side effects including bleeding and swelling. Your dentist will provide instructions on how to manage these effectively so that you can recover more quickly
To reduce the risk of dry socket, avoid hard and crunchy foods for a few days. Stock up on soft proteins like rice or pasta as well fruits that are easy to chew such yogurt & applesauce. You’ll also want to avoid drinking through straws, as this can dislodge blood clots and cause dry sockets.
Most people are able to return back into their office or school within a day or two. If the job requires physical labor like lifting heavy objects then wait until it’s healed before getting back on duty.
If you’ve had a tooth extraction, call your dentist immediately if any of these happen:
- A fever over 38 degrees Celsius or higher can be an indication that infection is brewing and needs to get treated quickly.
- Drainage (pus) around the site where teeth were removed.
- Severe pain doesn’t improve despite using medication.
The extraction of one’s teeth can be an unpleasant experience, but it is necessary in some cases. If your dentist recommends that you have a tooth removed due to infection or other medical reasons then do not hesitate speak up about what kind if replacement options would work best for you after the procedure has been completed.
To schedule your next appointment, we invite you to contact us today. We look forward to caring for your smile!