Tooth extraction
Wisdom teeth are probably the most well-known reason for tooth extraction. At Capital Dental, the process is quick with minimal discomfort thanks to our use of the latest technology and our experienced dentists.
Wisdom teeth usually grow in last and often at problematic angles which can cause discomfort and overcrowding. You can learn more about wisdom teeth here.
There are other reasons for tooth extraction too such as tooth decay that has compromised the strength of the whole tooth or physical damage that cannot be repaired.
It is always our first priority to save a tooth when possible but if you think that one of your teeth may require extraction, simply fill out the contact form and one of our team members will reach out to you to set up an appointment.
When do you need a tooth extraction?
There are several situations in which a tooth extraction may be the best solution.
The most common reasons include the following:
Tooth decay
In cases where decay has damaged the structure of the tooth beyond the ability to use fillings, partial crowns, or crowns, an extraction may be necessary. Once the bad tooth is out you’ll feel much better.
Decay most often attacks the hard-to-see places on your teeth. Regular checkups help to detect these at an early stage so we can stop the progress of decay as fast as possible. You can learn more about the benefits of regular checkups here: Dental cleanings and checkups
An impacted tooth and overcrowding
If a tooth does not emerge from the gumline properly it can cause problems to the surrounding area and teeth. This can cause overcrowding.
Overcrowding is what happens when neighbouring teeth are pushed together by an impacted tooth. This may change your bite, which in turn can cause wear and tear on your crowns and strain on your jaw muscles.
Wisdom teeth are the most common teeth responsible for causing overcrowding. Learn more about wisdom teeth here: Wisdom Teeth Removal
Damage from an accident
A badly damaged tooth is prone to infection and this can affect your other teeth, your gums, and your overall health.
If one of your teeth has been badly damaged your dentist will let you know if the tooth can be saved by other methods first. These include fillings, partial crowns, and crowns. Learn more about these here: Dental Crowns
If none of these are an option then an extraction may be the best course of action.
Periodontal disease
If gum disease, which in its advanced state is called periodontitis, is left unchecked for too long it can open the door to infection of the root and surrounding area. If the tooth cannot be saved then an extraction may help.
Another sign of advanced periodontal disease is bone loss which can require a tooth extraction.
The benefits of modern tooth
extraction techniques
Combined with the benefits of modern technology, like lasers and ultrasound, tooth extractions can be done with minimal invasiveness to the gumline. This will naturally help to achieve faster healing and less discomfort.
How do I help the healing go faster?
It usually takes a few days to recover from a tooth extraction and your dentist will inform you about the proper steps to a full recovery. Here’s a sneak peak at the best practices after an extraction:
- Use an ice pack to reduce swelling.
- Take the prescribed pain management medication.
- Rest for at least 24 hours before getting back to your regular routine.
- Don’t smoke or vape.
- Don’t rinse for 24 hours.
- Avoid the extraction site when you brush and floss.
- Prop your head up with a pillow when you lay down.
- Eat soft foods for a few days and reintroduce other foods slowly.
What happens next?
Once you’ve recovered from an extraction it will take some time to get used to the absence of the missing tooth.
We are pleased to let you know that you have options after an extraction. Dental implants can bring your smile back to where you want it to be. After the extraction has fully healed (3 to 6 months) an implant is a great option to get you feeling back to normal.
Your dentist will determine if your jaw is able to accept the implant successfully. If you are curious about this process you can find more information here: Dental Implants.
We will be happy to discuss your options after a brief checkup.
We want to meet you
Our dentists have decades of experience extracting teeth safely and with minimal soreness. If you are concerned about a tooth it is important to reach out so we can take a look and get it fixed for you.
Simply fill out our contact form and one of our team members will reach out to you to set up an appointment.
