A common dental emergency that our dentists in Vaughan come across is the need for a dental extraction. There are many cases when a tooth extraction is not only appropriate but necessary. Tooth removal can be an important step in maintaining your oral health. When a tooth is extracted, the socket left behind must be cared for and allowed to heal properly to ensure that a new tooth will grow in its place.
What Is A Tooth Extraction
Tooth extraction is a common oral surgery procedure performed by our dentists in Vaughan. While it can be a little intimidating to think about, tooth extractions are actually a very common procedure.
Tooth extraction is a procedure in which an infected, decayed, or damaged tooth is surgically removed. The most common reasons for extraction are cavities and infections of the pulp. These can cause periapical abscesses to form when dentists in Woodbridge attempt - unsuccessful - to cure them with antibiotics or fillings.
Extractions may be needed to:
- Manage an abscessed tooth
- Minimize the risk of injury to a permanent tooth with decay (baby teeth)
- Prevent the spread of an infection to other teeth or to other parts of the body
- Relieve pain caused by persistent, severe gum disease
Below are some of the most common reasons for tooth extraction:
- A tooth needs to be removed because of decay - The longer you leave a tooth with decay, the harder and more expensive it is to treat it. The best way to deal with this problem is to have an appointment with your dentist at the first sign of pain or other symptoms. Unless the decay is very advanced, you may be able to avoid losing the tooth by getting treatment right away.
- Wisdom Tooth Extraction - wisdom teeth will not always properly erupt into your mouth. Removing a wisdom tooth that is partially or completely erupted is called a simple extraction. A small amount of bleeding may occur after a simple extraction, but the risk of complications is low.
- Impacted Tooth Extraction - Sometimes, wisdom teeth do not erupt because they are blocked by other teeth, or the bone structure around them is too narrow. These are called impacted teeth and require more extensive wisdom teeth removal surgery. Generally, an impacted tooth has to be surgically removed under a general anesthetic and often requires stitches to close the wound afterward.
- Trauma / Injury - if you suffer any type of facial trauma, such as being hit in the face or having a car accident, your dentist or oral surgeon may need to remove one or more of your teeth to prevent further injury from occurring.
What To Expect from Your Woodbridge Dentist
Tooth extraction is performed similarly regardless of age, and there are a few things you can expect during the procedure.
- The extracted tooth may be sent to the lab for x-rays or further treatment such as crown placement.
- The area will be numbed, either temporarily or permanently, depending on the length of the procedure.
Recovering From A Tooth Extraction
If you've had a tooth extracted, there will be some swelling and tenderness as well as bleeding and pain. The length of time you need to recover from your tooth extraction will depend on the number of teeth affected. But generally, it takes about 7 to 10 days to recover after a single tooth extraction. If you've had multiple teeth removed, it may require longer to recuperate.
You should avoid chewing on the side where your tooth was removed for at least 24 to 48 hours. You may eat soft foods immediately after your procedure, such as soup or scrambled eggs. Full-strength pain relievers are generally not necessary for the first two days after an extraction, but over-the-counter pain relievers can be taken if needed.
If you think you need a tooth extracted, contact our emergency dental clinic today!
