Tooth extractions are procedures performed when one or more teeth poses a risk to the rest of your oral health. They are often performed as a way to treat or prevent significant oral health problems, such as decay, damage, overcrowding, and wisdom teeth impaction. However, tooth extractions are usually the final method of treatment and are generally not recommended until all other restorative treatment options have been exhausted or proven to not be effective.
There are two different types of tooth extractions that your dentist may perform, including:
- Simple Extractions use forceps and a special elevator tool to rock the tooth out of the socket while simultaneously lifting it. Simple extractions are most commonly used on teeth that are in one piece and that can be removed without complication.
- Surgical Extractions break down the affected tooth into pieces before removing each piece separately. In some cases, incisions may also need to be made in the gums to access or extract the tooth. Surgical extractions are usually performed for removing impacted teeth, as well as for removing teeth that cannot be removed in one piece.
Did You Know…
Although surgical extractions may sound more complicated since they break the tooth into multiple pieces, this approach actually decreases the trauma to the surrounding tissues, making recovery faster and less painful.
Frequently Asked Questions
Am I in need of a tooth extraction?
You may be in need of a tooth extraction if you have one or more teeth that are severely damaged or decayed beyond the ability to be restored. You may also need an extraction if you have overcrowding, are undergoing orthodontic treatment, or have impacted wisdom teeth. To find out if a tooth extraction is needed, schedule a consultation with Dr. Sanket Upadhyay at Birch Point Dental Clinic.
What can I expect when having a tooth extraction at Birch Point Dental Clinic?
When having a tooth extraction at Birch Point Dental Clinic, you can expect to receive nitrous oxide sedation and anesthetics to keep you calm and comfortable during the procedure. This means that you will not feel any pain during the extraction, although you may feel pressure at times.
During your procedure, Dr. Sanket Upadhyay will perform either a simple or surgical extraction. In most cases, this will be decided upon before your procedure, however things may change one your dentist begins. With a simple extraction, you may feel more pressure, while with a surgical extraction, you may hear more noise.
What can I expect after having a tooth extraction?
After your tooth extraction, your face will likely feel puffy. This is partially because your mouth is still numb, as well as the fact that your extraction site(s) will be packed with gauze and/or cotton. The combination of these two things can make your face feel extremely swollen even though the swelling should be minimal.
The day of your extraction, and maybe a few days after, it is normal to experience some minor bleeding around the extraction site. However, this bleeding should be able to be controlled by applying pressure with gauze or a teabag. You may also experience some minor swelling, bruising, or tenderness around the extraction site. In most cases, you can use ice therapy in the first 24 hours to help reduce swelling and discomfort, in addition to over the counter pain medications.
While you recover from your extraction, it is also important to make temporary dietary changes. For starters, do not eat anything hot in the first 24 hours following your extraction because this can cause bleeding at the extraction site. You will also need to avoid drinking from a straw or eating foods that are hard, crunchy, sharp, fragmented, or that are small enough to get stuck in the extraction site. Generally speaking, cool soft foods are ideal after having a tooth extracted.
Call today to schedule your appointment with Dr. Sanket Upadhyay at Birch Point Dental Clinic. Located in the Bay & Algoma neighborhood, our location allows you to have your teeth looked at while also providing the opportunity to shop local and enjoy spaghetti take out at the famous Italian Cultural Centre across the street.
