Our teeth are among the many things you want to keep for a lifetime. However, circumstances may arise that can prompt your dentist in Cranbrook to recommend tooth extraction near you for the good of your dental health. Albeit many of your teeth are easily removable, in some cases they are more complicated and require a more involved procedure. Continue reading to learn why the surgical extraction of teeth may be needed, and how your dentist differentiates these procedures from others.
Why A Tooth Can Not Be Saved
According to the Canadian Dental Association (CDA), teeth are usually removed due to trauma, disease, or crowding. If a tooth cannot be repaired with a filling or a crown because of an accident or extensive decay, your best recourse may be a tooth extraction in Cranbrook. Teeth that are not supported by adequate bone due to periodontal disease are also candidates for removal. Additionally, infected (abscessed teeth) that are not responsive to root canal therapy may need to be removed, as well.
Simple Extractions vs. Surgical Extractions
When your tooth is visible above your gum line, your dentist in Cranbrook can easily remove it using forceps; the procedure is called a simple extraction. However, if you have a more volatile tooth that has yet to grow, your dentist will need to remove gum tissue or bone to extract it. This process is called a surgical extraction and requires stitches to close the site so that it will heal properly. Your dentist in Cranbrook may also prescribe a more specific pain medication following the procedure.
Why Surgical Extractions Are Needed
Your dentist can determine whether or not your extraction will be simple or surgical by taking an X-ray and examining your tooth. Having that said, there are some instances when a simple removal turns into a surgical extraction. For example, if your tooth breaks off during the procedure, it may need to be removed in pieces. Often, wisdom teeth face surgical extraction as they are usually impacted. This means they do not fully erupt into the mouth. This condition will require your dentist to cut through bone and tissue. Extracting several broken down teeth, roots tips or teeth with long-curved roots are other examples of surgical extractions. There are also instances when the bond surrounding a tooth becomes become dense, which results in the need for surgical treatment.
Post-Extraction Instructions
After a surgical extraction, you will typically require one or more stitches at the extraction site. Regardless of whether you require a simple or surgical extraction, it is always vital to follow your dentist’s aftercare instructions to expedite recovery and avoid any complications. Our dental office in Cranbrook recounts the following:
- To help halt the bleeding, bite down on a gauze pad for 20 minutes after the extraction.
- Avoid unnecessary speaking, eating, and drinking for the first two hours following an extraction.
- Stay hydrated and drink sufficient amounts of lukewarm or cold liquids after the bleeding subsides.
- Maintain your diet and begin with clear liquids and soft foods for the first day.
- Refrain from rinsing or brushing your teeth for 12 hours post-extraction.
- Avoid the surgical area when brushing, albeit you can gently rinse your mouth with diluted mouthwash or ¼ teaspoon of table salt in a glass of lukewarm water.
- Refrain from using straws, smoking, or spitting forcefully as long as there is bleeding.
- Follow the instructions provided by your dental clinic near you on using any prescribed pain medications.
- Contact your dentist in Cranbrook if you experience lingering pain or bleeding.
A surgical dental extraction may sound a bit unnerving, but in today’s world, dentistry uses modern procedures and anesthesia, which means you have nothing to worry about. Tooth removal can help keep the infection from spreading to other areas of your mouth. Your dentist will administer a local anesthetic to numb (freeze) the area where your tooth will be removed for a pain-free procedure. They are highly skilled and equipped to perform this surgery and will ensure your health and safety. Following the procedure, you and your dentist can discuss tooth replacement options to restore the function and beauty of your smile.