There are times when a tooth has to be removed from the socket in the bone. At Oakridge Crossing Dental, we are pleased to offer the convenience of SW Calgary Tooth Extractions!
There are many reasons why teeth require extraction. The teeth might have decay, gum disease or a fracture beyond what we can repair. The teeth may need to remove it for space or before placing orthodontic braces. Some teeth are poorly positioned and need to be removed. A typical example of this is the ‘third molar’ or wisdom tooth.
Here are other common reasons for Tooth Extraction:
Our dental team will make the recommendation for a tooth extraction based on your examination and radiographs (usually between the ages of 17-22). Not all wisdom teeth have to be removed; in some cases, there is adequate room, and the wisdom tooth can come in and function normally. In other cases, the wisdom tooth stays buried in bone and is unlikely to erupt. Also, in some cases, the wisdom tooth never forms at all. The most common wisdom tooth problem occurs when the tooth comes into the mouth only part of the way and then stalls. In these instances, it is best to remove these teeth at a recommended time and not wait until they have caused damage, or become infected at the worst possible time (while on vacation, etc.).
You may hear people talk about getting a tooth “pulled.” This is an unfortunate term; we don’t pull out teeth to remove them. If we did, we could easily damage the surrounding teeth, gums, and bone. If a tooth needs removal, we numb the area around it and then “luxate” it. To luxate a tooth, we move it from side to side until it loosens, then it is gently lifted out of the mouth. Sometimes we will cut the tooth into two or more pieces to remove it safely, especially if it has several roots going different directions.
Every case is different and after the tooth is removed your dentist will review with you what to expect. In general, a small amount of discomfort is normal immediately after the freezing comes out. At this point, some patients will take ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Bleeding or swelling is usually minimal, but again, your dentist can tell you what to expect with your particular case.
Again, this depends on the individual case. Some teeth are essential for function or aesthetics; for example, the first molar tooth is vital for chewing and taking the bite force to protect the other teeth from damage/loss. Some other teeth, such as wisdom teeth, are rarely replaced.
To learn more about our SW Calgary Tooth Extractions at Oakridge Crossing Dental, Contact us at (403) 475-9800 or request your appointment today!