Many individuals will require a tooth extraction at some point in their lives. While tooth extractions can seem daunting and overwhelming, they are sometimes necessary to maintain and protect your oral health. At Aldergrove Dental Clinic, we offer tooth extractions in Edmonton to our patients as a way to preserve their oral health. Read more to learn everything you need to know about tooth extraction.
Tooth Extractions: The Basics
Tooth extractions near you are performed to remove unhealthy, damaged, or badly decayed teeth. If your tooth is unhealthy, it may cause problems with nearby teeth and compromise your overall oral health. Although tooth extraction is sometimes necessary, your dentist in Edmonton won’t recommend it as a first choice. It is always in your best interest to keep your natural teeth in your mouth for as long as possible. Some alternative procedures to tooth extraction include root canals, braces, and dental bonding.
If it is determined that tooth extraction is in your best interest, your dentist will begin by taking radiographs of your mouth and going over your medical history. After they assess your oral health, the procedure will start. You will be given a local anesthetic to numb the affected area and ensure that you don’t feel any pain. Next, your dentist will use a special tool to slowly wiggle your tooth back and forth until it is loose enough to gently lift out of the socket.
In some circumstances, a simple tooth extraction procedure, which is what was described above, isn’t enough. For example, if you have a tooth with multiple roots that need to be extracted, your dentist will have to break the tooth and remove it in pieces.
Reasons for Tooth Extractions
Tooth extractions are not procedures to be taken lightly, and a dentist near you won’t perform a tooth extraction on a whim. There must be a clear-cut reason for the procedure, and your dentist should explain those reasons to you.
As mentioned earlier, a tooth will be extracted if it is damaged or decayed so badly that it will impact your dental health negatively. Another reason for tooth extraction is to make space in your mouth for orthodontic treatment. For instance, if you need braces due to overcrowding, your dentist may opt to extract a tooth or two first to make space for your remaining teeth to align properly.
If the idea of tooth extraction scares you, speak to your dentist about your fears and concerns. They can provide you with all the information you need to ensure that you feel calm and comfortable moving forward with the procedure.
Caring for Your Oral Health Post-Extraction
An essential part of tooth extraction is aftercare. While your dentist can guide you on the best way to clean your extraction site and ensure that you heal properly, the responsibility of aftercare falls largely on you.
Most of the time, your dentist will provide you with anti-inflammatory medications to help with your pain, as well as detailed aftercare instructions that, if followed properly, will ensure that you heal with ease.
The Bottom Line
Tooth extraction may sound scary at first, but it is a common procedure and nothing to be afraid of. At Aldergrove Dental, our dentist is highly trained in tooth extractions and will ensure that your procedure goes smoothly and that you heal quickly. Please contact us to learn more today!
