Discover tips to avoid and manage complications from tooth extractions
Sometimes your tooth or several teeth need to be removed, but extractions can lead to complications if you ignore post-treatment care. Calgary SW tooth extractions from a dentist are a common solution to wisdom teeth issues or severely damaged teeth. Having a tooth removed is a way to alleviate the pain you may be experiencing.
Why Might You Need a Tooth Extraction?
Your dentist will only suggest getting a SW Calgary tooth extraction when necessary.
Wisdom Teeth Problems – One or more of the following things happening could mean it is time to remove your wisdom teeth:
- They are impacted
- It is proving difficult to open your mouth
- You have swollen gums
- You have not properly cleaned your wisdom teeth and they have cavities
- Your teeth are shifting or overlapping
These signs indicate that removal of your wisdom teeth may be required to protect you from further oral health problems.
- Damaged or Lost Tooth – Perhaps you have had an injury, and your tooth has been broken or on the verge of falling out. Though sometimes a tooth can be saved and placed back into position, other times damage may be too severe. When the root is completely destroyed, your dentist may recommend extracting what is left. An implant or bridge can camouflage the empty space while providing you with full functionality of your mouth. It will be difficult for anyone to know the difference between your natural teeth and the artificial ones.
- Gum Disease – Advanced periodontitis can cause bone loss which weakens the structure your teeth rely on to stay intact. If your teeth are damaged due to bacteria, they may be at risk of falling out. An extraction may be necessary before things get worse.
What Happens During Calgary SW Tooth Extractions?
Depending on your situation, there are two types of extractions.
1. Simple Extraction – You will be given an anesthetic to numb the area. The tooth is then loosened with a special dental tool called an elevator. Forceps are used to finally remove it from its socket. This situation usually occurs when your tooth is still visible above your gums.
2. Surgical Extraction – IV and local anesthesia might be used together to numb the area that needs to be worked on. There is a chance you may be put to sleep during the procedure. Your gums are cut into, and surrounding bone might also be taken out. The remainder of your tooth is removed to prevent infection. This is often the course of action with severely impacted teeth.
What is The Recovery Process of a Tooth Extraction?
Your dentist will take care to provide you with a list of dos and don’ts after a tooth extraction. Here are some things that help to ensure a smooth, comfortable recovery.
- Ice Pack – Keeping an ice pack outside the extraction site for the following day will help lessen the swelling. This is normally done for 15-20 minutes at a time, taking a 10-minute break in between each session, until you go to bed.
- Keep Your Mouth Clean – You should gently brush and floss normally after extraction to keep the area from getting infected. However, this is only done the day after treatment. Steer clear of brushing your teeth within the initial 24 hours as this can dislodge a blood clot and cause extreme discomfort from an issue called dry socket.
- Rest – It is vital to take time and get plenty of rest after your dental extraction. Taking part in any strenuous activity can also dislodge the blood clot so activities that require a lot out of you should be avoided for about a week. Extractions can also take a lot out of you so take time to sleep.
- Avoid Using a Straw – Drinking from a straw causes suction which can pop out a blood clot. Avoid this painful emergency dental situation by slowly drinking from a glass or mug.
- Eat Soft Foods – Remember when you were a baby, and solid foods were too much to handle for your fragile gums? Go back to those routines for about a week, consuming soft items like yogurt and soup. Healthy smoothies made from spinach and apples are a good way to get your vitamins without having to chew on the frail area.
- Stay Hydrated – Drink plenty of water as you will be dehydrated after going through this procedure. This also helps in the healing process.
Ready for Your Tooth Extraction
Now that you know what to expect after a tooth extraction, you can prepare to follow the recommended actions. At Glenbrook Dental, we will always check up on you to ensure the healing is going according to plan. If you do run into a negative situation, we have emergency dental services for Calgary SW tooth extractions and all sorts of other dental treatments.