Tooth Extraction in the Edmonton Area

After losing your baby teeth, your adult teeth are meant to last you for the rest of your lifetime. Sometimes, after a trauma or because of decay or risk of infection, or because there are too many teeth crowding your mouth a tooth extraction may need to occur. If you believe that you may need a tooth extraction in Edmonton, please call Janz Family Dental to book a consultation appointment.

The most common tooth extraction is your wisdom teeth. For some people, their jaw has enough room and their teeth come in just fine but for others, your jaw may not be large enough to hold them and they may become impacted (not break through the gum cleanly). This could create problems such as an infection or pain. Typically it is suggested to have them removed in order to avoid those potential future issues.

Some of the symptoms that may mean you should get your tooth removed include:

• Pain
• Infection
• Damage is being done to nearby teeth
• Gum disease
• Cysts

If you feel any of these symptoms, you should notify your dentist immediately and book an appointment to ensure that you’re taking care of the tooth before it becomes a bigger issue. 

How Tooth Extraction Works in Edmonton at Janz Family Dental

Dental and oral surgeons are the ones that will perform a tooth extraction on you. You will be given a local anesthetic to numb the area around the tooth that is being removed. If the tooth extraction is more complicated or if you’re removing all four wisdom teeth, you may need a general anesthetic in order to prevent pain in your whole body and will put you to sleep through the procedure. 

In order to remove a tooth, here are the steps that occur when the tooth is under the gums:

1. The dentist will open up the gum tissue over the tooth and remove any bone that is covering the tooth if necessary.
2. They will then separate the tissue that connects the tooth to the bone.
3. The tooth will then be removed.
4. Sometimes the dentist needs to cut the tooth into smaller pieces in order to get it removed.

What to Expect After a Tooth Extraction

Once a tooth is pulled, a blood clot usually forms in the socket. The socket will be packed with gauze and you will have to bite down to try and stop the bleeding. Sometimes a few stitches, usually self-dissolving, will be placed to close the gum edges over the extraction site. 

After the surgery, you should be careful in the few days afterwards in order to ensure your healing is on track. If the blood clot breaks in the socket, this exposes the bone. This is a painful condition called dry socket. Your dentist will have to place a sedative dressing over the socket in order to protect it as a new clot forms. 

Here are some tips to ensure a smooth healing process:

• Bite gently on gauze pads intermittently and replace them as they become soaked with blood. 
• Be careful not to bite the inside of your cheek, lip, or tongue.
• Prop up your head as lying flat may extend bleeding.
• Apply an icepack on the outside of your cheek for 15 to 20 minutes at a time for the first 24 hours.
• Moist heat, such as a warm, wet wash cloth can be used for the following 2 or 3 days.
• Gently rinse your mouth with warm salt water after 24 hours to relieve pain and reduce swelling.
• Physical activity can increase bleeding so relax after the surgery.
• Soft foods are suggested afterwards and solid foods can be gradually added as healing improves.
• Do not use a straw or smoke for the first few days as the sucking can loosen the blood clot.
• Avoid rubbing the area with your tongue or touching it with your fingers.
• Brush your teeth and tongue carefully.

Emergency Dental Appointments

Emergencies happen – if you’re in need of an emergency tooth extraction in Edmonton, call Janz Family Dental and we’ll take care of you and your dental issues as best we can. 

When you have regular check-ups, your dentist will be able to observe changes in your teeth and suggest next steps when tooth extractions may need to happen. Call now to book an appointment with Janz Family Dental to have your teeth checked.