Extractions
in Barrie
There are many reasons why a tooth extraction may be necessary, including severe damage or decay. This is a common dental procedure that can effectively eliminate bacteria and improve your overall oral health.
During a tooth extraction, your tooth is completely removed from its socket. This procedure is sometimes referred to as “pulling” a tooth.
Whenever possible, healthcare providers prefer to preserve natural teeth. However, in some cases, other restorative methods such as dental fillings or crowns may not be sufficient. If your tooth has been badly damaged beyond repair, extraction may be necessary. Your dentist may recommend a tooth extraction if you have:
Severe tooth decay (cavities).
A fractured tooth.
An impacted tooth.
Crowded teeth.
Severe gum disease.
Tooth luxation or other dental injuries.
Tooth extractions can be performed by dentists as well as some dental specialists, such as oral surgeons and periodontists. While general dentists are capable of performing many extractions, more complex cases are typically referred to oral surgeons or periodontists.
To determine if tooth extraction is necessary, your dentist will evaluate the affected tooth and the surrounding gums, and take dental X-rays to assess bone levels and the extent of damage. It’s important to inform your dentist about any medications, vitamins or supplements you’re taking. Once all the necessary information is gathered, your dentist will discuss treatment and sedation options with you in detail.
Many healthcare providers offer sedation during tooth extractions and other dental procedures to help patients manage anxiety and discomfort. There are different types of sedation medications used in dentistry, including nitrous oxide, oral conscious sedation, and intravenous (IV) sedation. Nitrous oxide is inhaled through a mask and is suitable for light sedation, while oral conscious sedation is taken in pill form and can be used alone or in combination with nitrous oxide or IV sedation. IV sedation is recommended for those with significant dental anxiety or lengthy procedures. In some cases, general anesthesia in a hospital setting may be recommended for complex cases such as facial reconstruction or corrective jaw surgery. It’s important to note that people who choose oral conscious sedation or IV sedation will need a friend or family member to drive them to and from their appointment.
To start the tooth extraction procedure, your dentist will first administer local anesthesia to the affected tooth and surrounding gums to ensure numbness. Then, using specialized dental tools, the dentist will gently loosen and lift the tooth from its socket. In cases where the tooth is severely decayed or broken at the gum line, your dentist may need to make incisions in your gums to access the tooth. Once the tooth is removed, the socket will be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected. Your dentist may also place a dental bone graft to prevent bone loss in your jaw. Finally, stitches may be used to promote healing.
The recovery time after a tooth extraction varies depending on the complexity of the procedure. In most cases, people feel back to normal within a few days and can return to their daily activities within 48 to 72 hours. However, it can take several weeks for the jawbone to heal completely. If you plan on getting a dental implant to replace the extracted tooth, you’ll likely need to wait a few months to ensure full recovery.
In the first few days after a tooth extraction, it is recommended to avoid hard and crunchy foods. It is best to stick to soft foods such as rice, pasta, eggs, yogurt, and applesauce. Additionally, using straws to drink should be avoided as it can cause dry sockets and dislodge blood clots.
Necessary
Georgian Mall Family Dental is one big, happy family and we would be delighted for you to join us in caring for your dental needs – no doctor referral required. We offer a warm and welcoming environment that will immediately help you feel at home, and our diversified team of specialists can take care of any and every dental procedure you may need.
Georgian Mall, 509 Bayfield Street, Barrie
We are located on the Upper Level inside Georgian Mall,
across from Sportchek