Reasons for Tooth Extractions

We regularly save teeth at Bear Creek Dental in Grande Prairie. But there are times when circumstances require extractions. In order to help our patients understand when having a tooth removed is in their best interest, we put together this brief guide.

In teenagers, teeth are usually removed as a part of orthodontic treatment. Modern peoples’ jaws often do not grow large enough to accommodate all their teeth, resulting in them becoming jumbled or unable to erupt fully. Jumbled teeth are harder to clean and can contribute to jaw muscle strain. To allow teens’ teeth to form an arch, we sometimes remove a set of premolars and the back molars, also known as wisdom teeth.

Despite the use of root canals and anti-bacterial rinses, there are also times when teeth are too badly injured or infected to be safely left in a patient’s mouth. If a crown cracks, a new one may be made and placed over the tooth’s natural root. But if the root is also severely cracked, the tooth may be unsalvageable. If a baby tooth needs to be removed, a dentist may provide the patient with an oral appliance to keep the gap clear until the adult tooth grows in.

Bear Creek Dental is located at Unit 201 10015 102 Ave, Grande Prairie, Alberta, T8v 0z8, Canada. To schedule an appointment, call 780-539-0404 or visit Bear Creek Dental.

 

When Fillings Become a Problem

At Bear Creek Dental, we work diligently to remove decay from our patients’ teeth and supply them with high-quality fillings. For many people, fillings are the first form of dental restoration they become acquainted with during childhood, and our naturally-colored options allow us to repair the aesthetics of their smile as well as their health. However, fillings are not truly permanent, and it is important for patients to recognize when something is wrong with one.

Although fillings and bonding are usually placed with the utmost care, it is possible for a high filling to interfere with the patient’s bite. If this happens, the filling will have to be removed. Furthermore, while the teeth are always sensitive after decayed material is removed, fillings should not cause a great deal of pain more than two days after their placement. If they do, they may be misshapen.

The bonding holding fillings in place has a lifespan of about ten years. After this, it will start to crack, providing bacteria with a home they cannot be brushed out of. To prevent further decay, the fillings will have to be replaced. By maintaining regular appointments, patients can get old fillings replaced before experiencing more decay.

Bear Creek Dental is located at Unit 201 10015 102 Ave, Grande Prairie, Alberta, T8v 0z8, Canada. To schedule an appointment, call 780-539-0404 or visit BearCreekDental.CA.

 

Tooth Sensitivity in Children

Our child patients are no less important to us than adults at Bear Creek Dental, and we want to help children resolve problems they may experience with oversensitivity. It is an unfortunate truth that new teeth pushing through the gum line sometimes cause soreness and that new teeth will be sensitive when they are first exposed to air. However, there are some other reasons for tooth sensitivity in children which require our attention.

Children are the demographic which is most likely to experience cavities. They also experience high rates of gingivitis. This usually happens when they don’t brush their teeth enough. However, an alternative reason for sensitivity is that they are brushing too hard, damaging their gum tissue and allowing their tooth roots to become exposed.

It is important to encourage children to be as specific as possible when describing their symptoms. Soreness in the back upper teeth may indicate a sinus infection. Pain in their jaws may indicate that they are grinding or clenching their teeth while asleep. It is also possible that there is a greater underlying problem which needs to be investigated. Children with diabetes have higher rates of gum inflammation, and people with autism are often more sensitive in general.

Bear Creek Dental is located at Unit 201 10015 102 Ave, Grande Prairie, Alberta, T8v 0z8, Canada. To schedule an appointment, call 780-539-0404 or visit BearCreekDental.CA.