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.

 

Dry Sockets

We strive to save patients’ teeth at Bear Creek Dental, but when extractions are necessary, we do them safely and efficiently. Tooth removal is a routine procedure; however, there are rare cases in which patients can suffer a dry socket. This is more likely when the extraction required incisions into the gum line.

Before extracting teeth, we will need patients to provide us with a list of all the medications they are on. We do this because we are counting on the blood to form a clot after the tooth is removed and there are medications which interfere with clotting. A clot will seal off the empty socket, preventing it from drying out and becoming infected. But a successful clot could still be torn loose by suction or dissolved, which is why we also tell patients to avoid sipping through straws and smoking during their recoveries.

While it is normal for the extraction site to be sore for a few days after the surgery, patients should make an emergency appointment if they are in severe pain. We can medicate a dry socket with antibiotics and moisturizers to get the healing process back on track.

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.