Our clinic performs dental extractions as required, tailored to each individual case. Reasons for tooth extraction can include severe decay, infection, overcrowding, impacted wisdom teeth, or preparation for orthodontic treatment. We prioritize safety, patient comfort, and minimally invasive techniques. Routine extractions are managed on-site, while more complex cases, such as those involving wisdom teeth, the need for moderate to deep sedation, or those with medical complexities, are referred to specialists.
Tooth removal as a last resort
When a tooth suffers from deep decay or infection but remains restorable with healthy surrounding bone, extraction should be considered a last resort. Preserving the tooth via root canal treatment is often preferable. Following a root canal, a crown is most ideal to fully restore the tooth's function. While extraction may initially appear less costly, replacing a missing tooth with a bridge or implant can ultimately be more expensive than a root canal and subsequent restorative work. Generally, the benefits of keeping natural teeth outweigh the advantages of prosthetic replacements. Should you opt for extraction, there are several reasons to replace a missing tooth. A gap in your teeth, particularly if visible when smiling or speaking, poses a cosmetic issue. Missing teeth can impact your speech depending on their location. The absence of a molar may not be evident when you speak or smile, but it can affect chewing. When a tooth missing is not replaced, the adjacent teeth may begin to shift. This change in bite may lead to increased forces on the remaining teeth and possible pain discomfort in the jaw muscles and joints. Additionally, the jawbone or ridge where the tooth occupied will gradually shrink over time.. |
Tooth Replacement Options: After tooth extraction, consider these replacement options:
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The process involves the following steps:
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Post-Extraction Care
to ensure rapid healing and to avoid complications that could be both harmful and painful to you, please follow these instructions carefully
A. Bleeding
· Bite firmly on gauze pack that has been placed until you arrive home, or for at least one hour, then remove it gently. If after removal, bleeding begins again, place another damp gauze pack directly over the tooth socket and bite firmly for 30 minutes.
· Biting on a tea bag that has been moistened and wrapped in a piece of gauze also helps stop bleeding
· It is not unusual to have a slight oozing for up to 24 hours. You may find a blood stain on your pillow in the morning.
· Keep your head elevated with several pillows or sit in a lounge chair.
· Do not spit or suck through a straw, since this promotes bleeding.
· Do not smoke for 12 hours because this will promote bleeding and interfere with healing.
B. Medication
Some discomfort is normal after surgery. It can be controlled but not eliminated by taking the pain pills Dr Guy has prescribed. Fill the prescription very soon and start taking as directed. Take your pain pills with a whole glass of water and with a small amount of food if the pills cause nausea.
Note: Do not drive or drink alcohol if you take prescription pain pills and that some antibiotics can temporarily nullify the effects of oral contraceptives
C. Diet
It is important to get adequate nutrition to help the healing process. Eat normal regular meals as soon as possible after surgery. Cold, soft food such as ice cream or yoghurt may be the most comfortable for the first day.
D. Oral hygiene
Do not rinse your mouth or brush your teeth for the first 24 hours after surgery. After that, rinse your mouth with warm salt water (1/2 teaspoon salt in 8 oz warm water) every 4 hours. Brush your teeth, but avoid the area of surgery.
F. Swelling
To help prevent swelling ice packs should be applied to the face adjacent to the surgery site. Apply the ice packs for 20 minutes on and 5 minutes off until bed time on the day of the surgery. Ice is not particularly beneficial after the first day. Swelling peaks at about 48 hours after surgery and then starts to go. Significant swelling beyond this period could mean infection
Postoperative Check-up
The surgery site may need to be examined to make certain that healing is progressing normal. If stitches have been placed in the area of your surgery, you will need to have them removed in about 1 week. An appointment will be made for you.
If you suspect any problems with healing, do not hesitate to call the office or Dr. Guy at home.
A. Bleeding
· Bite firmly on gauze pack that has been placed until you arrive home, or for at least one hour, then remove it gently. If after removal, bleeding begins again, place another damp gauze pack directly over the tooth socket and bite firmly for 30 minutes.
· Biting on a tea bag that has been moistened and wrapped in a piece of gauze also helps stop bleeding
· It is not unusual to have a slight oozing for up to 24 hours. You may find a blood stain on your pillow in the morning.
· Keep your head elevated with several pillows or sit in a lounge chair.
· Do not spit or suck through a straw, since this promotes bleeding.
· Do not smoke for 12 hours because this will promote bleeding and interfere with healing.
B. Medication
Some discomfort is normal after surgery. It can be controlled but not eliminated by taking the pain pills Dr Guy has prescribed. Fill the prescription very soon and start taking as directed. Take your pain pills with a whole glass of water and with a small amount of food if the pills cause nausea.
Note: Do not drive or drink alcohol if you take prescription pain pills and that some antibiotics can temporarily nullify the effects of oral contraceptives
C. Diet
It is important to get adequate nutrition to help the healing process. Eat normal regular meals as soon as possible after surgery. Cold, soft food such as ice cream or yoghurt may be the most comfortable for the first day.
D. Oral hygiene
Do not rinse your mouth or brush your teeth for the first 24 hours after surgery. After that, rinse your mouth with warm salt water (1/2 teaspoon salt in 8 oz warm water) every 4 hours. Brush your teeth, but avoid the area of surgery.
F. Swelling
To help prevent swelling ice packs should be applied to the face adjacent to the surgery site. Apply the ice packs for 20 minutes on and 5 minutes off until bed time on the day of the surgery. Ice is not particularly beneficial after the first day. Swelling peaks at about 48 hours after surgery and then starts to go. Significant swelling beyond this period could mean infection
Postoperative Check-up
The surgery site may need to be examined to make certain that healing is progressing normal. If stitches have been placed in the area of your surgery, you will need to have them removed in about 1 week. An appointment will be made for you.
If you suspect any problems with healing, do not hesitate to call the office or Dr. Guy at home.
- Postoperative Complications (After the Procedure):
- Dry Socket: Pain and delayed healing due to the blood clot dislodging.
- Bleeding: Persistent bleeding after extraction.
- Infections: Risk of infection at the extraction site.
- Nerve Complications: Numbness or altered sensation.
- Difficulty Opening Mouth (Trismus): Limited jaw movement.
- Subcutaneous Emphysema: Air trapped under the skin