At Hermitage Dental Clinic in Edmonton, we are committed to preserving your natural teeth whenever possible. However, there are times when a tooth may be too damaged or decayed to be saved. As part of our general dentistry services, we provide extractions when necessary to safeguard your oral health. In these cases, tooth extraction is sometimes the best option to protect your overall oral health.
Whether you need a simple extraction or a more complex procedure, our team is here to provide gentle and compassionate care, ensuring your comfort throughout the process.
When is a Tooth Extraction Necessary?
A tooth extraction may be necessary for a variety of reasons, especially when we can no longer repair or save a tooth. In some cases, decay may have progressed to the point where the tooth is no longer viable. In other situations, trauma or injury may leave a tooth too damaged to restore. Some common reasons for tooth extractions include:
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Severe Decay or Infection: When a tooth is deeply decayed or infected, and a root canal is not an option, extraction may be necessary to prevent the infection from spreading to other teeth or areas of the mouth.
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Crowding: In some cases, we may need to remove teeth to make room for orthodontic treatment, especially if the mouth is too crowded for proper alignment.
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Impacted Wisdom Teeth: Wisdom teeth often do not have enough space to erupt properly. This can lead to pain, infections, or damage to neighboring teeth. Extracting impacted wisdom teeth is a common procedure to prevent future complications.
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Injury or Trauma: Teeth that are severely damaged from accidents or injuries may need to be extracted if they cannot be repaired with fillings, crowns, or other restorative treatments.
Gentle and Comfortable Extractions
At Hermitage Dental Clinic, we understand that the idea of having a tooth extracted can cause anxiety for many patients. That’s why Dr. Saraiya takes extra care to ensure perform every extraction as gently and comfortably as possible. Our goal is to provide a stress-free experience. We want to help you feel at ease before, during, and after the procedure.
Before the extraction, we’ll carefully examine your tooth and review your X-rays to determine the best approach. Once the procedure begins, we use a local anesthetic to completely numb the area around the tooth, ensuring that you won’t feel any pain during the extraction. For patients who are especially anxious, we offer additional sedation options to help you relax and stay comfortable throughout the treatment.
What to Expect After a Tooth Extraction
After the extraction, it’s important to follow the aftercare instructions to ensure a smooth recovery. You may experience some swelling and mild discomfort for a few days following the procedure. We can typically manage pain with over-the-counter medication and cold compresses.
Our team will provide you with clear, detailed instructions on how to care for the extraction site, including:
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Keeping the Area Clean: Gently rinse your mouth with salt water to keep the area clean and reduce the risk of infection. Avoid vigorous rinsing or spitting for the first 24 hours to protect the extraction site.
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Eating Soft Foods: Stick to soft, easy-to-chew foods like yogurt, mashed potatoes, and applesauce in the days following your extraction. Avoid hot, spicy, or crunchy foods that could irritate the area.
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Avoiding Smoking and Straws: Smoking or using straws can dislodge the blood clot that forms in the extraction site, leading to a painful condition known as dry socket. It’s best to avoid these activities until your dentist gives you the all-clear.
Most patients heal within a week, and our team will schedule a follow-up visit to ensure everything is healing properly. If you experience any unusual symptoms, such as severe pain, excessive bleeding, or signs of infection, don’t hesitate to contact us right away for additional care.
Tooth-Colored Fillings and Other Restorative Options
In addition to extractions, Hermitage Dental Clinic offers tooth-colored composite fillings to repair teeth affected by decay. Our composite fillings blend seamlessly with your natural teeth, providing a strong and durable restoration that looks great and helps preserve your tooth’s structure. Whenever possible, we prioritize fillings and other restorative treatments to save and protect your natural teeth before considering extraction.