Tooth Extractions in Regina SK
Extracted Teeth
At times, it may be the case that a tooth is damaged – either due to decay, gum disease, a fracture beyond what can be repaired, or it may need to be removed for space before orthodontics as some teeth are poorly positioned (wisdom teeth, for instance). An extraction may help lead to the proper restoration required to keep the mouth looking and feeling healthy!
Think you may be in need of a tooth extraction? Thinking of pulling it on your own? May want to re-evaluate tying the string to the door knob; ouch! Pulling your own tooth can lead to infection, broken teeth, more pain and cost more money than seeing a dentist in the first place. If you are in or near Regina and think you may need a tooth extraction, come see us at Southland Dental Clinic of Regina so we can properly evaluate the situation. In some cases, a crown or filling will do the job before an extraction is even necessary.
WE'D LOVE TO MEET YOU!
New patients are always welcome! Let's discuss your dental health together.
Southland Dental Clinic of Regina
2905 Gordon Rd, Regina, SK S4S 6H7
Monday: 7:30am-4pm
Tuesday: 7:30am-4pm
Wednesday: 7:30am-4pm
Thursday: 7:30am-4pm
About Extractions
A tooth extraction, also known as tooth pulling or dental extraction is the removal of a tooth from the socket of the bone. The process of extracting, pulling or removing a tooth can be performed for multiple reasons. Typical reasons for tooth extractions are as follows:
- Tooth decay
- Broken beyond repair
- Make room for orthodontic work
- Poorly positioned teeth (i.e. impacted teeth)
- Infection and/or Risk of Infection
- Periodontal (Gum) Disease
Tooth Extraction Procedure
Once a tooth extraction has been deemed the best course of action for you, your Regina dental specialist will set up a date and time for your tooth extraction procedure. An antibiotic may be prescribed before or after the procedure varying on a case by case basis.
At the beginning of your procedure, your dentist will numb the area with a local anesthesia. Once the extraction begins you will likely feel pressure but this should not result in pain. If you do feel pain please let your dentist know right away. Once the tooth extraction is complete a blood clot where the extraction took place should start to form and your dentist will pack the site with gauze to help stop bleeding. In some cases they may place a few stitches, many times self-dissolving, to close the area.
WE'D LOVE TO MEET YOU!
New patients are always welcome! Let's discuss your dental health together.
How do I know if my tooth needs to be removed?
Examination of the mouth, coupled with radiographs (usually done between the age of 17-22), may help to determine whether any teeth need to be extracted. In the case of wisdom teeth for example, not all may need to be removed if there is enough room in the mouth and they are able to function normally without disrupting others.
Sometimes, however, they may stay buried in the bone, making it hard to erupt or only allowing them to emerge partly. It may be best to remove the teeth at the recommended time in such cases as they may cause further damage or become infected.
With the proper treatment, however, such risks may be avoided sooner than later. In turn, saving you time, money, and pain.
Tooth Removal - Regina Dentist Explains
You may hear people talk about getting a tooth “pulled”. We don’t like that word at all! “Pulling” a tooth might damage the surrounding teeth, gums, and bone.
There’s a simpler and less scary way: if a tooth needs to be extracted, the area around it will be numbed and the tooth then dislocated using a side to side motion until it is loose and lifted out.
Sometimes, a tooth may be trimmed into two or more pieces in order to remove it safely, as may be necessary if it has several roots going in different directions. Advanced, modern technologies are on our side as they may help to ease and quicken procedures causing less overall discomfort!
Tooth Removal - Regina Dentist Explains
After tooth removal, a small amount of discomfort (when the freezing wears out) is completely normal.
Some patients may take ibuprofen or acetaminophen at that time. Pain, swelling, or stiffness may be experienced for a while after the extraction (depending on the complexity of the procedure and on the individual).
Proper care is crucial at that time in order to ensure quicker healing and lessen the risks of infection. Our team at our Regina dental clinic can walk you through specific aftercare steps and help you recognize signs of infection post-treatment so further pain and procedures can be avoided!
Do I need to replace my tooth after it is extracted?
That depends. Some teeth are important for function or aesthetics, so a replacement may be necessary but that’s not always the case! Your Southland Dental Clinic of Regina dentist can you help you determine the next steps and the treatment that may be needed in order to keep your smile looking sharp!
WE'D LOVE TO MEET YOU!
New patients are always welcome! Let's discuss your dental health together.
Frequently Asked Questions:
We will provide you with detailed instructions that are unique to your extraction. Be sure to follow this guide, and contact us if you have any questions or are uncertain about how to proceed.
You’ll definitely want to take the day after your extraction off so that you can relax and heal. There may also be swelling that makes you look slightly different, or make it slightly harder for you to speak. You shouldn’t exercise, bend over, or do heavy lifting for the 1-3 days after your surgery.
For most patients, OTC painkillers are sufficient. We will prescribe you medication if you have a special case that is more uncomfortable. Take painkillers immediately after your extraction, while you’re still numb – that way, you’ll have support as the local anesthetic wears off. You should avoid aspirin, as this can be a blood thinner and prevent your blood from clotting.
That depends on the stitches. We may give you standard sutures, or dissolvable sutures, which will gradually degrade on their own. If you have to have your stitches removed, don’t get nervous about that appointment – there won’t be any pain, just a little bit of pressure and a tugging feeling.
The pain after extraction will be noticeable, but it will only affect your daily life for a few days after treatment. After the first week of healing, things should be improving. If you find that your discomfort is growing after week one, you may be experiencing dry socket and should get in touchright away.
You’ll be more comfortable on a liquid/soft foods diet immediately after your oral surgery. Most patients usually do this for a few days after treatment, until the initial pain has faded. Don’t use straws, as the sucking motion can pull on your stitches and also cause fresh bleeding.
Table of Contents