Tooth extractions in Prince Albert are medical procedures that involve removing damaged or infected teeth. As much as we would like to keep our natural teeth in our mouths for as long as possible, tooth extraction is sometimes the only option. While it may be a little scary to imagine a dentist near you removing your teeth with sharp tools, in reality, a tooth extraction is a very simple process, and you don’t have anything to worry about.
Knowing what to expect when it comes to tooth extractions near you can help ease your nerves. Read on to find out more about what happens during the tooth extraction process.
What Necessitates a Tooth Extraction?
Although our natural teeth are meant to last us a lifetime, this isn’t always the case. Here are some of the most common reasons that our dentist in Prince Albert performs tooth extractions:
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Decayed teeth- a badly damaged or rotted tooth can do much more harm than good when it comes to your oral health. This is the most common reason that patients visit Prairie Pines Dental Centre for tooth extractions.
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Overcrowded mouth- it is fairly common for individuals to have misaligned teeth due to insufficient space in the mouth. If this is your case, then your dentist may suggest that you get tooth extractions to make space in your mouth for teeth to realign.
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Gum disease- when gum disease becomes very severe, it can cause teeth to become loose and need extracting.
What to Expect at a Tooth Extraction
When you visit a dental office in Prince Albert for a tooth extraction, it won’t be anything like the nightmarish situation you have pictured in your head. Throughout your procedure, it is important that you do your best to relax and trust that your dentist will provide you with the utmost attention and care.
Before your procedure begins, your dentist will inject a local anesthetic into the affected area to ensure that you feel no pain. They will then use a special tool to loosen the affected tooth until it is loose enough to lift out of the socket. Finally, they will place some gauze pads into the socket and get you to bite down on it to stop the bleeding. In some cases, your dentist may need to place a few dissolving sutures at the extraction site.
Healing After a Tooth Extraction
Healing after a tooth extraction takes a few days. Here are some tips that can help you heal quickly and efficiently while minimizing any discomfort you may experience:
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Take any prescribed painkillers or antibiotics as directed
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Apply a cold compress to the extraction site to help with swelling
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Use a saline solution to rinse your mouth
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Only ingest soft foods and avoid anything acidic
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Avoid the use of a straw as this can dislodge the blood clot necessary for healing
Now that you have a better understanding of what to expect during a tooth extraction, you will be able to follow these tips for a seamless recovery. Remember that it is not unusual to experience discomfort after your extraction, but if the pain is persistent, visit your dentist for a checkup.
At Prairie Pines Dental Centre, we offer tooth extractions to our patients as a way to protect their overall oral health. If you would like to learn more about the tooth extraction process, please contact us today!