Tooth Extractions – Fear Not!

There are websites online dedicated to the painful scenes in movies where a tooth is extracted, ranking the top 10, 20 even 50 frightening scenes! So when we think of having a tooth pulled many of us are flashing to the scene in Cast Away when Tom Hanks hammers his tooth out with a skate blade! Are you scared yet? I’m horrified!

Let’s all calm down, we are not alone on an island with a terrible toothache and our only friend a  volleyball named Wilson. We are in the big city of Calgary, with a modern dental office right in Chinook Mall,new technology and an extremely qualified dentist in Dr. Charchuk! So have no fear.

There are many procedures available to save a tooth but sometimes there are circumstances that require an extraction.

There many reasons for an extraction

• Removing a fractured tooth
• Severe tooth decay that is unable to be treated with root canal therapy
• Advanced periodontal disease that has loosened the tooths roots
• Baby teeth or other teeth that impede adult teeth
• Preparation for another procedure 

At Chinook Mall Family Dental we use tooth extraction as a last resort. Dentistry has evolved to a point where treatments and procedures are designed to save a tooth. Your consultation with us is thorough as to ensure the course of treatment is what it right for you and the integrity of your teeth and mouth. If it is determined that tooth extraction is necessary, here are a few things to expect.

If it is a simple extraction, meaning it’s above the gum line and does not need surgery to be extracted, someone from our friendly dental team will administer a local anesthetic and then gently remove the tooth. There will be no pain only slight pressure as it comes out.

A surgical extraction is performed when a tooth has broken off at gum level, is present below the gum line or partially showing through the gum.

You will be given a local anesthetic to numb the area prior to a small incision being made. The gum will be pulled back and the tooth removed. Once the tooth has been extracted a swab will cover the extraction site, you will bite down on this until the bleeding stops. If needed a few self dissolving stitches will be put in place over the extraction site.

After your procedure there are few to do’s and not to do’s

• Do apply an ice bag to the affected area immediately
• Do relax and take it easy for 24hours, no strenuous activity
• After 24hrs do rinse your mouth with a salt water solution
• Do take your painkillers as prescribed
• Do eat soft foods for at least a day
• Do not rinse or spit for 24hrs, it could dislodge the clot that forms in the socket
• Do not drink from a straw for 24hrs
• Do not smoke, it can inhibit the healing
• Do not lay flat, prop your head up to avoid prolonged bleeding

Most importantly follow up with your dentist and make sure to call in with any concerns you have. We are here at our South Calgary office to serve you. Please call with any questions you have about tooth extraction or any other procedures.