Tooth Extractions in Calgary
Any kind of dental extraction, including wisdom teeth removal, is considered oral surgery, but Dr. Meyer can manage all kinds of dental extraction in-office, avoiding the need to refer you to an oral surgeon specialist.
Removing wisdom teeth and other teeth follows the same procedure. Despite the reputation for being a long and painful procedure, tooth extractions can be very quick and cause minimal pain. By taking steps to control inflammation, you will also have a more comfortable recovery time.
Every tooth extraction starts with a comprehensive clinical exam and consultation.
Get in touch to book your appointment with Dr. Meyer.
Tooth extractions explained
Dr. Meyer handles two types of teeth extraction in the Dental 360 office; general extractions and wisdom teeth extractions. General teeth extractions may be required in the event of overcrowding, severe decay, a failed root canal or due to trauma. Wisdom teeth extractions may be required if the tooth has not emerged correctly.
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The tooth extraction procedure is very quick and it can take as little as 20 minutes to remove all 4 wisdom teeth. The procedure starts with a local anesthetic in the gum. This will freeze the area so you shouldn’t feel any pain. You might feel pressure, but not pain.
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Dr. Meyer will then loosen the tooth root by rocking it back and forth. For wisdom teeth, an incision may be needed to expose the tooth. The tooth may also be broken into smaller pieces to make it easier to remove.
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Throughout the procedure, you may feel pressure as the tooth is rocked back and forth. You should not experience any pain. Dental sedation is an option if you are very nervous, but it shouldn’t be required for such a short procedure.
Common reasons for wisdom tooth extraction
The wisdom teeth are the last to emerge and appear behind your 2nd molars. They will typically emerge around the age of 12, but some people may not see their wisdom teeth until they are 18 or even in their early 20s. The most common problem posed by wisdom teeth is overcrowding.
When a wisdom tooth does not have enough room to emerge, it may only partially erupt, which can cause problems for the surrounding teeth. If left partially emerged (also known as impacted) this can make it harder to brush your teeth and remove debris.
Over time, this can lead to gum disease and bone loss. In this instance, it makes sense to have your wisdom teeth removed so they cannot cause any problems.
Another common reason for wisdom teeth removal is to protect orthodontic work. If you had braces as a child, your wisdom teeth could push teeth out of alignment. Wisdom teeth may also be removed to treat overcrowding before orthodontic work can begin.
The benefits of bone grafting following extractions
After tooth extraction, the bone and gum may shrink and recede. If you are thinking about a dental implant to replace the missing tooth, you will need as much bone density as possible to support the implant. To this end, we recommend a bone graft to help restore density to the area and ensure minimal shrinkage.
It’s best to place a bone graft immediately after the extraction. This will allow your bone to heal with minimal shrinkage and maintain your gums. Dr. Meyer will discuss the option of placing a bone graft during your initial consultation.
Dental extractions for nervous patients
Nervous patients often fear extractions the most. Rest assured that you will be numb throughout the procedure, so you won’t be in any pain.
Dental extractions are also very quick, which is why Dr. Meyer does not recommend oral conscious sedation. With oral conscious sedation, you will need to arrive earlier and stick around for even longer. This means you may spend a half-day in the dental office and a further day recovering.
If you are nervous about a dental procedure, don’t worry, Dr. Meyer and the team will take steps to put you at ease.
