Best Tooth Extractions in Grande Prairie, AB

Sometimes, even with the most diligent oral health regimen, an issue can arise that results in the loss of a tooth. For a wide variety of reasons, be it an accident or trauma, severe decay, advanced periodontal disease, wisdom teeth issues, or a poorly positioned tooth, tooth extraction is an extremely common occurrence. Rest assured that our Grande Prairie-based team at Higson Dental Group is here to help you through the procedure with the best possible result.

It’s important to know that even the removal of one tooth can lead to bigger problems in your mouth such as your impairing your ability to chew, shifting your teeth, and issues with your jaw joint. We will make sure to address all possible complications and choose the best restoration option for you.

The Tooth Extraction Process

When it’s time for your tooth extraction, we will make you feel as comfortable as possible. First, we use a local anesthetic to numb your tooth, jawbone, and surrounding gums.

Once you are ready, much like pulling a tooth when you were younger, we will begin rocking your tooth back and forth to loosen it from its socket for easier removal. You will feel pressure but no pain because the freezing will have numbed the nerves. This is generally a quick and straightforward procedure. However, if you experience any pain during the extraction, let us know right away so we can address the issue.

What Is Sectioning a Tooth?

In some cases, a tooth may not want to go! If it is too firmly anchored in the jaw, or the root is curved, your dentist may have to section the tooth, meaning we cut the tooth into segments and remove it in sections.

It is very common to have to section a tooth during a tooth extraction procedure. Again, the areas surrounding your compromised tooth will be numb and you will not feel any pain during the extraction.

Tooth Extraction Homecare

Once the tooth is pulled, we’ll have you bite on a gauze pad for 20 to 30 minutes to form a blood clot in the socket and stop the bleeding. If your wound continues to bleed or ooze, replace the gauze and bite firmly for another 30 minutes. You may need to repeat this process until the bleeding completely subsides.

It’s important to make sure the blood clot remains undisturbed so healing can begin. We recommend against any oral activity that could aggravate the wound. Refrain from heavy rinsing, sucking on straws, smoking, drinking alcohol, or brushing next to the extraction site for 24 hours. Any of these things could disturb the wound, resume the bleeding, or cause an infection. We may also recommend limiting vigorous exercise for the first 24 hours as it can increase blood pressure and cause more bleeding at the wound site.

It is normal to feel some pain and swelling after a tooth extraction. Using mild pain medication and icing the extraction site with an ice pack will help keep discomfort to a minimum. Symptoms usually subside after 48 hours.

If we have prescribed antibiotics, take them to their full duration until they are all gone to ensure all infection is gone, even if you are feeling fine. Drink plenty of clear fluid and nutritious soft food on the day of the extraction. After the procedure, try to eat on the opposite side of the extraction site for 24 hours, or until it has healed.

You’ll be able to resume your daily brushing and flossing regime 24 hours after the extraction. Be mindful of your dental work, but regular dental care will speed healing and help keep your mouth fresh and clean. In no time you will feel like yourself and be back to normal activity.

If any symptoms continue such as bleeding, pain, or swelling for two to three days after treatment, or if you have a reaction to the medication, please call our Grande Prairie dental clinic immediately.

Call Us Today About Your Tooth Extraction Needs!

Find out if a dental extraction might be in the best interest of your health. Our Grande Prairie dental team will happily answer any questions you may have.

Call Higson Dental Group in Grande Prairie, Alberta at 780-532-4661.

See What Our Patients Have To Say About Us:

‘We love Higson. Our son had a rough appointment today and I wasn’t sure how to best thank them for the work they did. I figured this was the best way. The staff are super friendly, caring, very good at their jobs and the dentists are amazing. It is never easy to see your child in pain (a necessary evil of dentistry sometimes), but when you see the staff in the same state as they work on your kids, you know they really do treat you as family. Thank you Higson for the great work you do.”

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