Tooth extraction in Ottawa involves fully removing a tooth from the mouth. It may be required for a variety of reasons, from crowded teeth to tooth decay.
In this article, we are going to talk about what to expect from a tooth extraction procedure at Rockcliffe Dental & Denture Centre.
What is Tooth Extraction
Tooth extraction is a relatively quick and simple procedure performed by a dentist or an oral surgeon. It may require the use of local, intravenous, or general anesthesia, or a combination of two.
Pulling out visible teeth is a simple procedure while extracting impacted or broken teeth may require a more involved process.
Reasons for Pulling Teeth
While many young people get their wisdom teeth extracted, there are other reasons why tooth removal can be required.
Tooth infection, extensive tooth decay, and crowding could all require an extraction. People who wear braces may need to have some teeth removed as well to make more space for the other teeth to shift.
Here are the most common indications for a tooth extraction procedure:
Badly damaged or decayed tooth. If your tooth is broken, cracked, or significantly decayed, it may need to be removed and replaced with a dental implant or a dental bridge.- Infection. If the tooth decay extends to the pulp – the inside part of the tooth containing blood vessels and nerves – bacteria can enter the pulp, causing infection. Many times, it can be treated with a root canal and antibiotics. However, if the infection is severe, extraction may be required in order to prevent the infection from spreading to other teeth.
- Risk of infection. In some medical conditions or if you are having an organ transplant or are receiving chemotherapy, your immune system will be compromised. In such cases, even a risk of potential infection in the tooth may be a good enough reason for extraction.
- Crowded teeth. In some cases, teeth may need to be pulled to prepare the mouth for braces. The goal of orthodontia or braces is to align the teeth properly. If your teeth are too big for your mouth, your dentist may recommend pulling one or more of them to make space for the other teeth to shift.
- Gum disease. In cases of severe periodontal disease, an infection to the gum tissues and bones that support the teeth may cause the teeth to loosen. Then, it may be necessary to pull the tooth or several teeth.
Tooth Extraction Cost
The cost of a tooth extraction varies significantly and depends on whether the tooth is impacted.
- A simple extraction can cost $160 per tooth. The price can be higher, depending on the type of anesthesia you need.
- Extraction of impacted teeth is a more difficult procedure with higher associated costs, starting at 260 $ to around 550$ per tooth. Most of the complicated extractions are between $260 and $360.
Tooth Extraction Aftercare
Aftercare for a tooth extraction site can vary, depending on several factors. For example, some teeth have deeper roots than others and, therefore, take longer to heal. However, for most people, the pain decreases after about 3 days.
The most important aspect of the tooth extraction aftercare is maintaining the blood clot that forms inside the socket. Taking good care of this blood clot is crucial for the healing process, as it helps to prevent complications like dry socket.
Tooth Extraction Healing Process
Days 1-2
Most of the aftercare for the first two days after the procedure involves allowing a blood clot to form and keeping it intact.
A little bleeding for up to 24 hours after the extraction is normal and nothing to worry about. However, if you experience significant bleeding, you need to contact your dentist at Rockcliffe Dental & Denture Centre as soon as possible.
Do’s and Don’ts After Tooth Extraction:
- Rest. Your entire body is in shock after the extraction. Take a day off work and expect to rest for the first day after the extraction.
- Change the gauze as required. Leave the original gauze in the mouth to allow the blood clot to form. After this, you can change the gauze as needed.
- Do not rinse. Do not rinse, gargle, or swish anything in the mouth while the blood clot is still forming. Rinsing actions may dislodge the clot and increase the healing time.
- Do not spit. Spitting can create pressure on the healing wound, which can dislodge the blood clot.
- Do not use straws. Using a straw can also put undesirable pressure on the wound.
- Do not smoke. Smoking creates a similar type of pressure in the mouth as drinking through a straw. While we recommend avoiding smoking throughout the entire healing process, it is crucial to not smoke in the first few days following the tooth extraction.
- Do not sneeze or blow the nose. If the tooth was removed from the upper part of the mouth, sneezing or blowing the nose can create pressure and dislodge the blood clot.
- Use a cold compress. Wrap an ice pack in a towel and place it on the area for 10-20 minutes in order to reduce pain.
- Keep your head elevated. When sleeping, use extra pillows to keep your head higher to reduce bleeding. Laying too low will allow the blood to pool in the head and increase inflammation.
- Take pain relievers. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as Ibuprofen, can help to minimize pain and inflammation.
- Take medications prescribed by your dentist. Your dental surgeon may prescribe some antibiotics or pain-killers for more complex removals. Follow the instructions exactly and complete the full course of treatment.
Days 3-10
Once the blood clot has formed, it is crucial to keep it in place and maintain oral hygiene to prevent complications.
After day 3, follow these tips:
- Brush and floss as usual. To maintain oral health, keep brushing and flossing your natural teeth regularly as usual. However, try to avoid the extraction site. Any medical mouthwash or saline solution should be enough to keep this area clean.
- Use a saline rinse. Once the clot has formed, you can start to gently rinse your mouth with warm saltwater. This will help to kill all the bacteria in the mouth and prevent any infections.
- Eat soft foods. Over the entire healing process, eat soft foods that are unlikely to get trapped in the empty socket and do not require chewing.
Foods to Eat After Tooth Extraction
Here are some soft foods that you should eat after tooth extraction:
- Mashed potatoes
- Scrambled eggs
- Greek yogurt and cottage cheese
- Applesauce
- Mashed bananas
- Ice cream and smoothies
- Avocado
- Hummus
- Instant oatmeal
- Salmon
- Mashed pumpkin
You should also avoid foods that could irritate the extraction site, such as:
- Crunchy and crumbly food
- Spicy foods
- Grains and seeds
- Alcohol
- Chewy foods
Smoking After Tooth Extraction
It is also important to avoid smoking right after tooth extraction.
Keeping the blood clot intact is crucial for the healing process, and smoking can place pressure on the extraction site, thus expelling the blood clot. This could lead to the formation of a dry socket.
While it is optimal to avoid smoking during the entire healing process, the first 72 hours after the tooth extraction are the most important.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is tooth extraction painful?
Yes, tooth extraction can be painful.
However, your dentist will give you a local anesthetic prior to the procedure to eliminate any pain and discomfort. While your tooth is being pulled, you may feel pressure, but it shouldn’t hurt.
In addition, after the procedure, your Ottawa dentist will recommend a prescription or over-the-counter pain medication to help minimize the pain and downtime.
How long does wisdom tooth extraction take?
The length of wisdom tooth extraction can vary depending on the complexity of the procedure. Usually, the surgery takes under 45 minutes.
How long does pain after wisdom tooth extraction last?
After the surgery, you may experience stiffness or pain in the jaw joint and have difficulty opening your mouth. This should subside within a couple of days but could last up to two weeks.
What should a tooth extraction look like when healing?
After the first 24 hours of your tooth extraction, a blood clot should form in the socket, which would stop the bleeding.
After the blood clot formation, your body will start creating granulation tissue to heal the wound. It consists of white blood cells, collagen, and blood vessels and could have a creamy white colour.
What are the side effects of removing teeth?
There are several risks associated with a tooth extraction.
One of the most common complications is “dry socket”, which can happen if the blood clot dislodges from the extraction site, exposing the bone inside the socket. If this happens, your dentist will put a sedative dressing over the socket for a few days to allow a new clot to form.
Most of the time, dry sockets can be prevented with proper surgery after-care.
Other risks include:
- Bleeding for longer than 12 hours
- Nausea or vomiting
- Swelling and redness of the surgical site
- Severe fever and chills, indicating infection
- Cough
- Chest pain and shortness of breath
If you experience any of the above symptoms, contact your dentist immediately.
Contact Us Today to Learn More about Tooth Extraction in Ottawa
If you feel like you might require a tooth extraction in Ottawa, do not hesitate to contact Rockcliffe Dental & Denture Centre. Our dentists have extensive experience in oral surgery and tooth extraction procedures and will provide an effective treatment for you – whether you have impacted wisdom teeth, crowded mouth, or a tooth infection.
Do you feel stressed about the tooth extraction procedure? Not to worry, we provide dental sedation options to reduce your anxiety and make the procedure as smooth as possible.
Give us a call today to learn more.
Read More: