Tooth Extractions Edmonton
Sometimes a tooth can't be saved. When that happens, we remove it to stop pain, prevent infection, and protect your health.
When You Might Need a Tooth Extraction
We only remove a tooth when we have to. Our dentists at Cosmic Dental in South Edmonton will check your tooth carefully to see if extraction is the best choice.
Common reasons for extraction:
Severe tooth decay
When a cavity is too large for a filling or crown to fix.
Gum disease
Advanced gum disease can destroy the bone around your teeth, making them loose.
Not enough space
Teeth that are crowded or stuck under the gums (like wisdom teeth) may need to come out.
Broken teeth
If a tooth breaks below the gumline, we often can't save it.
Infection
When antibiotics or a root canal can't clear an infection, removing the tooth stops it from spreading.
What happens first: We'll examine your tooth and take X-rays. This helps us decide if extraction is necessary and plan the best approach. Learn more about what to expect before your extraction.
Wisdom Teeth Removal
Wisdom teeth are the last teeth to come in, usually in your late teens or early twenties. They often cause problems because:
- They're at the very back of your mouth
- They often don't have enough room to grow properly
- They may grow at odd angles
The angle your wisdom tooth is growing affects how we remove it. Some extractions are simple, while others need a more complex procedure.
What Happens During Your Extraction
Knowing what to expect can help you feel more comfortable. The type of extraction depends on your tooth's condition.
Step 1: We numb the area
Your comfort matters. We offer:
- Local anesthesia to numb the tooth and gums
- Sedation options like laughing gas or IV sedation if you're nervous
Step 2: We remove the tooth
Once you're numb, we gently loosen and remove the tooth. If the tooth is stuck or broken, we may need to take it out in smaller pieces. You won't feel pain, but you may feel pressure.
Step 3: We help you heal
After removing the tooth, we clean the area and place gauze to stop bleeding. We may add stitches to help you heal faster. Learn more about the complete process.
How Your Mouth Heals
A blood clot forms first
After we remove your tooth, a blood clot fills the empty space. This clot is very important—it protects the bone and nerves underneath while your mouth heals. Don't disturb it.
Taking Care of Yourself After an Extraction
Following these steps helps you heal faster and avoid problems like dry socket (when the blood clot comes out too soon).
- Take over-the-counter pain medicine like ibuprofen
- Put a cold pack on your cheek for the first 24 hours to reduce swelling
- Use the cold pack for 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off
For the first few days, eat soft foods like:
- Yogurt
- Applesauce
- Mashed potatoes
- Soup (not too hot)
- Smoothies
Important: Don't use straws. The sucking motion can pull out the blood clot. You can eat and drink between gauze changes.
- Wait 24 hours, then rinse gently with warm salt water several times a day
- Don't brush the extraction site until we tell you it's okay
- Keep brushing and flossing your other teeth normally
- First few days: Swelling and discomfort should get better
- 1-2 weeks: The surface of the socket heals
- Several months: The bone fills in completely
Things to Watch For
Tooth extraction is very common and usually safe. But like any medical procedure, there are some risks. We'll discuss these with you before your appointment.
| Risk | What it means |
|---|---|
| Dry socket | The blood clot comes out too soon, exposing the bone. This is painful but treatable. |
| Infection | Can happen if you don't follow aftercare instructions. Signs include fever, increasing pain, or bad smell. |
| Slow healing | More common if you smoke or have certain health conditions like diabetes. |
| Nerve injury | Rare, but can cause temporary or permanent numbness in your lip, tongue, or chin. |
| Damage to nearby teeth | Teeth next to the extraction site might be affected during the procedure. |
| Sinus problems | Upper back teeth are close to your sinuses. Rarely, an opening may occur between your mouth and sinus. |
| Bone loss over time | Missing teeth can cause your jawbone to shrink and other teeth to shift. We can discuss replacement options like implants, bridges, or dentures. |
Before Your Procedure
Tell us about all your medical conditions and medications (including vitamins and supplements). This helps keep you safe during and after the extraction.
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