Extraction
Periodontal disease causes infections that lead to bone loss that will not grow back. Once there is significant bone loss then the tooth cannot be held into place and must be extracted. If a tooth is decayed beyond repair or compromised by periodontal diseases, then the tooth must be extracted or removed from the mouth.
Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom teeth (third molars) usually erupt during late teens or early 20’s. Extraction of these teeth is common as there is often not enough space in the mouth to support these teeth. As well, if the teeth become impacted under the gums they can effect other teeth in the mouth and become infected which is very painful. Another complication of wisdom teeth are cysts. They can form around wisdom teeth and cause infections that eventually lead to extraction. Very rarely, tumors can form around impacted wisdom teeth. Early removal of wisdom teeth has its advantages since the roots are shorter and easier to remove creating less risk of nerve damage and the bone fills in better making healing significantly faster.
After Care of an Extraction
After an extraction we recommend that you bite on gauze for 20 minutes at a time until the bleeding decreases to a slow ooze. The day of the extraction we ask that you do not rinse, spit or eat solid foods, drink with a straw, or brush the affected area as it can cause bleeding and break the sutures. We also, request that you refrain from smoking for at least 2 weeks after surgery to minimize the chances of infection. The following day after surgery we recommend gently rinsing your mouth frequently with a solution of ½ teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water. Continue the rinses for a few days. You may begin a soft food diet. It is normal for your saliva to be streaked with blood for a day.
Symptoms to Expect
Swelling and discolouration is to be expected in certain areas, usually reaching its maximum three days after surgery. If proper post-op instructions are not followed a dry socket which is a complication of healing could occur. A dry socket is a dull throbbing pain caused by the loss of a clot due to smoking, spitting, sucking through a straw, coughing or sneezing; you should also avoid drinking carbonated or alcoholic beverages. It’s also important to keep your fingers away from the extraction site so that you do not disrupt the clot. If you notice any symptoms of dry socket contact our office immediately. A treatment of dry socket includes a gentle rinsing of the socket with a medicated solution we might also pack the extraction site with a gauze dressing that contains a soothing anaesthetic.
Our Services
Clinic Hours
Early morning and Saturday by appointment only.
Office: (416) 251 – 5707
Fax: (416) 251 – 3944