Oral Surgery (Tooth Extractions)
Tooth extractions are a common form of oral surgery. While the term “oral surgery” can sound intimidating, they’re very routine procedures. When a tooth experiences crowding, disease, or trauma, it sometimes needs to be removed.
Oral surgeries and extractions can prevent further issues from arising. Infected or compromised teeth can become problematic, causing pain, infection, and an array of other dental problems. To ensure optimal oral health, your dentist will perform a thorough evaluation of your affected tooth (or teeth) to find the best solution.
Why Tooth Extractions Are Needed?
There are several reasons that call for a tooth extraction. Some of the most common causes for extraction include:
- Severe tooth decay
- Teeth that do not come into alignment correctly
- Wisdom teeth
- Gum disease
- Tooth overcrowding
Types of Tooth Extraction
There are two types of extraction: simple and surgical. Depending on your specific situation, your dentist will recommend one or the other.
Simple Extraction
This type of extraction is the less invasive of the two. Your dentist will remove the tooth resulting in the least impact on the gums, bone, or surrounding teeth.
Surgical Extraction
This is the more invasive of the two types of extraction but is a very common practice at Dr. Low’s offices. Surgical extraction may involve cutting the tooth into more manageable pieces, removing bone surrounding the tooth, and flapping away gum tissue to better evaluate and remove the existing tooth fragments.
Aftercare
The most important part of tooth extraction is the aftercare. To minimize risk of infection and optimize healing, your dentist will provide a detailed procedure of proper aftercare. Whether you have a simple or surgical extraction, you need to properly care for the tooth socket.
When a tooth is removed, an empty socket is left. This will eventually fill with blood to form a blood clot. This is exactly what you want to happen as it stops the bleeding, much like a scab. As the first step of the healing process, it’s important to leave the blood clot alone. Avoid touching it with your tongue or fingers to allow it to fully form. The blood clot will eventually be replaced with tissue and then bone over the course of the next few weeks.
Should a blood clot become dislodged, you risk getting a dry socket which is painful and requires further dental intervention. In general, any post surgical symptoms should resolve within 2-3 weeks.
Oral Surgery Consultation
At Dr. Low Family Dentistry, your comfort and well-being are of the utmost importance. Our team of highly trained and experienced professionals will do everything possible to create a comfortable environment for your tooth extraction. Contact us today to book a consultation at our Salmon Arm or Sorrento office.
Our Testimonials
Meet Dr. Jonathan Low
Dr. Jonathan Low (Jon) was born and raised in Salmon Arm. Prior to attending dental school, he graduated with two degrees from the University of British Columbia: a Bachelor of Science in Cell Biology and Genetics (2004); and a Master of Science in Pharmaceutic Science (2007). He completed his Doctorate of Dental Surgery at New York University (2012) and was inducted into the Omicron Kappa Upsilon National Dental Honor Society.
Jon had the privilege of practicing for two years with his father, Dr. Cedric Low, who was a well-known dentist in Salmon Arm for more than 30 years. In 2014, Jon took over the practice after his father’s passing.
Jon pursues ongoing continuing education in the form of dental study clubs, conferences, and discipline-focused dental courses.
Outside the office he enjoys spending time with his wife, Sarb, travelling, skiing, discussions about cars, and working out at the gym.
Locations
Dr. Jonathan Low Family Dentistry
(250) 832-2202
320 Ross Street NE,
Salmon Arm, BC
V1E 2T3
Sorrento Dental Clinic - Dr. Jonathan Low
(250) 675-4116
1223 Trans-Canada Highway,
Sorrento, BC
V0E 2W0
Schedule a Consultation Today
At Dr. Low Family Dentistry, your comfort and well-being are of the utmost importance. Our team of highly trained and experienced professionals will do everything possible to create a comfortable environment for your tooth extraction. Contact us today to book a consultation at our Salmon Arm or Sorrento office.