Dental Extractions
Sometimes, a tooth has a very large cavity, fracture, or gum disease that is too severe and cannot be fixed. In these cases, an extraction is needed to remove the tooth and allow the area to heal. Our dentists and staff at Scident know that these procedures are difficult for patients and will do our best to make them as comfortable as possible. Before any extraction, it is important to review the options for replacing the missing tooth, such as a dental implant, dental bridge, or denture. Leaving an empty space between your teeth can lead to more than just an unsightly smile. Neighbouring or opposing teeth can shift into the space, and it can also make it more difficult to chew food properly.
Extractions are surgical procedures that require recovery time. After your appointment, we will review the post-operative instructions with you. It is important to follow these suggestions to ensure a quick and easy recovery. ​
Wisdom Teeth
The most common reason for needing a tooth extracted is an impacted wisdom tooth. Wisdom teeth (also known as third molars) most commonly grow around age 18-20 and are the last set of teeth to come in at the very back of our mouths. Not everyone will have wisdom teeth; sometimes, if there is space, they can grow properly. Unfortunately, this does not always happen. When there is insufficient space in the jaw, the wisdom teeth can become impacted, making you more prone to oral infections, cavities on the neighbouring teeth, gum disease, and other issues. X-rays in your teenage years will show the development of any wisdom teeth and allow us to monitor or plan for their removal if impaction occurs, preventing possible future dental issues.
Impacted lower third molars circled in red