Dental Extractions

Extracting teeth is often necessary when a tooth has been significantly damaged or infected. In addition, if a tooth is too weak to undergo restorative procedures, then an extraction is required in an effort to prevent further damage or a spread of infection around the surrounding gums. Fortunately, tooth extractions are relatively fast and easy, where our Kemptville dentist Dr. Besher Alfarra often uses sedation or anesthesia to make the process both pain free and comfortable for you.

What to Expect During an Extraction?

An extraction essentially refers to the removal of one or more teeth. If your dentist in Kemptville has determined it to be a necessary course of action, then a follow up appointment for the actual extraction is required. During your appointment, your Kemptville dentist will administer a local anesthetic to keep you relaxed, numb the affected area of your mouth, and minimize any painful sensations. Your Kemptville dentist will then remove the tooth and instruct you to bite down on a cotton pad to prevent bleeding. In certain cases such as wisdom tooth extractions, dissolvable stitches may also be applied.

Following your appointment, we recommend that you have a family member or friend to take you home as it can take some time for the anesthesia to wear off. It can also take a few days to a week for the completion of the healing process, and for the swelling to go down. During this time, you are encouraged to stay at home and consume only soft, room temperature meals. Pain medication and using an ice pack can also assist in the recovery process and minimize any discomfort you may be experiencing.

When is an Extraction Necessary?

Our dentist in Kemptville, Dr. Besher Alfarra along with the team at Kemptville Smiles Dentistry, will inspect your teeth during each check-up and inform you if a tooth extraction is necessary. In general, a tooth extraction procedure is performed when either your wisdom teeth begin to emerge, or when a tooth is broken or damaged beyond repair. Teeth that are also severely decayed or diseased may require removal if they cannot be saved with any restoration treatments.

The team at Kemptville Smiles Dentistry takes pride in delivering exceptional service to each and every one of our patients, and we aim to provide a safe and calming environment. Contact us today at (613) 258-7373 to book an appointment at our dental office in Kemptville. Dentist Dr. Besher Alfarra is here to alleviate any concerns.

How to handle certain dental emergencies:

Avulsed tooth (knocked-out tooth):

When a tooth gets knocked out from trauma, the oral tissues become damaged and it can be difficult for them to heal on their own. In most cases, a tooth can be placed back into position if you get to the dentist promptly.

If your tooth gets knocked out follow these steps:

• 1. Call our office at (613) 258-7373.
• 2. Pick up the tooth and rinse it under warm water. DO NOT touch the root.
• 3. Place the tooth back into its socket if possible – if not tuck it into your cheek.
• 4. If the tooth cannot be placed back in the mouth, place it in a cup of milk, saliva, or water as a last resort. It is important that the tooth does not dry out.
• 5. See your dentist as soon as possible.

We will try our best to replace the tooth in its natural socket, but if damage is too severe then root canal therapy might be necessary.

Lost filling or crown:

When a crown or filling comes loose it’s often while eating. Once out of the mouth, the affected tooth can be very sensitive to temperature changes and pressure. Generally crowns become loose because of decay beneath the tooth. The decay causes shape changes in the teeth which can cause problems with the fit of the crown.

Make a dental appointment as soon as possible if you lose a dental crown or filling. Crowns can be reinserted so it is important to keep them in a cool, safe place. If the crown is out of the mouth for a long period of time, the teeth may shift and cause further damage.

Cracked or broken teeth:

Teeth are strong, but still prone to fractures. Sometimes cracks that don’t extend down into the root might cause minor discomfort when eating something hot. However, if it is a deeper injury and your tooth has been cracked or broken then you should see us as soon as possible because extraction might become necessary.

If a segment of your tooth has been broken off, here are some steps that can be taken at home:

• 1. Call our office at (613) 258-7373.
• 2. Rinse the tooth and mouth with lukewarm water.
• 3. Apply gauze to the area for ten minutes if there is bleeding.
• 4. Place a cool, damp cloth on the cheek to help with swelling and relieve any pain.
• 5. Take a topical pain reliever.

The nature of a tooth’s break or fracture will determine what we are able to do at our dental office. If the crack extends into the root, then this may be a situation where a root canal is needed. Though root canal treatment should only proceed when all other options have been exhausted.

Dislodged/loose teeth:

Your dentist will reposition the tooth and stabilize it. If the tooth fails to heal you may require a root canal. The process of a root canal helps to save the tooth by removing any bacteria in its interior so it can no longer cause pain but also prepares the mouth before installing crowns and bridges. If this procedure is done early enough there’s less risk of complications occurring in the future.

It is important to call our office immediately if you have a loose or dislodged tooth. Prior to getting to the office, use a cold compress and over-the-counter medications to relieve pain.

If you are experiencing a dental emergency please contact our office at (613) 258-7373.