Tooth Extractions: Things to Know

Tooth extraction is the removal of a tooth from the bone and socket. This is usually required when there is severe tooth decay, oral infections, or when the teeth are overcrowded. Occasionally, tooth extraction may be used when patients get braces in order for the teeth to shift to their proper place in the mouth. 

Patients who undergo chemotherapy or have organ transplants commonly have tooth extractions in order to keep their mouth healthy during the time of treatments.

Your dentist or oral surgeon can perform this procedure with the use of local or general anesthesia. Removing a tooth is a relatively simple process and is an outpatient procedure. However, if you have a tooth that is broken or impacted, the process may be more involved. 

One of the most common tooth extractions is the removal of wisdom teeth (third molars). These teeth erupt during the late teens or early-mid 20s, but often get stuck in the jaw and impacted before they even come in. When this happens, the gums get irritated and can cause severe pain. 

Preparing for Tooth Extraction

Before the procedure, X-rays are taken of your tooth. This determines the extent of the surgery. Your dentist will evaluate your dental history and inquire about any medications, vitamins, supplements you take regularly. If you have other medical conditions, be sure to tell your dentist. Certain treatments increase your risk for jaw infection and having open wounds in the mouth can put you at risk for bone infections. 

Leading up to the procedure, your dentist may prescribe antibiotics to reduce the risk of infection. This is especially common if you have pre-existing conditions that affect your immune system or if the surgery is expected to be unusually long. 

On the day of your extraction, be sure to follow your dentist’s instructions. 

  • Wear loose fitting clothes that do not restrict blood flow and make receiving anesthesia easy
  • Don’t smoke the day of your extraction
  • If you have a cold or sinus infection, call your dentist ahead of time 
  • If you are have anesthesia, be sure to arrange transportation for after the procedure

The Procedure

There are two different types of tooth extractions:

  • Simple Extraction: This is performed on a tooth that can be seen in the mouth. This type of procedure is typically performed in-office by your dentist. The tooth is loosened with a tool called an elevator. Forceps are used to remove the tooth. 
  • Surgical Extraction: This is a more complicated procedure. This is done if the tooth is broken at the gumline or has not come in yet. Surgical extractions are generally performed by oral surgeons, but can be done by a general dentist, too. A small cut is made in the gum and the tooth is extracted. 

During either type of extraction, there is little-to-no pain, but you may feel some pressure. If you experience any pressure or pain, be sure to tell your dentist. 

Risks of Tooth Extractions

There is very little risk for tooth extractions. Because they are done to increase the health of your mouth, the benefits greatly outweigh the risks. 

After the procedure, blood clots form in the hole where the tooth was pulled. If the blood clot does not form or comes loose and the socket is exposed, this causes dry socket. Your dentist may put a dressing over the area for a few days while a new clot forms. 

Risks that can occur include:

  • Fever and chills
  • Nausea
  • Chest pain
  • Swelling or redness at the extraction site. 

If you experience any of these symptoms, be sure to call your dentist or oral surgeon right away. 

If you would like to learn more, please do not hesitate to give us a call or contact us to book an appointment.

Teeth Whitening: Options and Treatment Types

Having a beautiful, dazzling smile is something everyone wants, right? With so many options out there, it can be difficult to know what will work best for you and your teeth. Professional whitenings can reverse damage caused by smoking, aging, dark beverages, and acid. Drugstore whitening products are also effective, but have a more temporary effect on your smile. 

Recent dental industry surveys have found that teeth whitening is one of the most popular cosmetic dental treatments performed in dental offices. Achieving a brilliant smile is possible, but that’s why it is important to know your options and what treatments are available. 

Teeth Whitening Options

There are four main categories of teeth whitening options on the market, and you will want to ensure you are choosing the safest and most suitable option for your smile. 

Regardless of how you decide to whiten your teeth, the primary agent to whitening products is hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). What differentiates these options and treatments types apart from one another is the amount and concentration of hydrogen peroxide. Higher levels of H2O2 means better results, however, at-home kits keep evolving and offer the possibility of whiter teeth at a reduced cost. 

In-Office Whitening Treatments

In-office treatments use a concentrated hydrogen peroxide solution and typically guarantees effective results. There are two different in-office treatments available:

  • Kool Lite whitening: This is a quick, 15 minutes, in-office tooth whitening procedure. It uses a gel-lined tray and LED light to activate the whitening ingredients in the gel. A whiter smile is achievable in just minutes. 
  • One-hour, side-chair whitening: The dentist applies whitening gel to the teeth manually and applies a special light to accelerate the process. This laser whitening process can be done as many times as needed to achieve the desired shade of white. 

In both treatment options, special precautions are taken to protect the gums and soft tissue from the whitening agents. While this is the most effective teeth whitening option, there are a few drawbacks associated: lengthy time in the chair, more expensive, increased change of tooth sensitivity. 

Prescribed Kits

Your dentist might prescribe an at-home whitening kit. These have less hydrogen peroxide than an in-office whitening process, but more than whitening strips, gels, or toothpastes. To prepare for optimal results, your dentist will take an impression of your teeth to create custom whitening trays. Special whitening gel is placed inside the trays, which then fit around your teeth. It is important to follow your dentist’s instructions carefully so your progress can be properly assessed.  

Over-the-Counter Whitening Solutions

Drugstores, grocery stores, and large chain stores have a variety of over-the-counter whitening solutions available. Because they are available without a prescription, there is a lower amount of hydrogen peroxide. These options contain bleaching agents and ingredients taht can harm the gums if not applied properly. Over-the-counter products include:

  • Gels
  • Chewing gum
  • Rinses
  • Toothpastes: Whitening toothpastes typically only remove surface stains, although there are “advanced whitening” products that can also reach deeper than the surface and provide whiter results. 
  • Paint-on films: These paint-on films contain 6-8% hydrogen peroxide. It is applied with a brush directly to your teeth. You can use this to lighten individual teeth, or brighten your whole smile. 
  • Whitening strips: Whitening strips are the most cost-effective over-the-counter option for whitening your teeth. While results may vary depending on your teeth, the strips are very efficient. 

DIY Techniques

If you don’t want to use hydrogen peroxide to whiten your teeth and prefer a more natural method, there are several options. Certain fruits like lemons, strawberries, and bananas can be rubbed on your teeth and brighten your teeth. This is not recommended, however, because of the acidity in these fruits. Rubbing acids on your teeth may erode your enamel overtime. Other options include coconut oil pulling and using activated charcoal on your teeth, although these are not scientifically proven to whiten your teeth. 

It’s important to know how those products will work for you. The Canadian Dental Association has two categories for whitening: surface and bleaching. Bleaching removes extrinsic and intrinsic stains, whereas surface whitening only removes surface stains. Whatever option you choose, always talk to your dentist first. 

Things to Consider

If you have crowns or dental implants, discuss your whitening options with your dentist. Your natural tooth enamel may whiten differently than the dental restorations. 

If you would like to learn more, please do not hesitate to give us a call or contact us to book an appointment.

Am I A Good Candidate for Invisalign?

Invisalign’s popularity is rising, and it’s no surprise why. People want to fix their smile without the cumbersome look of metal and wires in their mouth. Invisalign is very different, yet offers the same results. 

Invisalign uses clear plastic trays that fit over your upper and lower teeth. The aligners gently reposition your teeth to the desired location. This is a modern alternative to traditional braces, however Invisalign is not for everyone. 

A consultation with an Invisalign provider is the only way to determine whether they are a good fit for you. There are a few other factors that can contribute to your candidacy. 

What Does Invisalign Correct?

Invisalign works for most dental issues, but is not designed to correct issues that are too severe. For large issues like an overbite, more advanced orthodonture are necessary to shift the jawbone. 

Invisalign is a great orthodontic solution for:

  • Protruding teeth
  • Mild overbites
  • Mild underbites
  • Gaps in teeth
  • Overcrowded teeth
  • Excessive central tooth overlaps
  • Imperfect positioning of teeth when the mouth is closed
  • Mildly crooked teeth

Mild dental issues can be caused by genetics, oral diseases, injury, and even thumb sucking. Crooked and misplaced teeth are not just a cosmetic issue, but commonly lead to serious dental issues. 

Gingivitis, periodontal issues, jaw pain, earaches, and headaches are all issues that can be a direct cause of ill-positioned teeth or dental issues. 

When Invisalign Is Not Effective

When there are severe oral issues, Invisalign is not recommended. When there is an issue like an extreme overbite or underbite, crooked teeth are not just the problem. The jaw bone needs to be physically shifted and the aligners are not able to correct bone issues. 

Older teens and adults are the best candidates for Invisalign because their jaws have stopped growing. Unlike children and younger teenagers, adults are more dedicated to the Invisalign program to be successful. 

Braces are permanent and work to correct dental issues around the clock, whereas Invisalign aligners can be easily removed if the patient wants. Younger patients with less dedication may removed the aligners if their mouth feels uncomfortable. In order to be effective, the aligners must be worn 22 hours of the day. So if they are removed from the mouth for more than 2 hours a day, the treatment will be ineffective. 

If you think are interested in exploring your options for orthodonture, speak with your dentist today! 

If you would like to learn more, please do not hesitate to give us a call or contact us to book an appointment.

How to Effectively Brush Your Teeth

As easy as it may seem, many people do not know the correct way to brush their teeth. Brushing helps prevent oral diseases and dental health conditions like tooth decay, halitosis, and gingivitis. However, if you don’t brush correctly, you run the risk of causing harm to your teeth and damaging gums. 

Proper Way to Brush Your Teeth

Before brushing, it is good to floss your teeth. Flossing is very important, yet many people do not do it regularly. The floss is able to reach parts of your mouth that a toothbrush can’t – like the small crevices between your teeth. This is a common area where plaque and tartar build up, which can cause cavities and tooth decay. 

1. Prepare Your Toothbrush

After flossing, wet your toothbrush and apply a small, pea-sized amount of toothpaste. Most people use too much toothpaste, when really, it is not the toothpaste that does the majority of the work. Brushing is mostly about the technique and the way you brush, not so much the toothpaste that is used. Talk your dentist about what toothpaste is best for you. A fluoridated toothpaste is often suggested, since it protects the teeth against tooth decay and cavities. 

2. Brush Properly

Start in the back with your molars and work in a clockwise direction. Point the bristles toward the gumline and use short, circular motions for approximately 20 seconds. Roll the bristles away from the gum line so the toothbrush sweeps toward the surface of the tooth. This removes plaque and food particles. 

Working in a clockwise motion, repeat with the molars on the opposite side of your mouth. Work around the rest of your teeth. Brush the back surface of the teeth, directing the bristles towards the gum line. 

Repeat for the rest of your teeth until they are all cleaned and brushed. 

3. Brush the Rest Of Your Mouth

Your teeth aren’t the only thing that needs to be cleaned in your mouth. Your tongue, roof of the mouth, and lining of your cheeks can hold food particles and bacteria that can make your breath smell and cause halitosis. 

Clean these areas with small, circular motions until they are thoroughly cleaned. 

Common Brushing Mistakes

There are a few common mistakes many people make when brushing their teeth. Fortunately, they are easily corrected. 

  • The Wrong Brush: Choose a brush that can reach all areas of your teeth. This can be a manual of electric brush. It’s also important to choose a brush with soft bristles that easily bend. 
  • Brushing Too Hard: If you brush too hard, you run the risk of ruining the enamel on your teeth, making them more susceptible to tooth decay and oral diseases. 
  • Not Switching Out Toothbrushes: A toothbrush should be changed every 3-4 months. When the bristles become discoloured, bent, or dirty, your toothbrush can be a turn into a breeding ground for mold and bacteria. 
  • Brushing Incorrectly: If you brush back and forth, instead of a circular motion, you may need to rethink your brushing technique. Going from the gum line to the bottom of the tooth in a clockwise motion is more beneficial for the tooth enamel to remain in tact. 
  • The Wrong Angle: Brushing at a 45-degree angle is important to reaching the whole surface area of your teeth. That allows you to get the gum line as well as the rest of your tooth. 

If you would like to learn more, please do not hesitate to give us a call or contact us to book an appointment.