Our Edmonton dentists provide tooth extractions only when necessary, to remove a tooth and preserve the overall health of the mouth.
A tooth extraction is the removal of a tooth from its socket on the jaw bone that hold the tooth. Extractions are usually only performed if less invasive options would be ineffective, or if the tooth is compromising the health of the rest of the mouth.
While it is always preferable to save a natural tooth, there are some cases where this is not possible.
Wisdom teeth are a third set of molars that grow in some people between the ages of 17 and 25. These teeth are not always functional, and can crowd the mouth or create problems for your oral hygiene. In these cases, we may recommend having them extracted to help preserve your oral health.
Teeth that are infected or damaged may also require an extraction if the damage is too severe to save the tooth. This can happen as a result of decay, disease, or injury.
In some cases, a baby tooth has misshapen or long roots that prevent it from falling out as it should, and the tooth must be removed to make way for the permanent tooth to erupt.
Every tooth root is encased within your jawbone in a tooth socket, and your tooth is held in that socket by a ligament.
To extract a tooth, your dentist will expand the socket and separate the tooth from the ligament that holds it in place.
Once a tooth has been removed, neighbouring teeth may shift, causing problems with chewing or your jaw joint.
To avoid these complications, your dentist will recommend that you replace an extracted tooth.
There are a variety of options for replacing missing teeth, including dentures, dental implants, and bridges. Your dentist will discuss the best option with you. Wisdom teeth do not need to be replaced.
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