Dental Extraction
You and Dr. Bourget may determine that you need a tooth extraction for any number of reasons. Some teeth are extracted because they are severely decayed; others may have advanced periodontal disease, or have broken in a way that cannot be repaired. Other teeth may need removal because they are poorly positioned in the mouth (such as impacted teeth), or in preparation for orthodontic treatment.
The removal of a single tooth can lead to problems related to your chewing ability, problems with your jaw joint, and shifting teeth, which can have a major impact on your dental health.
To avoid these complications, in most cases, Dr. Bourget will discuss alternatives to extractions as well replacement of the extracted tooth.
The Extraction Process
At the time of extraction the doctor will need to numb your tooth, jawbone and gums that surround the area with a local anesthetic.
During the extraction process you will feel a lot of pressure. This is from the process of firmly rocking the tooth in order to widen the socket for removal.
You feel the pressure without pain as the anesthetic has numbed the nerves stopping the transference of pain, yet the nerves that transmit pressure are not profoundly affected.
If you do feel pain at any time during the extraction please let us know right away.
Sectioning a tooth
Some teeth require sectioning. This is a very common procedure done when a tooth is so firmly anchored in its socket or the root is curved and the socket can’t expand enough to remove it. The doctor simply cuts the tooth into sections then removes each section one at a time.
Preparing for surgery
If you smoke you are urged not to smoke the day of surgery. Dr. Bourget should be aware of any medication you are taking prior to your surgery.
If you are having your surgery under local anesthetic you should be fasting 4 hours prior to surgery.
If you are having your surgery under I.V. sedation or general anesthetic you should be fasting 6 hours prior to surgery. Wear loose, comfortable clothing (short sleeves with button up front) for the surgical intervention. You must not be wearing any nail polish. For a period of 24 hours after surgery you are not recommended to drive a vehicle or machinery since your coodination of hand and eye could be affected. Signing any legal documents should also be restrained.
A responsible adult must be available to drive you and take care of you once you leave the office. We will give this individual post-operative instructions, prescriptions in order to help you with post-operative discomfort. An adult should be available to stay with you for a period of 2 to 3 hours post-surgery, a time required for the medication given to you to wear off.
Surgery
Dr. Bourget usually recommends removing all 4 wisdom teeth at the same time (if required), because pain a swelling is generally the same whether 2 or 4 are removed. Patient will only be subject to antibiotics and pain killers once, if all four are removed at the same time. The surgery takes approximately one hour to complete. You are recommended to take 2 to 4 days off work or school to give yourself time to recover.
Wisdom Tooth Removal
When the wisdom teeth appear they sometimes need to be removed as they are often impacted. This means that the jaw is not big enough to accommodate the extra teeth causing the wisdom teeth to push against the other teeth. Wisdom teeth may need to be extracted by a dentist if they are easy to remove or you may be referred to Dr. Bourget , an oral and maxillofacial surgeon if extraction is difficult. When wisdom teeth only partially come through the gums, bacteria can enter around the teeth causing infection. Results can include pain swelling and illness. If impacted wisdom teeth continue to grow, other teeth may be forced to shift positions or suffer damage. Cysts or tumours may form, the pressure of wisdom teeth and damage the surrounding bone or tooth roots. If you are experiencing pain, continuously biting your cheek or having problems cleaning your wisdom teeth, discuss the matter with your dentist.
Potential risks involved in wisdom teeth extractions my consist of the following: Swelling, bruising, bleeding, infection, cystic formation, gingival tissue problems, dry socket, prolonged pain, tingling or numbness of lips, tongue, palate, face, permanent or temporary, loss or damage to other teeth or restorations; root or tooth into the sinus, remaining roots with benefits and sequela’s explained, bony spicules, oral antral fistula, maxillary sinusitis, possible mandibular fracture and post operative hemorrhage and discomfort. Problems or side effects / allergies to medication given.