Nervous about your scheduled tooth extraction? Relax, you’re not the only one. As a dentist at Lakeside Dental, I’ve walked numerous patients through this common procedure. Let me walk you through what’s ahead in a manner that hopefully puts you at ease.

Planning Your Tooth Extraction

Consider the planning process as laying foundations for success. On your first visit to our Stoney Creek office, we will sit and have a clear, honest discussion regarding your worries. I will assess your tooth and discuss clearly why the extraction is needed. It’s like charting a map – we want you to be aware of each upcoming turn.

Preparing for Your Extraction

Recall when your instructor would say that preparation is key? Same thing here. We’re going to scan your health history (yes, including that antibiotic you had last month!) and take some X-rays to get the complete picture. It’s like giving us a GPS map of your tooth – we need to know exactly what we’re dealing with.

What Happens During the Extraction?

Simple vs. Complex: What’s the Difference?

You know how some things are as easy as pulling a loose thread, and others require more effort? Tooth extractions are the same. Simple extractions involve teeth that we can see and easily access. But sometimes, like with impacted wisdom teeth, we have to be more surgical in our approach. Don’t worry, though – we’ve done both many times.

Your Recovery Journey

The first day after extraction, the healing process will rely on what you do to a great extent. I mean, think of it as laying a foundation for healing. You’ll have to mother the extraction site a bit, but rest assured, it’s not rocket science. We will give you clear instructions that are easy to follow.

Creating Recovery Comfortable

Discussing comfort now: ice packs shall become your BFF for those first few days. They are a natural numbing agent and will help hold down swelling to the minimum. And yes, it’s alright to indulge in as much ice cream as your little heart wants (just no straw, pls.)!

Tricks of a Silky-Smooth Recovery

Visualize your mouth as a healing garden – it needs the right conditions to heal. Avoid anything that could disrupt the healing process, like drinking through straws (they create suction that can dislodge the protective blood clot). Instead, treat yourself to soft, cold foods and soothing salt water irrigations.

When Should You Call Us?

You’re familiar with that friend of yours who says “call me any time,” right? That’s us! Don’t wait if something’s off. Whatever the weird pain is, or uncontrolled bleeding, we need to know. Call our office at 905-664-0808 – we’re here to help. 

Looking Ahead

Once you’ve recovered, we can talk about what can be used to fill in that gap if needed. Implant, bridge, or whatever else we decide is the best for your smile and way of life. Think of it as the final chapter of your tooth extraction saga – a pleasant one!

Get In Touch

Don’t forget, here at Lakeside Dental (369-377 Regional Rd 8, Stoney Creek), we’re not just your dental staff, but your oral health partners. Questions? Call us at 905-664-0808. We love to explain and make our patients comfortable with their dental care.