Sectioning Teeth

At Riverwalk Dental, patients can count on us for quick, safe tooth extractions with minimal discomfort. Recently, we mentioned that one of the reasons the wisdom teeth are often removed is because they don’t have enough room to erupt. In those cases, they wouldn’t have enough room to be pulled or levered directly out, either, which is why we section them.

Typically, teeth are removed by rocking them gently while pushing them upward (if in the lower jaw) or pulling them (if in the upper jaw). Even if a wisdom tooth is not trapped below the gum line, this approach may not work because the wisdom teeth are anchored in the mouth by strong ligaments. Attempting to yank them all at once would require a lot of force and could hurt the patient. As an alternative, dentists use a drill to cut the teeth into smaller sections. The patient is kept numb during this and a stream of water prevents the drill from overheating. The smaller tooth sections do not require as much force to remove or as much room to be maneuvered through.

Dr. Jared Palmer and his team operate Riverwalk Dental at 540 6^th Avenue SE, Calgary, Alberta, T2G 1K5, Canada. To schedule an appointment, call 1-403-456-4994 or visit Riverwalk Dental.

 

Root Canals and Orthodontics

There are times, such as following a traumatic event, when patients may need to have their teeth realigned and repaired. In these situations, either a root canal or tooth extraction and replacement would eliminate a potential infection, but it is generally preferable to do a root canal.

The way implants work is the titanium implant post fuses with the surrounding jaw bone tissue over a period of several months. This is often a good thing. When tooth roots are lost, the bone tissue recedes, but implant placement stimulates new growth, stabilizing the facial structure. However, it also means that implants are immobile. If an implant does move, dentists judge it a failure and remove it to prevent infection. Orthodontic therapy works by guiding the teeth through the jaw bone tissue, which dissolves and rebuilds around the teeth. Natural teeth can be moved through methods such as Invisalign, but implants cannot. A root canal has the advantage of preserving the outside of the natural tooth structure. It can only be carried out when a tooth is not cracked at the root, but the artificial crown placed after a root canal is complete is no impediment to orthodontic work.

Dr. Jared Palmer and his team operate Riverwalk Dental at 540 6^th Avenue SE, Calgary, Alberta, T2G 1K5, Canada. To schedule an appointment, call 1-403-456-4994 or visit Riverwalk Dental.

 

Different Reasons a Tooth May Be Extracted

At Riverwalk Dental, we will do everything we can to avoid pulling a tooth, but it can’t always be avoided. Sometimes tooth extraction is necessary when there is more damage that can be repaired, or if a tooth is badly infected and extraction is the only solution. Wisdom teeth are the most common extraction procedure here at our practice, but other reasons for tooth extraction may include the following.

• Severe tooth damage/trauma – some teeth have such extensive decay and damage (broken or cracked) that repair is not possible.


• Orthodontic treatment – people getting braces may need teeth extracted to create room for teeth that are being moved into place.


• Some teeth may need to be extracted if they have the potential of becoming infected.


• Extra teeth – extra teeth may block other teeth from erupting, therefore will require extraction.

If you have questions or concerns about tooth extraction, please give us a call. To learn about the services we provide at the practice, visit www.riverwalkdental.ca for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Riverwalk Dental located in Canada, Alberta, T1B 4Y2, Medicine Hat, 101-7 Strachan Bay, SE, 403-456-4994.

Why do We Floss?

Many people hate flossing and will use every excuse in the book to avoid it. If you avoid flossing, you are only doing yourself a disservice as flossing has countless benefits. When you don’t floss, you increase your risk of developing periodontal disease and cavities. In addition, your mouth won’t feel as clean as it should. If you are looking for a reason to floss, our doctors at Riverwalk Dental are here to give you several.

By flossing thoroughly at least once a day, you may notice a little less pink in the sink. This is because flossing removes food particles from in between the teeth that cause gingivitis. Flossing keeps the gums and teeth strong and eliminates dental plaque that contributes to tooth decay. Flossing will help you prevent cavities and by maintaining your gum health, you will improve your overall health.

If you have questions or concerns about oral care, please give us a call. To learn about the services we provide at the practice, visit www.riverwalkdental.ca for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Riverwalk Dental located in Canada, Alberta, T1B 4Y2, Medicine Hat, 101-7 Strachan Bay, SE, 403-456-4994.