Dental Surgery
The general dentists at Dr. David Côté's dental clinic have the training and qualifications to perform several types of dental surgery: tooth extractions, gum grafts, and dental implant placement in Gatineau. Dental surgery refers to any procedure performed by a dental surgeon that involves incising and/or removing oral tissue. Here are the main types of dental surgery we perform at our clinic.
Tuesday : 08:00 AM – 08:00 PM
Wednesday : 08:00 AM – 05:00
Thursday : 08:00 AM – 04:00
Friday : 07:30 AM – 03:30
Saturday & Sunday : Closed
Tooth Extractions
There are several situations that may require a tooth to be extracted. In some cases, the tooth has been damaged by tooth decay or trauma and the damage is too extensive for it to be restored and continue to function. Wisdom teeth are another situation where it is preferable to extract the tooth or teeth to prevent complications.
Why Extract Wisdom Teeth?
In many cases, wisdom teeth do not have enough space to grow properly. This can cause them to grow at an angle, which can put pressure on neighboring teeth and cause serious damage. In addition, because wisdom teeth grow at the back of the mouth, many patients have difficulty cleaning them properly, which greatly increases the risk of problems such as tooth decay. For these reasons, dentists often recommend removing wisdom teeth before they cause any problems.
How Are Wisdom Teeth Extracted?
The procedure is performed entirely under local anesthesia, so the patient does not have to worry about pain because they will not feel a thing! First, the dentist makes an incision in the gum to expose the tooth. In some cases, if the tooth is poorly positioned, your dentist may need to cut it into several pieces to extract it without damaging the surrounding structures. Once the tooth has been completely removed, the gum is closed with stitches that will dissolve on their own in the weeks following the procedure. The duration of the procedure depends on the number of teeth to be extracted and their position.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are metal rods made of titanium that are inserted into the patient's jaw during surgery. The implant then acts as an artificial root for a future replacement tooth. To learn more about the many benefits of dental implants and the procedure for placing them, visit the page on our website dedicated to this type of treatment.
What Should You Do After a Tooth Extraction?
It is essential to follow your dentist's advice to the letter after an extraction. Here are the main points:
- Take the pain medication prescribed to you, but be sure to always follow the recommended dosage.
- Using a towel, apply ice to your cheek opposite the extraction site for up to 20 minutes every hour. This will help control swelling.
- It is normal for the extraction site to bleed. Apply a sterile gauze pad to the bleeding area and bite down gently. When the gauze pad becomes saturated, replace it with a new one.
- Avoid spitting or gargling during the day following the procedure. This could interfere with the clotting and healing process.
- The next day, continue to follow the same hygiene rules as usual, but avoid the surgical site.
If pain or bleeding persists in the days following the procedure and seems abnormal, contact your dentist immediately. They will advise you on how to avoid complications related to the surgery.
Gum Grafts
Our gums play a vital role in supporting our teeth. However, they can recede, exposing the roots of our teeth. This can be caused by various factors, such as gum disease, teeth grinding, or overly aggressive brushing. If this happens, your dentist may recommend a gum graft. This procedure aims to restore height and thickness to the gums to prevent the tooth root from being exposed. An exposed root is susceptible to hypersensitivity or decay.
How Is a Gum Graft Performed?
A gum graft is performed under local anesthesia for the patient's comfort. This procedure involves several steps:
- The area to receive the graft is carefully cleaned and scaled. This removes all traces of bacteria that could compromise the success of the graft.
- The graft is taken from the patient's palate. The size of the graft depends on the area where it will be placed.
- The graft is placed on the area and then sutured into place.
- During healing, the graft integrates naturally into the patient's gum.
There are also other gum graft techniques. Your dentist can work with you to choose the solution that is right for you.
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