Tooth Extractions
When a tooth is too badly decayed to save, general dentists Drs. Reyes and Pham may recommend an extraction. An extraction may also be recommended if the tooth is severely fractured or is crowding other healthy teeth.
Wisdom Teeth Removal
Not all wisdom teeth need to be extracted, but some do. If your wisdom teeth are impacted, or in instances of gum disease, you may be a candidate for wisdom tooth surgery. In many situations, Dr. Reyes may advise pulling the wisdom teeth before they jeopardize your smile as a whole.
We will take a panoramic radiograph of your entire jaw, so we can see the size, location, and developmental trajectory of the wisdom teeth in consideration. At the earliest, wisdom teeth are removed in the mid-teen years, but 3rd molars do not finish developing until closer to about 30 years of age.
Wisdom tooth removal is a commonplace procedure widely practiced by the dental profession that carries only slight risks. Common side effects include mild bleeding and occasionally, dry sockets (when blood clots don't develop or become displaced). In very rare cases, nerve injury can occur. Not having wisdom teeth extracted that need it also carries risks, which are deemed by our industry as more significant than the risks of the procedure itself.
Coronectomy
Do you still have your wisdom teeth? Are they causing you problems? A complete removal is not always the best option. In some patients, the roots of the wisdom teeth in the lower jaw can become entangled in the nerves that supply feeling to your lips, chin, and tongue. In cases such as these, our Toronto oral surgery team may suggest having a coronectomy performed instead.
A coronectomy procedure allows for the removal of the wisdom teeth without the removal of the roots themselves. This is done by removing the crown of the tooth and leaving the roots intact. Coronectomy is a safer alternative when a surgical extraction runs the risk of causing nerve damage.
Bone Grafting
Periodontal disease can cause the jawbone to become too weak to support a dental implant. In cases like this, Dr. Reyes will often recommend bone grafting (also known as natural bone regeneration) to promote healthy bone growth and thicken your jawbone. Over time, your jawbone may naturally regenerate and become strong enough to support a dental implant.
Alveoplasty
An alveoplasty surgery is performed when a patient's jawbone needs to be smoothed or reshaped following the loss or extraction of one or more teeth. Alveoplasty can either be performed on its own, or as part of a tooth extraction. This surgery optimally shapes your jaws to support dentures, minimizing your future discomfort and maximizing prosthesis retainment.
All oral surgeries are by nature invasive and carry risks and recovery times, but the alternative of not treating the above described dental problems due to these marginal risks is strongly not recommended. Dr. Reyes will discuss your individual situation with you and fully apprise you after seeing you for a consultation.
If you’re not sure what type of dental service you need, call North Shores Dental to schedule an exam at our Toronto location. Our dental team will take the time to do a thorough exam and discuss your oral health concerns with you before starting the treatment you need.
At North Shores Dental , we offer laser dentistry procedures as a potential alternative for some treatments.