Removing Teeth

Dental Extractions

Extractions and oral surgery may sound daunting. Learn more about the process to calm your fears.

How are Teeth extracted?

Your child’s tooth may need to be removed in cases where it is: (1) severely broken down and cannot be adequately restored, (2) infected, or (3) impacted in the bone and negatively affecting adjacent teeth or structures. 

Local Anesthesia

Dr. Perusini will inject local anesthetic (“freezing”) in or around the tooth or teeth to be removed. This blocks pain and minimizes discomfort.

Sedation

We endeavour to provide a positive experience for all children in our practice – even during dental extractions. One way to reduce anxiety heading into a stressful procedure is to utilize mild sedation. Nitrous oxide (also known as laughing gas) acts on the central nervous system causing euphoria while also reducing pain. Laughing gas is a mild sedative, which means your child will be awake and will still need to cooperate for the extraction. Learn more about nitrous oxide sedation here

If you feel that nitrous oxide is not strong enough, we also provide care under general anesthesia. This may be a better option for removing teeth that are difficult to access, infected or for removing a large number of teeth all in one visit. Learn more about general anesthesia here.

Elevating & Delivering the Tooth

Dr. Perusini will first use instruments to elevate (or loosen) the tooth. Your child will not feel any pain, but they may feel pressure. When the tooth is sufficiently mobile, Dr. Perusini will use forceps to remove the tooth. 

Cleaning & Sutures

After the tooth is extracted, Dr. Perusini and his assistant will clean the socket and rinse out any debris. Dr. Perusini may place dissolvable sutures (stitches) depending on the location or the number of teeth removed. 

Healing & Aftercare

For quick and efficient healing, Dr. Perusini and his assistant will review a set of post-operative instructions following the surgery. 

Depending on the nature of the extraction, Dr. Perusini may book your child back for a follow up visit. The front desk will help you arrange this appointment. 

If you have any questions or concerns following the extraction, please contact our office and we will provide further instructions to aid your child’s recovery. You will often hear Dr. Perusini say, “there are no unreasonable questions – give us a shout!”

Types of Tooth Extractions

Basic Extractions

Your child’s tooth may need to be removed because of a large cavity, infection, or if it has been traumatized as a result of an facial injury. We do our best to save teeth, but sometimes an extraction may be the more reasonable option. 

If your child prematurely loses one or more primary teeth, Dr. Perusini may advise placing a space maintainer. Space maintainers help prevent space loss, which can later affect the eruption of permanent teeth.

Orthodontic Extractions

We work closely with a number orthodontists in the city. Occasionally, your child’s orthodontist may suggest extractions to facilitate eruption of the permanent teeth. 

Wisdom Teeth Extractions

As your teenager gets closer to 18 years of age, Dr. Perusini will advise taking a special x-ray called a panoramic radiograph to assess the position of the wisdom teeth (also known as third molars). The American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons advises that the decision to extract or keep the third molars should be made by 25 years of age.

If extractions are indicated, and depending on the difficulty of the case, Dr. Perusini may offer to remove the wisdom teeth himself, or refer you to a trusted oral and maxillofacial surgeon.

Schedule an appointment with us today for a beautiful, healthy smile.

Come Find Us

Conveniently located in the heart of Edmonton, Avenue Pediatric Dentistry proudly delivers all aspects of dental care to infants, children and teenagers, as well as those of all ages with special needs.

Contact

Tel: 780-428-7761
Fax: 780-428-1032
Email: [email protected]

HOURS

Monday 7:30a.m.–3:30p.m.
Tuesday 7:30a.m.–3:30p.m.
Wednesday 7:30a.m.–3:30p.m.
Thursday 7:30a.m.–3:30p.m.
Friday 7:30a.m.–2:30p.m.