A dental extraction (also referred to as tooth extraction, exodontia, exodontics, or informally, tooth pulling) is the removal of teeth from the dental alveolus (socket) in the alveolar bone. Extractions are performed for a wide variety of reasons, but most commonly to remove teeth which have become unrestorable through tooth decay, periodontal disease or dental trauma, especially when they are associated with toothache. Sometimes wisdom teeth are impacted (stuck and unable to grow normally into the mouth) and may cause recurrent infections of the gum (pericoronitis). In orthodontics if the teeth are crowded, sound teeth may be extracted (often bicuspids) to create space so the rest of the teeth can be straightened.

Tooth extraction is usually relatively straightforward, and the vast majority can be usually performed quickly while the individual is awake by using local anesthetic injections to eliminate painful sensations. Local anesthetic blocks pain, but mechanical forces are still felt. Some teeth are more difficult to remove for several reasons, especially related to the tooth’s position, the shape of the tooth roots and the integrity of the tooth. Dental phobia is an issue for some individuals, and tooth extraction tends to be feared more than other dental treatments like fillings. If a tooth is buried in the bone, a surgical or trans alveolar approach may be required, which involves cutting the gum away and removal of the bone which is holding the tooth in with a surgical drill. After the tooth is removed, stitches are used to replace the gum into the normal position.

Immediately after the tooth is removed, a bite pack is used to apply pressure to the tooth socket and stop the bleeding. After a tooth extraction, dentists usually give advice which revolves around not disturbing the blood clot in the socket by not touching the area with a finger or the tongue, by avoiding vigorous rinsing of the mouth and avoiding strenuous activity. Sucking, such as through a straw, is to be avoided. If the blood clot is dislodged, bleeding can restart, or alveolar osteitis (“dry socket”) can develop, which can be very painful and lead to delayed healing of the socket. Smoking is avoided for at least 24 hours as it impairs wound healing and makes dry socket significantly more likely. Most advise hot salt water mouth baths which start 24 hours after the extraction.

The branch of dentistry that deals primarily with extractions is oral surgery (“exodontistry”), although general dentists and periodontists often carry out tooth extraction routinely since it is a core skill taught in dental schools. Periodontists are performing more and more extractions, since they often follow up and place a dental implant.

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A crown, sometimes known as dental cap, is a type of dental restoration which completely caps or encircles a tooth or dental implant. Crowns are often needed when a large cavity threatens the ongoing health of a tooth. They are typically bonded to the tooth using a dental cement. Crowns can be made out of porcelain/ceramic, gold alloy, or a combination of both.

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A composite filling is a tooth–coloured plastic and glass mixture used to restore decayed teeth. Composites are also used for cosmetic improvements of the smile by changing the colour of the teeth or reshaping disfigured teeth.

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Urban Smiles Family Dental in Edmonton provides complete mercury-free and amalgam-free dentistry. The restorative work can range from simple fillings and crowns to more complex root canal therapy and tooth replacement implants.

Book an appointment with Urban Smiles today: 780.989.6030

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Restful Nights. Refreshing Days!
The high quality, comfortable, custom treatment for obstructive sleep apnea!

Defining OSA

Obstructive Sleep Apnea is a serious health condition. OSA is a life-long medical condition that can affect your sleep, health, and quality of life. It has been linked to hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, work and driving related accidents and stroke.

It can have a significant impact on quality of life, placing an unnecessary strain on relationships between bed partners, family, and in the workplace. If you or a loved one have OSA or display symptoms such as snoring, excessive daytime sleepiness, or pauses in breathing while sleeping, treatment is essential.

What causes OSA?

During sleep, muscles relax, including those that control the tongue and throat. The soft tissue at the back of your throat can sag, narrowing and constricting the airway. Although OSA sufferers may experience hundreds of apnea episodes per night, they are unlikely to remember any of them. In fact, sufferers who live alone or sleep separately may not be aware of their condition.

SomnoDent Devices are comfortable, high quality, and clinically effective.
Join the over 150,000 patients worldwide treated with SomnoDent!

Did you know …?

• Approximately 18 – 30 million adults suffer from sleep apnea
• 30% of patients with hypertension have OSA
• 40 – 80% of stroke victims also suffer from OSA

SomnoDent Continuous Open Airway Therapy, for the treatment of mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea.

Worn during sleep, SomnoDent devices fit over the upper and lower teeth. The device slightly moves the lower jaw forward, helping to keep the airway open and allowing you to breathe normally. The SomnoDent line of devices are customized to you and offer superior comfort and quality. They are uniquely compliant and highly effective. In fact, 91% of patients reported improvement in sleep quality while wearing their SomnoDent.

SomnoDent products:

• Customized and comfortable
• Made with the highest quality acrylic
• Do not discolour or attract odors
• Have a life expectancy of 3-5 years, and a 3-year warranty against manufacturing defects.

Your dentist will choose the appropriate SomnoDent product for you:

SomnoDent Flex – The Flex offers premium comfort. Made with our unique SMH-BFlex material, the Flex has a soft inner liner and offers superior retention.

SomnoDent Classic – The Classic is our original innovation in customized oral devices. Retained using medical grade stainless steel ball clasps, this device is also available with an option that you with additional tongue space.

SomnoDent G2 – SomnoMed’s latest innovation, the G2, is easy to calibrate and is a standard metal-free device.

SomnoDent Herbst – The Flex version of the Herbst offers superior comfort and retention for you.

*If you wear dentures, an edentulous option can be made from the SomnoDent Flex or SomnoDent Classic.

What services will the dentist perform?

Initial Visit – Thoroughly examine your teeth and mouth to confirm your oral health status, as well as ensure that you are dentally appropriate for the device. At that time, a bite registration and impressions will be taken so that the SomnoDent prescription can be completed and sent to SomnoMed’s medical manufacturing facility by the dentist.

Delivery Appointment – The SomnoDent will be placed and checked for fit. The dentist will also instruct you on how to insert and remove it yourself, including how to clean and care for your SomnoDent.

Calibration Visits – The purpose of these visits is to determine the optimal position for the device.

Follow-up Visits – Once the optimal position have been achieved, the dentists will refer you back to your sleep physician for a follow-up visit.

*SomnoDent devices are intended to treat mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea in adults 18 years of age or older. SomnoMed® & SomnoDent ® are registered trademarks of SomnoMed, Herbst® is a registered trademark of Dentaurum, Inc. Newtown, PA.   

Click here to read more about SomnoDent

A bridge is a fixed dental restoration used to replace one or more missing teeth by joining an artificial tooth definitively to adjacent teeth or dental implants. A bridge will span the area where teeth are missing. They are attached to the natural teeth or implants that surround this space.

Book an appointment with Urban Smiles today: 780.989.6030

The invisible way to straighten your teeth, without  metal braces.

Invisalign can give you the beautiful straight teeth you’ve always wanted. It works through a series of invisible, removable, and comfortable aligners that no one can tell you’re wearing. So you can smile more during treatment as well as after. And with over 70% of US orthodontists now certified to treat with Invisalign, it has been proven effective in practices nationwide. Dr. Andrew was one of the first general dentist in the country to be trained and certified in the use of these invisible aligners.

What is Invisalign?

Invisalign is the invisible way to straighten your teeth without  metal braces.

Invisalign uses a series of clear removable aligners (pictured to the left) to straighten your teeth without metal wires or brackets.

Invisalign has been proven effective in clinical research and in orthodontic practices nationwide. In fact, over 70% of all US orthodontists are certified to treat patients with Invisalign.

How Does Invisalign Work?

You wear each set of aligners for about 1-2 weeks, removing them only to eat, drink, brush, and floss.

As you replace each aligner with the next in the series, your teeth will move – little by little, week by week – until they have straightened to the final position your dentist has prescribed.

You’ll visit your dentist about once every 6 weeks to ensure that your treatment is progressing as planned.

Total treatment time averages 6-18 months and the average number of aligners worn during treatment is between 18 and 30, but both will vary from case to case.

Is Invisalign for Me?

Invisalign can be used to treat the vast majority of common problems for adults and teens. Whether your smile needs minor improvements or more extensive adjustments, Invisalign can certainly help. It’s successful in treating overly crowded or widely spaced teeth. It can also relieve more complex issues, including overbites, underbites and even crossbites. In fact, an Invisalign Certified Orthodontist or Dentist can use Invisalign clear aligners in all or part of just about any treatment plan.

Made to fit your lifestyle, not change it.

Because Invisalign uses clear plastic aligners to position and straighten teeth, you can keep your active lifestyle during treatment. Unlike braces, Invisalign aligners have no metal bands or wires to irritate your mouth. So go ahead and be as active as you like. Since Invisalign is removable, just take the clear aligners out for special events or if you’re going to indulge in a sticky, gooey snack.

Look your best during and after treatment.

Of course you want to look great, at work, at school, with friends. Maybe you speak to groups or conduct meetings. You still can. Because Invisalign is clear and nearly invisible, most people will never know you’re straightening your teeth – unless you tell them. And when your course of treatment has ended, you can feel more confident, whether in front of people or not. You’re going to have a stunning smile.

Invisalign straightens crowded, protruding, or spaced out teeth without the metal wires and brackets.

First, we take a set of photographs and a 3-D scan of your upper and lower teeth. They are then sent to the Invisalign lab where there they use advanced laser technology to create an accurate 3-D image of your teeth. They send the images back to the office for you to get an accurate projection of the final results. Then a series of biocompatible aligners are made for you to wear.

Every one-two weeks you change your aligner to move your teeth in tiny increments.

Invisalign can benefit you in the following ways:

• You can change your aligner yourself you get faster results with fewer dental visits.
• You don’t have to change your homecare routines.  You can take your aligner out to eat and to brush your teeth.
• Best of all you can still eat all your favorite foods without worrying about damaging or breaking any wires.