The bone around your teeth is highly specialized and doesn't regenerate when it's lost. Your teeth rely on this bony foundation to remain stable and functional, and even small defects can compromise your ability to maintain a tooth. Sometimes we can repair these defects by adding bone grafting materials.

We can only imagine what our bodies would look like without bones. This scaffolding provides support, form and protection to everything around it. The bone around your teeth, alveolar bone, serves to hold the teeth firmly in place. The particular height, shape, and density of this specialized bone can be compromised by gum disease, tooth removal, or other forms of trauma.

If bone shrinks away around your teeth, it never grows back. In some cases, bone can be encouraged to fill in with grafting materials placed by Dr. Reed. Every situation offers a different scenario, but more options than ever exist to promote bone repair in the jaw. For example, when a tooth needs removal a large hole then exists in the bone. While it will fill in naturally, the site tends to shrink, drawing bone away from the area. Grafting materials can be placed simply at the time of tooth removal to help preserve the bone. Grafts prove especially beneficial if you'd like to consider an implant-supported replacement in the future.

While many patients are concerned about root canals, modern techniques often make this procedure as quick and simple as any other procedure. Infected teeth in danger of removal can be disinfected and filled with a sealer, leaving a safe solution for problematic situations.

Toothaches provide a vivid reminder that teeth aren't just inert pieces of hard tissue floating in the gums. Instead, they're intricately formed parts with layers of hard substances overlaying a delicate core. Coursing through the tooth's center, this vital bundle of nerves and blood vessels provides nutrients and sensation to each tooth. As long as the tooth stays healthy, you're rarely aware of the systems at work.

But pain rapidly changes your awareness in any part of the body. Tooth pain can be especially alarming, and it's meant to warn you that something's not right. Pain tells us that the bundle of nerves and vessels inside your tooth is irritated, damaged, or under attack.

A deep cavity can give bacteria access to the inner nerve bundle. A crack extending into the same region can create stress that will need additional care to relieve. In some cases, a significant infection may develop in your jaw without any symptoms at all. If Dr. Reed determines that the nerve won't recover or infection is present, then root canal treatment may be suggested.

Minor surgical procedures sometimes help treat problems in your mouth. Defects in the bone or compromised supporting gum tissue may sometimes undergo repair with precise surgical techniques. And quick biopsy techniques can help us learn what's behind changes in the lining of your mouth.

Minor surgical procedures involving the teeth, gums and jaw bone may be needed to preserve or enhance long-term health. While our philosophy rests on maintaining teeth, each situation deserves consideration of all the factors involved. So when the discussion we have together leads to a surgical correction, Dr. Reed will take every step necessary to ensure your comfort and safety.

A damaged tooth may need removal if it's beyond repair. We also understand patients sometimes choose to remove a tooth due to financial limitations. We'll always work hard to help you find the solution that fits every aspect of your situation. Regardless, Dr. Reed uses the best methods and equipment to provide a quick and painless visit. Fortunately, sedation options hold out a range of anxiety-reduction protocols that you may wish to consider as well.

Other minor procedures decided on are always applied with the same compassionate philosophy. Biopsies of suspicious tissue, reshaping of gum defects, or removal of obtrusive bone present scenarios that may involve surgical correction.

Despite the best intentions, teeth sometimes need to be removed. Regardless of the situation, this minor surgical procedure can be brought together in a way that considers your short and long-term concerns. From anxiety control to planning for tooth replacement, we'll factor in every aspect of your case.

Despite your best efforts, teeth sometimes need to be removed to protect your health. When we've discussed all other possibilities and you've decided on extraction, we'll take every step to help you. Your well-being always takes priority in any treatment decision. Some patients prefer sedation to help with oral surgery, and we can include medicated options into your plan. Regardless, we take every measure to make even minor surgical procedures as comfortable as possible.

Teeth present varied levels of removal difficulty, but the Waterloo Dental team takes pride in helping every patient get numb with modern anesthetics to start every procedure. Once anesthesia settles in, careful steps are taken with instruments designed to elevate your tooth out of place. Specific instructions help you care for the area after your procedure, with prescriptions for any medications needed during the healing period.