Extractions

A dental extraction is the removal of a tooth from the mouth. Extractìons are performed for a wide variety of reasons including: tooth decay, primary teeth- ready to be removed, periodontal involved teeth and teeth that are impacted. Tooth decay that has destroyed enough tooth structure to render the tooth non-restorable is the most common reason to extract a tooth. lt is also necessary to remove primary teeth occasionally. These teeth need to be removed to make way for the permanent tooth to come in. If a patient has untreated periodontal infection around a tooth, it may need to be removed. Depending on the complexity of the case, an extraction can be performed surgically or non-surgically.

At our office we do most extractions. Following an extraction, we will send you home with a list of instructions. It is important that you follow these instructions to ensure that you have no complications.

Please read the information below and follow the instructions given to help the healing process after your extraction:

1. Immediately following a tooth extraction, keep pressure on your gauze until the bleeding stops (30-45 minutes). Repeat if necessary. If heavy bleeding continues, call us.

2. DO NOT SMOKE! Do not rinse your mouth vigorously. Do not drink through a straw for 24 hours. These activities will disturb the healing blood clot.

3. Do not suck on the extraction site.

4. Immediately after a tooth is extracted, you may experience some discomfort and notice some swelling. To reduce swelling, place ice packs on the side of your face intermittently for 24 to 48 hours.

5. Reduce strenuous activity for 24 hours.

6. Drink plenty of fluids and maintain as normal a diet as possible. Use a soft diet if necessary.

7. Avoid alcoholic beverages and hot liquids.

8. Brush and floss as usual being extra careful around the extraction site.

9. On the following day gently rinse your mouth with warm salt water.

10. Depending on your situation, medication may be prescribed to help control pain and infection.

11. If you have prolonged or severe pain, swelling, bleeding or fever, call us.

If you have any further questions or concerns please contact our office. We would be glad to assist you.