Extractions (teeth removal)
Before a tooth is removed, your dentist will thoroughly review your medical and dental history, take the appropriate X-rays, and discuss with you tooth replacement options (e.g. implant, bridge, denture).
X-rays reveal the length, shape, and position of the tooth and surrounding bone, allowing the dentist to estimate the degree of difficulty of the procedure.
Before removal, the area around your tooth will be “numbed” to ease any discomfort, the tooth will be loosened from the socket, then extracted with dental forceps. Sometimes, a tooth that is difficult to remove must be taken out in pieces. In addition, it may be necessary to smooth and recontour the underlying bone, then to close the area with self-dissolving stitches.
Once the tooth has been extracted, a blood clot usually forms in the socket. You will be asked to bite down gently on a piece of sterile gauze, which you must keep in place for 15 minutes to help stop the bleeding.
A certain amount of pain and discomfort is to be expected following an extraction. Your dentist will recommend a painkiller or prescribe one for you. Under normal circumstances, discomfort should lessen within three days to two weeks. If you have prolonged or severe pain, swelling, bleeding or fever, call our office at once.
- Take all medications as recommended.
- To prevent or reduce swelling, apply an ice pack to the face throughout the first day (20 min on, 20 min off and chilling the pack when not in use)
- Drink a lot of fluids and eat soft, lukewarm food the first day. Avoid hot liquids. Don't drink through a straw.
- Avoid excessive physical activity and alcohol for the rest of the day.
- For the next 24 hours, you shouldn't smoke, rinse your mouth vigorously, spit, or clean the teeth next to the extraction site.
- The day after the extraction, start tooth brushing carefully. You may begin gently rinsing your mouth with warm salt water. Rinse every 4-6 hrs with a cup of warm water mixed with ½ teaspoon of salt. Continue this for approximately 1 week.
- If you are taking birth control medication and antibiotics are prescribed for your surgery, be sure to use an additional means of contraception for the duration of your cycle.