Tooth Extractions

Tooth extractions are performed for any number of reasons. Some teeth are extracted because they are severely decayed; others may have advanced periodontal disease or have broken in a way that cannot be repaired. Other teeth may need to be removed because they are poorly positioned in the mouth (such as impacted teeth). Sometimes teeth are extracted in preparation for orthodontic treatment.

The removal of a single tooth can lead to problems related to your chewing ability, problems with your jaw joint, and shifting teeth, which can have a major impact on your dental health. To avoid these complications, we will discuss alternatives to extractions, as well as your options for a replacement of the extracted tooth.

The Extraction Process

At the time of extraction, the doctor will need to numb your tooth, jawbone and gums that surround the area with a local anesthetic.
During the extraction process you will feel a lot of pressure. This is from the process of firmly rocking the tooth in order to widen the socket for removal.
You feel the pressure without pain because the anesthetic has numbed the nerves, stopping them from transmitting the pain. You will still feel some “pressure” during the extraction process.

If you do feel pain at any time during the extraction, please let us know right away. All you need do is raise your hand.

Sectioning a Tooth

Some teeth require sectioning. This is a very common procedure used when a tooth is very firmly anchored in its socket, or the root is curved. When the socket can’t expand enough to remove the tooth, your dentist simply cuts the tooth into sections then removes each section one at a time.

Post-Op Instructions: After a Tooth Extraction

After an extraction, it is important for a blood clot to form to stop the bleeding and begin the healing process. That’s why our dentist will ask you to bite on gauze for 15-20 minutes after your tooth extraction. If bleeding continues after you remove your gauze, put another gauze on the area and bite for another 12-20 minutes. If you are still bleeding you could try using a caffeinated tea bag. Get it wet, squeeze out the excess water and bite on it for 20-45 minutes. (The tea bag helps because the tannic acid in the tea aids in forming a blood clot.) After the blood clot forms, it is important to protect it, especially for the next 48 hours.

It is important for the next 48 hours that you ...

Do Not Smoke
Do Not Whistle
Do Not suck through a straw
Do Not rinse your mouth out vigorously
Do Not spit
Do Not clean teeth next to the extraction site and the extraction site.

These activities could dislodge the clot and slow down the healing process or cause infection.

Limit yourself to calm activities for the first 24-48 hours. This keeps your blood pressure lower, reduces bleeding, and helps the healing process.

After the tooth is extracted, you may feel some pain and have some swelling. If you have some swelling, you could use an ice pack (20 minutes on/ 20 minutes off) to keep the swelling to a minimum. If after 24 hours you still have swelling you may replace the ice pack with warm pack or cloth for 20 minutes on 20 minutes off. Typically, the swelling will start to go down after 48 hours.

To control discomfort, take pain medication as recommended. Don’t take medication on an empty stomach or nausea may result. If antibiotics are prescribed, continue to take them for the indicated length of time, even if all symptoms and signs are gone. You should:

Drink enough fluids.
Eat only soft and nutritious foods on the day of the extraction and next day.
Avoid alcoholic beverages.
Avoid hot and/or spicy foods

You can begin eating normally after 2 days or if not by then, as soon as it’s comfortable.

It’s very important to resume your normal dental routine after 48 hours. This should include brushing your teeth and tongue and flossing while still avoiding the extraction site. This will speed healing and keep your breath and mouth fresh. Call our dental office right away if you have heavy bleeding, severe pain, continued swelling after 2 or 3 days or a reaction to medication. After a few days, you’ll be feeling fine and can resume your normal activities.