Extractions

About Extractions

If every other procedure, such as crowns, fillings or root canal, has been exhausted, then the tooth will have to be removed.

The process of extraction was very different in the early years than it is today. Not only is it far less painful but patients will feel little if any discomfort, and bleeding is very minor.  Thanks to today’s effective anesthetics and sedatives patients find the experience much less difficult.

Novocaine, either in a topical/and or injectable form, is administered to the patient, numbing the area where the tooth is to be removed. This eliminates the pain and anxiety that’s often associated with this procedure.

Once the tooth has been pulled, many times an antibiotic is prescribed to prevent any possible infection. If that’s not the case, the area where the tooth was removed should be looked after and cared for to ensure there are no further problems.

There are things you should avoid following the procedure. Some of these include smoking, vigorous brushing and rinsing, and drinking liquids through a straw. This kind of activity can get in the way of healing. There’s a possibility they may reopen the wound and cause problems. To reduce any potential swelling, you can apply a cold compresses to the outside cheek. This will also promote faster healing.

Post Tooth Extraction Care Instructions

• DO NOT RINSE mouth for 24 hours.

• NEXT DAY rinse mouth with 1/2 teaspoon of table salt in 8 oz glass of very warm water after meals. Repeat this for the next 2-3 days.

• KEEP FINGERS AND TONGUE away from extraction socket.

• BLEEDING: Some bleeding following tooth extraction is normal. Change the cotton gauze you were given every 45 minutes until the site is not actively bleeding. It is not uncommon for the bleeding to last several hours after the extraction if you are taking any blood thinning medication (including Aspirin).

• SWELLING: Use plastic bag or towel filled with ice against affected area for 5 minutes on and 10 minutes off for one hour. Swelling is not unusual and is no cause for alarm.

• FOOD AND DRINK: Light diet is advisable during the first 24 hours. Carbonated and alcoholic beverages should be avoided. Do not sip through a straw.

• DO NOT SMOKE for 3 days after extraction. This is the number one cause of dry socket complications.

• BONY EDGES: After teeth are extracted, you may feel hard projections in your mouth. This is usually the hard, bony partition which surrounds the roots of the teeth. These will generally break away or work themselves out of the site.

• If antibiotics were prescribed for you, take the full amount of medication, even when symptoms have disappeared.

• PAIN MANAGEMENT: Ibuprofen (Advil) 400mg + Acetaminophen (Tylenol) 500mg. Take together every 4-6 hours as needed for pain. Do not exceed 2400mg Ibuprofen or 3000mg Acetaminophen daily.

• In case of any unusal symptoms or complications contact our office. 

  Office: (423) 265-3471 
  After hours emergency: (423) 322-1618