Care & Procedures

Extractions

Our doctors have extensive experience pulling teeth. Removing a tooth that is too diseased to save is the first step to better health. One the tooth is gone we offer a wide range of services to replace your missing tooth and restore the are to proper function.

Post-Procedural Care

Following and extraction one can expect, to varying degrees, bleeding, swelling and discomfort.

To minimize bleeding, continue to bite on the folded gauze sponge for at least 45 minutes. You will probably experience some oozing of blood for 24 hours. Do not be alarmed. This is quite normal. Fold a sterilized 2x2 gauze square into fourths and place over the surgical site if bleeding continues. Maintain the pressure. In rare cases, a tea bag (tannic acid) may need to be used to encourage clotting.

Swelling is not unusual. Any swelling should peak at about 48 hours and then start to decrease. If swelling is anticipated or to help soothe the area an ice pack can be placed next to the surgical site and left in place for 15-30 minutes. This will help to prevent swelling by reducing blood flow in the area. Do not apply heat to the area because this will increase swellings. It is also a good idea to keep your head propped up slightly when resting for the 1st 24 hours.

To manage discomfort as you heal, please take the medication that was prescribed for you before the anesthetic has worn off. Then continue to take the medication by the clock for the remainder of that day and the next.

A nutritious liquid or soft diet is necessary for the first day. After that you can gradually progress to harder foods.

Do not smoke or consume alcohol! Nicotine and alcohol damage the surgical site and severely inhibit healing. Do not suck liquids into your mouth with a straw. Do not spit forcefully.

On the second day we encourage you to begin to use the mouth rinse prescribed. Rinse with it twice daily it is antibacterial and will speed the healing.

If you experience unusual pain, bleeding, swelling, or any special concerns, please call our office at 442-8062. Please don’t hesitate to call if you have a concern. We are here to help, and are happy to do so.