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Extraction
One of the main goals of
modern dentistry is the prevention of tooth loss. All possible measures
should be taken to preserve and maintain your teeth because the loss of
a single tooth can have a major impact upon your dental health and
appearance. However, it is still sometimes necessary to remove a tooth.
Here are some of the reasons a tooth may need to be extracted.
- Severe Decay
- Advanced
periodontal disease
- Infection or
- Orthodontic
correction
- Malpositioned teeth
- Fractured teeth or
roots
- Impacted teeth
If you've just had a
tooth extracted or your dentist has recommended that a tooth be
extracted, the following information will help you get through the first
few days after your extraction. Should anything occur that seems out of
the normal, do not hesitate to call your dentist.
POSTOPERATIVE INSTRUCTIONS
- DO NOT DISTURB THE
WOUND : In doing so you may invite irritation, infection and/or
bleeding. Be sure to chew on the opposite side for 24 hours and keep
anything sharp from entering the wound (i.e. eating utensils etc. ).
- DO NOT SMOKE FOR 12
HOURS:: Smoking will promote bleeding and interfere with healing.
- BRUSHING: Do not
brush your teeth for the first 8 hours after surgery. After, you may
brush your teeth gently, but avoid the area of surgery.
- MOUTH WASH: Avoid
all rinsing for 24 hours after extraction. This is to insure the
formation of a healing blood clot which is essential to proper wound
healing. Disturbance of this clot can lead to increased bleeding or
the loss of the blood clot. If the clot is lost, a painful condition
called dry socket may occur. You may use warm salt water or mild
antiseptic rinses after 24 hours only if prescribed.
- DO NOT SPIT OR SUCK
THROUGH A STRAW: This will promote bleeding and may dislodge the
blood clot causing a dry socket.
- BLEEDING: When you
leave the office, you will be given verbal instructions regarding
the control of postoperative bleeding. A rolled up gauze pad will be
placed on the extraction site and you will be asked to change this
dressing every 20 minutes or so depending on the amount of bleeding
that is occurring. It is normal for some blood to ooze from the area
of surgery. We will also give you a package of gauze to take with
you to use at home if the bleeding should continue. Should you need
to use the gauze at home, remember to roll it into a ball large
enough to cover the wound. Hold firmly in place, by biting or with
finger pressure, for about 20-30 minutes. If bleeding still
continues, you may fold a tea bag in half and bite down on it. Tea
contains Tannic Acid , a styptic, which may help to reduce the
bleeding.
- PAIN :Some
discomfort is normal after surgery. Analgesic tablets ( i.e.
Aspirin, Tylenol etc. ) may be taken under your dentist's direction.
Prescription medication, which may have been given to you, should
also be taken as directed. If pain continues, call your dentist.
- SWELLING : To
prevent swelling, apply an ice pack or a cold towel to the outside
of your face in the area of the extraction during the first 12
hours. Apply alternately, 20 minutes on then 20 minutes off, for an
hour or longer if necessary.
- DIET: Eat normal
regular meals as soon as you are able after surgery. Cold, soft food
such as ice cream or yogurt may be the most comfortable for the
first day. It is also important to drink plenty of fluids.
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