Tooth Extractions
In some cases, it is in your best interest to have a tooth removed. We work to make tooth extractions as easy as possible so you can focus on recovering quickly.
The Process of Tooth Extraction
Tooth extractions at Orange Grove Family Dentistry are typically a fast process. The most critical part of this process is recovery. To encourage a proper healing process, we need to control the bleeding immediately following the tooth extraction. We will have you bite down on a gauze pad for 30 to 45 minutes after the extraction to form a blood clot. It is important to not disturb the blood clot for the next 24 hours. For the swelling, we recommend placing an ice pack on the outer cheek. Once the swelling has decreased, a warm compress can be placed to the same area for comfort. You can also gently rinse your mouth with salt water to keep the extraction area clean.
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How do I prevent dry socket after tooth extraction?
When you have a tooth extracted, a blood clot develops shortly after the surgery, which is your body beginning the healing process. If this blood clot becomes dislodged before your mouth has fully healed it can cause pain, this is called dry socket.
Six tips for avoiding dry socket are:
- Avoid straws or anything that creates a suction or large movement of air.
- Avoid smoking tobacco as the fast inhalation can dislodge your blood clot and the chemicals may prevent healing or cause an infection.
- Eat soft foods only like applesauce, yogurt and mashed potatoes for the first one or two days.
- Inquire about any medicines you’re taking to ensure they don’t interact with the healing process.
- Use proper oral hygiene to keep your mouth clean and consider an antibacterial mouthwash.
- Follow your doctor’s instructions on proper oral care to improve recovery time.
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What can I eat after tooth extraction?
It’s important to stick to soft foods for the first couple of days following your tooth extraction. You don’t want to disturb the blood clot that has formed, so some foods you can eat are:
- Applesauce
- Yogurt
- Mashed potatoes
- Jello
- Pudding
- Ice cream
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What causes the need for tooth extraction?
Tooth extraction is the removal of a tooth from its socket in the bone. Tooth extraction usually occurs when a tooth has been broken or damaged by decay and there is too much damage for the tooth to be repaired by a filling or crown.
However, there are other reasons for tooth extraction, including extra teeth growing in that are blocking others, baby teeth that haven’t fallen out in time for the permanent teeth to come in, braces, wisdom teeth that are commonly removed, or medical reasons.
More Questions?
If you have more questions about tooth extractions, please contact our office and we will be happy to discuss further. You can also request an appointment or see the other services we provide using the links below.
