Dental Services
- Fillings
- Sealants
- Veneers
- Inlays/Onlays
- Bonding
- Dental Implants
- Extractions
- Bleaching/Zoom
- Bridges
- Crowns
- Dentures
Harding Twp., NJ 07960
phone: 908 766-1300
fax: 908 766-5604
Extractions
You and the doctor may determine that you need an extraction 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 removal because they are poorly positioned in the mouth (such as impacted teeth) or 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, in most cases your doctor will discuss alternatives to extractions as well as replacement of the extracted tooth.
The Extraction Process
At the time of extraction the doctor will need to numb your tooth, jawbone and gums surrounding 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.
After Care
Bleeding
Some bleeding may occur. Placing a piece of moist gauze over the empty tooth socket and biting down firmly for 45 minutes can control this.
Healing starts with blood clots that form in the empty socket.
This is an important part of the healing process, and you must be careful not to dislodge the clot.
- Avoid rinsing or spitting for 24 hours after the extraction.
- Avoid use of a straw, smoking, hot liquids or alcoholic beverages.
- Eat only soft foods for 48 hours.
Swelling
If swelling occurs you can place ice on your face for 10 minutes, then off for 20 minutes. Repeat this cycle as you feel necessary for up to 24 hours.
Pain and Medications
If you experience pain you might use non-prescription pain relief medications such as tylenol or ibuprofen. Severe discomfort may need prescribed medication.
Eating
For most extractions make sure you do your chewing away from the extraction site. Stay away from hot liquids and alcoholic beverages for 48 hours.
A liquid diet may be recommended for 48 hours.
Brushing and Cleaning
After the extraction, avoid brushing the teeth near the extraction site for one full day. After that, you can resume gentle cleaning. Avoid commercial mouth rinses, as they tend to irritate the site.
Beginning 24 hours after the extraction, you can rinse with salt water (1/2 teaspoon in a cup of water) after meals and before bed.
Dry Socket
"Dry socket" is when a blood clot fails to form in the socket where the tooth has been extracted, or the clot has been dislodged, exposing the bone which significantly delays healing.
Following these post-extraction instructions will reduce the chances of developing a dry socket. Dry sockets manifest themselves as a dull throbbing pain, which doesn't appear until three to four days after the extraction. The pain can be moderate to severe and radiate from the extraction area. Dry socket may cause a bad taste or bad breath, and the extraction site appears empty.
Your doctor will apply a medicated dressing to the dry socket to soothe the pain, and the healing period is usually more prolonged.
Healing
After a tooth has been extracted, there will be a temporary depression or hole in your jawbone where the tooth was. This will gradually fill in with bone from the bottom of the socket upward over the next two months. However after 1- 2 weeks you should no longer notice any inconvenience of food impaction and the gum should have closed over the hole.