Oral Surgery

While it is ideal to keep, love, and maintain the teeth you were given, sometimes it is necessary to remove them via Oral Surgery. Our number one priority is to make sure your dental extraction treatment goes as smoothly as possible so that your recovery time is quick and comfortable. It’s important to understand every step of the process so that you are confident and comfortable before any procedures.

Having a tooth “pulled” or removed is a common practice for teeth that are at risk of endangering an otherwise healthy mouth. There are several potential reasons to undergo a tooth extraction, including:

• Decay
• Infection including an abscessed tooth
• Superfluous teeth that block other teeth including wisdom teeth
• Broken or cracked tooth
• Trauma
• Gum disease with resulting bone loss

Anesthetics

You will be given a local anesthetic and possibly an oral sedative prior to your extraction depending on how difficult the extraction will be.  If you and your dentist decide to choose oral sedation, be sure to bring a friend or family member to drive you home as well as act on your behalf.

Bleeding

The extraction site will bleed after the tooth’s removal. We will provide you with plenty of gauze, which you will apply to your extraction site for up to 45 minutes after surgery. Bite down with direct pressure as instructed. This will help create a blood clot, which will expedite the healing process. Be sure to change the gauze as needed.  If bleeding persists after two hours, be sure to call the office or our answering service number as stated on the afterhours recorded. Some “pinkish” saliva from light bleeding is normal and is to be expected for a couple of days after the extraction. Avoid hot beverages and foods for two days afterwards as well.

Healing

We perform tooth extractions with your comfort in mind. Recovering and managing pain after a tooth extraction is a simple process. Wait a full day before cleaning or brushing your teeth around the surgical site.  Beginning the day after the extraction, gently rinse your mouth with warm saltwater (a teaspoon of salt per 8 oz of water) several times a day and after eating. Be sure to do this in a gentle manner as to avoid loosening the blood clot, which may lead to dry socket.

Avoid any foods that require extensive chewing, especially crunchy foods.  If possible, try to eat on the non-affected side. Especially abstain from hot foods and liquids for the first two days.

You may have to “suffer” through an afternoon of ice cream or pudding. Yogurt, eggs, Jell-O, nutritional milkshakes (like Ensure) and other soft foods are good as well. We may prescribe medication to manage the pain after the procedure. It’s important to use this only as directed.