EXTRACTIONS
Reasons for extractions include pain, infection, deep decay, tooth fracture, bone loss, or impaction of a tooth. In most situations a tooth can be extracted at a same-day emergency visit without the need for antibiotics. Exceptions to this include impacted wisdom teeth, severe swelling preventing the patient from opening his/her mouth all the way, or inability of the patient to get numb.
Extractions can be classified as simple or surgical. In a surgical extraction the gums may need to be cut and/or the tooth may need to be drilled into smaller pieces (don't worry, it feels just like getting a filling).
After the surgery you will need to rest. You can expect for the extraction site to bleed for a little while after the surgery. Gauze will be applied at the completion of the surgery, and you will need to change it when it becomes soaked. If bleeding continues for longer than 24 hours you should call your dentist. Rest when you return home, but do not lie flat. This could prolong the bleeding. Prop your head up on a pillow when lying down. Your dentist will prescribe you pain medication, so if you become sore take as directed. You can also use an ice pack for the pain. Your dentist might also provide you with a cleaning solution to clean the extraction site.
You will be limited to soft foods for a few days after your surgery. When drinking, make sure you do not use a straw. The sucking motion can loosen your sutures and slow the clotting process. The same goes for smoking. If you have prolonged pain, bleeding, irritation, or don’t feel that the extraction site is healing properly call your dentist for a follow up.
Wisdom teeth or 3rd molars, are usually large molars that begin to erupt (grow in) when we are about 18-21 yrs of age. Most of us do not have the proper amount of space to allow them to come in all of the way making our gums and teeth very sore once they begin to erupt. In many situations wisdom teeth are what we call impacted. This means they are trapped under the gums and bone of our jaws. They may be leaning sideways, forward, or even backwards, and upside down! Most people will unfortunately have to have their wisdom teeth removed to prevent future problems. If they are not removed they can ultimately cause decay, bone loss, and infection in the bones and gums surrounding them. Based on the recommendation of the doctor and/or the patient preference, a local anesthetic could be used to numb the areas where the wisdom teeth will be extracted. Some patients prefer to go under a general anesthetic so that they will be sedated during the procedure. Although we do not provide general anesthesia in our office, we will be able to refer you to the oral surgeon of your choice. In this case you will need to be driven home by a friend or family member because of the anesthesia.
Please see our post operative care instructions for more information.
Extractions can be classified as simple or surgical. In a surgical extraction the gums may need to be cut and/or the tooth may need to be drilled into smaller pieces (don't worry, it feels just like getting a filling).
After the surgery you will need to rest. You can expect for the extraction site to bleed for a little while after the surgery. Gauze will be applied at the completion of the surgery, and you will need to change it when it becomes soaked. If bleeding continues for longer than 24 hours you should call your dentist. Rest when you return home, but do not lie flat. This could prolong the bleeding. Prop your head up on a pillow when lying down. Your dentist will prescribe you pain medication, so if you become sore take as directed. You can also use an ice pack for the pain. Your dentist might also provide you with a cleaning solution to clean the extraction site.
You will be limited to soft foods for a few days after your surgery. When drinking, make sure you do not use a straw. The sucking motion can loosen your sutures and slow the clotting process. The same goes for smoking. If you have prolonged pain, bleeding, irritation, or don’t feel that the extraction site is healing properly call your dentist for a follow up.
Wisdom teeth or 3rd molars, are usually large molars that begin to erupt (grow in) when we are about 18-21 yrs of age. Most of us do not have the proper amount of space to allow them to come in all of the way making our gums and teeth very sore once they begin to erupt. In many situations wisdom teeth are what we call impacted. This means they are trapped under the gums and bone of our jaws. They may be leaning sideways, forward, or even backwards, and upside down! Most people will unfortunately have to have their wisdom teeth removed to prevent future problems. If they are not removed they can ultimately cause decay, bone loss, and infection in the bones and gums surrounding them. Based on the recommendation of the doctor and/or the patient preference, a local anesthetic could be used to numb the areas where the wisdom teeth will be extracted. Some patients prefer to go under a general anesthetic so that they will be sedated during the procedure. Although we do not provide general anesthesia in our office, we will be able to refer you to the oral surgeon of your choice. In this case you will need to be driven home by a friend or family member because of the anesthesia.
Please see our post operative care instructions for more information.