Dental Extractions
Extractions are the removal of problematic teeth. An extraction may be performed if a tooth is severely damaged or decayed. Extractions may also be done to facilitate orthodontic treatment, or to make way for newly erupting teeth. Wisdom teeth are often routinely extracted as well, if they are posing a threat to the overall health of your mouth.
Pre-Extraction Instructions
If possible, bring someone to drive you home after your extraction. You may also want to schedule some time off, as you will want a couple of days to take it easy. If you are a woman on birth control pills, try to schedule your extraction during the final week of your cycle. It is also suggested that you take an anti-inflammatory medication, such as aspirin or ibuprofen prior to your extraction.
Post Op Instructions for Extractions
At the end of your appointment, the doctor will have you bite down on gauze. You should leave the gauze in place for the first 45 minutes to an hour, or until it becomes saturated. If needed, replace the gauze, and leave in place for another 45 minutes.
Be mindful of the fact that your mouth will be numb from local anesthetic. Do not eat or chew until the numbness wears off, as you run the risk of biting your own cheeks and lips. You may also want to take pain medication, such as Tylenol or Advil before the numbness wears off.
During the first 24 hours, you may want to use an ice pack or a bag of frozen peas for cold therapy. Alternate 20 minutes on, and 20 minutes off with the ice pack. This will help to reduce some of the swelling and tenderness which is to be expected immediately following an extraction. After the first 24 hours, switch to moist heat therapy. Use a warm washcloth, and alternate 10 minutes on, 10 minutes off.
Please continue taking your prescription medications unless previously instructed otherwise. You may also wish to rest with your head elevated.
Forming a blood clot is very important to the healing of your extraction site. Please adhere to the following guidelines to help in the formation of a blood clot.
Avoid strenuous exercise and activities.
Avoid hot or spicy food or drink.
Avoid using straws or sucking on hard candy.
Avoid rinsing or spitting.
Do not brush or floss the night of the extraction. You may resume gentle oral hygiene the following day, but please avoid the extraction site as it begins to heal.
Avoid carbonated or alcoholic beverages.
DO NOT use smoke or tobacco products for 72 hours, as these will slow the healing process.
If the blood clot should be lost prematurely, you will be at risk for a condition known as dry socket. Dry socket usually manifests 3-5 days after an extraction, and will result in a persistent and painful throbbing. Please call our office if you feel that you have developed dry socket.
Please adhere to a diet of soft food and liquids for the first 2-3 days. After the first 24 hours, you can begin rinsing with warm salt water (1/2 teaspoon of salt to 1 cup water) 3 times a day. This will help dislodge food from the extraction site.
When to Call Us
Please call us at (518)587-8885 if:
You are experiencing severe pain.
You have uncontrolled bleeding.
You have swelling that increases or that last more than 2-3 days.
You think you may have dry socket.
You have any adverse reactions to medications.
If the office is not open, please leave a message. The answering machine is checked on a regular basis, and someone will return your call promptly.