Tooth Extractions
In some cases, it may be necessary to remove a tooth for your best interest. We strive to make the process of tooth extraction as comfortable as possible, allowing you to focus on a quick recovery.
Your Tooth Extraction Dentist
At Hildreth Dental, we want to help you keep all of your teeth. Even so, there are times when a tooth extraction is the best option for maintaining your oral health in the long term. Tooth extractions at Hildreth Dental are typically a fast process. The most critical part of this process is recovery. We need to control the bleeding immediately following the tooth extraction to encourage a proper healing process. We will have you bite down on a gauze pad for 30 to 45 minutes after the extraction to form a blood clot. Not disturbing the blood clot for the next 24 hours is important. That means you should avoid sucking through straws, or you risk developing a dry socket. We recommend placing an ice pack on the outer cheek for the swelling. Once the swelling has decreased, a warm compress can be placed in the same area for comfort. You can also gently rinse your mouth with salt water to clean the extraction area.
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How do I prevent dry socket after tooth extraction?
When you have a tooth extracted, your body begins healing by forming a blood clot at the extraction site. However, if this blood clot gets dislodged before the healing process completes, it can cause a painful condition called a dry socket. Here are a few tips to prevent dry sockets:
- Avoid using straws or anything that creates suction or large movements of air.
- Refrain from smoking tobacco, as it can dislodge the blood clot and delay the healing process or cause an infection due to the harmful chemicals in tobacco.
- Eat only soft foods such as yogurt, applesauce, and mashed potatoes for the first few days.
- Check with your doctor to ensure your medication does not interfere with healing.
- Keep your mouth clean by following proper oral hygiene and using an antibacterial mouthwash.
- Follow your doctor’s instructions on oral care to speed up healing.
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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 removing a tooth from its socket in the bone. Typically, a tooth is extracted when it has been damaged by decay or broken, and it cannot be repaired using a filling or crown. However, there are other reasons for tooth extraction, such as when extra teeth block others, baby teeth that have not fallen out in time for permanent teeth to come in, or medical reasons. Wisdom teeth are commonly extracted, and tooth extraction may also be necessary for patients who need braces.
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 other services using the links below.
