Breslau Smiles Family Dentistry provides family dentistry services to save and repair your natural teeth.
There are times, however, when tooth extraction is necessary or unavoidable. Extractions are required for several reasons, most commonly when a natural tooth becomes severely damaged and unrestorable. This can happen due to periodontal disease, tooth decay or dental trauma, all of which may cause recurring infections, toothaches and jaw pain.
Simple tooth extraction may be performed in a family dentistry office from a qualified dentist. More complicated extractions such as wisdom teeth removal or extracting teeth which are not easily accessible or have become broken under the gumline may require oral surgery.
Breslau family dentistry will evaluate your dental needs and recommend the best course of treatment.
What to Expect with Tooth Extraction
Many people experience a fear of tooth extraction with some experiencing varying levels of phobia when it comes to pulling teeth. Breslau Smiles Family Dentistry walks you through the process to help you understand what to expect. There are some simple guidelines you can follow to provide comfort and healing while preventing complications.
Do not eat foods or chew while your mouth is numb
You will be given a local anesthetic to numb the area and reduce discomfort. Be careful not to chew as you may bite your lip, cheek or tongue until the numbness wears off a few hours after extraction.
Let the blood clot form
You may have a piece of gauze placed over the empty socket where a blood clot will form which is an important part of the healing process. Be sure to follow instructions on how long to leave your gauze in place and what to do if you experience bleeding.
Do not disturb for at least 24 hours
You can avoid disturbing the blood clot by not drinking through a straw, avoiding alcohol or alcohol-based mouthwash, not smoking and limiting strenuous activity for the first 24 hours. Be careful not to chew on that side of your mouth for at least 24 hours and until it feels comfortable.
Rinse with warm salt water
The day after tooth extraction, you should rinse your mouth gently with warm salt water after meals to prevent food particles from lodging in the extraction site and prevent infection. Avoid using mouthwash immediately after extraction unless directed by your dentist.
Use a cold compress for pain and swelling
Pain and swelling are normal after a tooth extraction, applying a cold compress may help to relieve some discomfort. Follow your dentist’s recommendations for managing pain or using any pain medication.
Breslau Smiles Family Dentistry will help to ease your mind and discomfort throughout any tooth extraction process. Be sure to ask any questions that you may and contact us with any ongoing pain or discomfort following extraction. We offer a comforting, modern dental facility where you can have confidence in our years of experience in providing professional and friendly dental services.
Breslau Smiles Family Dentistry provides experienced, professional and friendly family dentistry to all ages. We offer a clean and modern facility where we utilize the latest technological advancements in dental care. Contact us today with any questions or concerns regarding tooth extraction.