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Tooth Removal:
Extracting or "pulling" of a tooth is often performed on a dying
tooth that cannot be treated. When a tooth is badly damaged or has a
large amount of decay, the nerve and pulp may begin to die. Procedures such as root canals can sometimes remove the dead material and
nerve, allowing you to retain the tooth. If a root canal isn't
possible, the tooth will usually need to be pulled. Extraction may
also be used to remove impacted teeth.
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Incision
with gum
folded back
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Tooth removed
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Sutures to close the
incision
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After
Tooth Removal Information:
Bleeding:
A gauze pad may be placed
on the extraction site to control bleeding. Pressure should be
applied for one hour. The gauze should be replaced if bleeding
continues. If you experience excessive bleeding, call our
office. DO NOT drink carbonated beverages, suck through a straw,
smoke, spit, lay down flat, or physically exert yourself. These
activities will prolong bleeding. Protect your pillow the first
evening to avoid stains. A tea bag may be substituted for the gauze pad.
Swelling:
You may notice
some swelling following an extraction. This is to be expected. Apply
an ice bag to the side of the face where the extraction was
performed. Leave the ice bag on 30 minutes, then off 20
minutes. Keep repeating this cycle until the swelling subsides. This
will relieve your discomfort.
Rinsing:
Do not rinse
your mouth for 24 hours. Tomorrow rinse with a warm salt-water
solution. You may do this every few hours after each meal.
Food:
During the
first two days, a diet of soft foods and liquids is recommended, for
example, soup, cereal, and milk shakes). Chew on the side opposite the
extraction site.
Discoloration:
A bruising of
the skin occasionally occurs and disappears spontaneously in approximately
a week. It is of no importance and no treatment is indicated.
Oral
Hygiene:
There is no
need to break your regular routine of brushing and flossing. However,
since the extraction site may be very tender, be gentle in that area.
Medication:
Medication may
be prescribed. If so please take them as directed. If you are
to take antibiotics it is to help control the infection. Pain pills
may also be suggested depending on the severity of the condition but please
note that if you are taking any prescription medication, we recommend you
take a natural once-a-day multivitamin and 100 mg of vitamin C.
Antibiotics reduce vitamin C in your system which is extremely important to
cell and tissue rejuvenation and the minerals and vitamins in the
multivitamin can also enhance what the body needs to heal.
Dry Socket:
Though the
cause is unknown, two to three percent of dental extractions are followed
by a clinical condition known as "dry socket." Symptoms,
which begin two to three days following extraction, include loss of the
blood clot from the socket and moderate to severe pain. If you
experience any of these symptoms, call our office immediately.
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