Extractions
Sometimes a tooth is unrestorable, often due to an extensive cavity or a deep fracture, and the best course of treatment is to extract the tooth. In these cases, an non-traumatic technique is used to remove the tooth causing as little disturbance to the surrounding tissues as possible. This ensures more predictable healing with a minimum amount of post-extraction discomfort.
Once the tooth and surrounding gums are profoundly anesthetized, the tooth is loosened from the socket. The patient will generally only feel pressure around the tooth being extracted as it is manipulated to free it from the socket of bone.
After the extraction, an open socket remains where the tooth root used to be. Healing is initiated by the formation of a blood clot in the socket, so keeping pressure on the area by biting on gauze is crucial to stop the bleeding and form the clot. Oftentimes, the wound will ooze blood for a few hours after the extraction -- this is normal. Biting on a moist tea bag also helps clotting if the gauze isn’t doing the trick.
Maintaining the blood clot in place is crucial for healing. Therefore, it is very important to avoid smoking, sucking through a straw, and spitting forcefully for at least 3 days after the procedure to avoid disturbing the clot. If the clot is lost, a painful condition called a “dry socket” develops, sometimes a couple of days after the extraction. It is very important to see the dentist again if severe pain develops in the area of the extraction.
Usually, the primary symptom experienced after an extraction is soreness in the area as it heals. Keeping the area clean with gentle brushing and warm salt water rinses help soothe the gums and promote healing. Avoid mouthwash for the first few days as it can be uncomfortable. Often, Tylenol or Advil is enough manage the soreness, but avoid aspirin as it can thin the blood and prevent clotting.
Once the tooth and surrounding gums are profoundly anesthetized, the tooth is loosened from the socket. The patient will generally only feel pressure around the tooth being extracted as it is manipulated to free it from the socket of bone.
After the extraction, an open socket remains where the tooth root used to be. Healing is initiated by the formation of a blood clot in the socket, so keeping pressure on the area by biting on gauze is crucial to stop the bleeding and form the clot. Oftentimes, the wound will ooze blood for a few hours after the extraction -- this is normal. Biting on a moist tea bag also helps clotting if the gauze isn’t doing the trick.
Maintaining the blood clot in place is crucial for healing. Therefore, it is very important to avoid smoking, sucking through a straw, and spitting forcefully for at least 3 days after the procedure to avoid disturbing the clot. If the clot is lost, a painful condition called a “dry socket” develops, sometimes a couple of days after the extraction. It is very important to see the dentist again if severe pain develops in the area of the extraction.
Usually, the primary symptom experienced after an extraction is soreness in the area as it heals. Keeping the area clean with gentle brushing and warm salt water rinses help soothe the gums and promote healing. Avoid mouthwash for the first few days as it can be uncomfortable. Often, Tylenol or Advil is enough manage the soreness, but avoid aspirin as it can thin the blood and prevent clotting.