Tooth extraction is often considered a worst-case scenario when treating dental concerns; however, sometimes it is necessary. When considering a tooth extraction, it is important to understand all your options.
At Baltimore Dental Co., we provide a judgment-free opinion on whether you need an extraction. Regardless of the reason behind the need, we are ready to help. Our team is happy to provide you with any possible alternatives and a plan to replace the missing tooth once the site has healed.
Why do I need a tooth extraction?
When you have a dental concern, we will carefully assess your situation and recommend an extraction when it is the best course of action for your oral health. Tooth extractions might be the only option when a tooth breaks below the jawbone or periodontal disease has destroyed the tooth’s supporting jawbone.
In other scenarios, an extraction could remedy the dental condition, but it is not your best course of action. These decisions are difficult to make, but it is ultimately the patient’s choice. The Baltimore Dental Co. team is here to present your options, discuss the pros and cons, and deliver the most beneficial treatment possible.
What’s the tooth extraction procedure like?
The procedure for tooth extraction is relatively simple. Our team will examine the area of concern and take x-rays to assess the tooth’s health. First, a local anesthetic will be applied to numb the area. The dentist will check that the area is completely numb before wiggling the tooth.
This rocking back and forth will allow the periodontal ligament to detach, allowing the dentist to remove the tooth easily. All infected tissue will be removed so your body can heal. If necessary, stitches may be placed. You will bite down on gauze to help control the bleeding. After your extraction, we will provide verbal and written postoperative instructions.
Tooth Extraction: Aftercare Instructions
We will provide you with post-extraction care guidelines for a smooth recovery. Following these basic instructions will promote proper healing and lower your risk of complications.
Our general aftercare instructions are:
Gauze Packing
- When you leave the office, you may be biting down on gauze. If you do not have gauze, disregard this section.
- Continue biting on the gauze for about 30 minutes
- If you are still bleeding, you may replace the gauze as needed. It may take a few hours for bleeding to stop, particularly if you take blood thinners.
- If the bleeding has not stopped several hours later, you may bite down on a black teabag (dampen the teabag with warm water first) for one hour to help stop the bleeding.
- If you need assistance, please do not hesitate to call
StellaLife Kit Use
- Follow the directions on the StellaLife kit to greatly increase healing and aid with discomfort. Use the products at least three times daily until the site is healed. Refrain from eating or drinking for about 20 minutes after each use.
- Rinse – Shake the bottle and gently flush the site with the rinse during the first 24 hours after surgery. Lightly swish 10 mL for about a minute starting 24 hours after extraction.
- Spray – lift the tongue and apply 3-4 sprays. You are aiming for the sublingual veins that can be seen on the mouth’s floor and the tongue’s bottom.
- Gel – gently placed with a cotton swab on the extraction site. It will rinse away quickly, but even short exposure to the gel will help with healing.
Eating
- Follow a soft diet for the first 24 hours and then semi-soft foods until your sutures are removed. Anything you can cut with a fork would be considered soft.
- Avoid popcorn, nuts, raw and crunchy vegetables, chips, tough meats, crusty bread, and other hard foods
- Continue a softer diet – anything you can cut with a fork – during the entire healing phase to allow the site to heal undisturbed. Try chewing on the opposite side.
- Good nutrition is critical during healing. Be sure to include healthy foods like cooked vegetables and soups.
Drinking
- Refrain from alcohol for the first 24 hours as this can break down the blood clot that is important for healing.
- Avoid very hot liquids. Warm and cool liquids will not harm you.
Rinsing
- No heavy or vigorous rinsing of the mouth for the first 24 hours. Gentle flushing of the mouth is okay only after the bleeding has stopped completely
- 24 hours after surgery, you may rinse your mouth up to four times daily with warm sea salt water. Continue doing so for five days or until we remove any placed stitches. If using StellaLife products, warm salt water rinses are unnecessary but will not harm you.
Ice or Heat
- Ice packs can be placed on the side of the face adjacent to the surgical area for the first 24 hours at a frequency of 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off. After 48 hours, a heating pad or warm compress may be used to increase circulation and speed healing
Smoking
- Refrain from smoking for 72 hours. This may disrupt the blood clot and cause extreme pain that is difficult to alleviate.
Suction & Pressure
- Do not spit for the first 24 hours. If you need to empty your mouth, gently wipe your mouth with a tissue or paper towel. No suction, such as drinking through a straw, for the first 24 hours
Medications
- Pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen, which are non-aspirin-type, will work best. Take prescriptions as directed if given them.
- You may alternate 600-800 mg ibuprofen with 500 mg acetaminophen – these will synergize together and result in stronger pain relief
Brushing
- Brush as usual, but gently around the surgical area
About Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom teeth can create a variety of dental concerns once they develop. They are the last molars to develop in the back of the mouth. Often, there is not enough space for wisdom teeth to break through the gum tissue. You may notice that your teeth shift to make space for wisdom teeth. It is vital to note that even if your wisdom teeth can erupt, they are usually difficult to maintain and tend to develop cavities due to their location in your mouth.
Our doctors recommend wisdom tooth removal for most patients to prevent adverse effects on the rest of the oral cavity. In the rare occasion that wisdom teeth can erupt in a way that a patient can maintain, we will carefully monitor their health at each hygiene appointment.
Tooth Extraction FAQs
Our office has addressed common questions and concerns about removing teeth below. Contact us if you have further questions or concerns.
Are there alternatives to tooth extraction?
When discussing tooth extractions with our team, we will provide any alternative treatment options that you may have. We want you to make an informed decision regarding your oral health. Whenever possible, we preserve the natural tooth structure. When we recommend extraction, it’s in the best interest of your oral health.
How many days do you need to rest after tooth extraction?
To allow the treatment area to form a clot, we typically advise that you rest for at least 48 to 72 hours following your procedure. After this, you should be able to resume regular physical exercise. Usually, it takes 3 to 4 weeks for the soft tissue to fully recover.
What symptoms should I be concerned about after tooth extraction?
It is important to follow the postoperative instructions provided after your extraction appointment. If the extraction site discomfort worsens rather than progressively getting better, if bleeding continues beyond the 24-hour mark, or if swelling does not lessen, call our office. If you have any additional questions, please reach out, and we will gladly address your concerns.
When can I eat after tooth extraction?
With every tooth extraction, we use a local anesthetic at a minimum. Wait until this wears off before you attempt to eat. It’s easy to accidentally bite down too hard on your soft tissue when your mouth is numb, which can cause further oral health issues or require stitches. For the first 24 hours, stick to soft foods like pudding or Jello. As the days progress, you can start incorporating mashed potatoes and pasta, working up to harder foods.
Should I brush my teeth after tooth extraction?
Yes, but you must be careful. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and brush very gently, avoiding the extraction site. Be especially careful with the teeth right beside the extraction site. Don’t use mouthwash or perform a mouth rinse until the first 24 hours have passed and the blood clot has formed properly.
What should I replace my teeth with after tooth extraction?
After tooth extraction, tooth replacement options include dental implants, a dental bridge, and partial or complete dentures. The Baltimore Dental Co. team can provide all the replacement options that best meet your needs. We recommend replacing the missing tooth to prevent future issues.
If you suspect you need a tooth extraction, please request an appointment with Baltimore Dental Co.’s dental team to determine which treatment options are best for you. If tooth extraction is necessary, we will provide this service in our Glyndon, MD dental office.
Schedule an Appointment for a Tooth Extraction in Glyndon, MD
If you suspect you need a tooth extraction, please request an appointment with Dr. Romay. She will evaluate your current dental health and determine which treatment options are best for you. If tooth extraction is necessary, we are happy to provide this service in our Glyndon, MD dental office.