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Extractions

Our dentists make every effort to preserve your natural teeth. However, extractions are necessary when decay has made the tooth unsalvageable or when you have an advanced periodontal disease. When a tooth is malformed, damaged, impacted or ingrown, different procedures are used, but all extractions are considered surgery. Depending on which tooth is removed, we can offer you a replacement in the form of a dental implant or oral prosthetic.

In the event that a tooth is no longer salvageable, it may be recommended by your dentist to have the tooth extracted. Teeth may require to be extracted due to:

  • severe decay
  • periodontal disease
  • poor position of the teeth

Prior to any extractions, risks and benefits of the procedure are discussed, otherwise known as informed consent. Specific risks and benefits are unique to each case.

The following are routine instructions for post oral surgery care:

  1. Bite on gauze for half an hour- Make sure to keep your fingers and your tongue away from both the socket or operative site.

  2. Do not rinse your mouth for 8 hours. However, it is important to stay hydrated and drink plenty of fluids.
  3. The following day, mouth rinses that are non-alcoholic are advisable as long as there is no bleeding from the extraction site.
  4. If you are an existing smoker, please DO NOT SMOKE for up to 5 days following the extraction if possible.
  5. Bleeding or oozing from the extraction site is normal for about 1 day. If the socket site is oozing, fold the provided gauze in half and directly place it over the extraction site and maintain pressure by biting on the gauze for 20 minutes or longer as required. A tea bag may be utilized as well. If there is prolonged heavy bleeding, please contact your dentist.
  6. Swelling is a common occurrence after an extraction, reaching its maximum 48 hours after the procedure. It is recommended to place cold compresses on the area for several hours following the extraction (15 minutes on and 15 minutes off) to minimize swelling.
  7. Take prescriptions as advised. In some cases antibiotics may be prescribed.
  8. Following an extraction, cool or luke warm liquids may be eaten for the first 4-6 hours, soft foods are advised.
  9. Discoloration may occur in the form of a bruise on the skin following an extraction. This usually disappears within 1 week and it is not significant and no further treatment is required.
  10. Do not hesitate to contact our office if there is any doubt regarding the instructions or should further problems arise.

**Do not drink from a straw. Do not spit. This will disturb the clot formation process.**