Tooth Extractions
In some cases, it is in your best interest to have a tooth removed. We work to make tooth extractions as easy as possible so you can focus on recovering quickly.
The Tooth Extraction Process
At Point Clear Dental Associates, our goal is to help you keep all of your teeth. However, sometimes tooth extraction is necessary to ensure long-term oral health. At our clinic, tooth extractions are usually quick procedures. The most crucial aspect of this process is recovery.
Our first priority is to control any bleeding to facilitate proper healing after tooth extraction. We will ask you to bite down on a gauze pad for 30 to 45 minutes to form a blood clot. Not disturbing the blood clot for the next 24 hours is vital. Avoid using straws, as doing so may cause a dry socket.
We recommend placing an ice pack on the outer cheek to reduce swelling. Once the swelling has gone down, you can apply a warm compress to the same area for comfort. Additionally, you can gently rinse your mouth with salt water to keep the extraction site clean.
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What causes the need for tooth extraction?
Tooth extraction is a procedure that involves removing a damaged or decayed tooth from its socket in the bone. This is usually done when the tooth cannot be repaired by a filling or crown.
However, there are other reasons why a tooth may need to be extracted, including extra teeth blocking others, baby teeth not falling out in time for permanent teeth to come in, or medical reasons. Wisdom teeth are also commonly removed through tooth extraction.
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What can I eat after tooth extraction?
Sticking to soft foods for the first few days following tooth extraction is essential. You don’t want to disturb the blood clot that has formed, so some foods you can eat are:
- Soups and broths
- Smoothies (avoid using a straw!)
- Applesauce
- Mashed potatoes
- Yogurt
- Pudding
- Scrambled eggs
- Ice cream
- Jello
- Oatmeal
Avoid hard, crunchy, spicy, and very hot foods that can irritate the extraction site. Also, stay away from alcohol and smoking, as these can hinder the healing process.
It’s important to follow any specific dietary advice from your dentist, as they might have additional recommendations based on the details of your extraction.
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How do I prevent dry socket after tooth extraction?
When you have a tooth extracted, a blood clot develops shortly after the surgery, which is when your body begins healing. If this blood clot becomes dislodged before your mouth has fully healed, it can cause pain, which is called a dry socket.
6 tips for avoiding dry socket are:
- Avoid straws or anything that creates a suction or large movement of air.
- Avoid smoking tobacco as the fast inhalation can dislodge your blood clot and the chemicals may prevent healing or cause an infection.
- Eat only soft foods
- Inquire about any medicines you take to ensure they don’t interact with the healing process.
- Use proper oral hygiene to keep your mouth clean and consider an antibacterial mouthwash.
- Follow your doctor’s instructions on proper oral care to improve recovery time.
More Questions?
If you have more questions about tooth extractions, please contact our office and we will be happy to discuss further.
