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There are times when a tooth is diseased to a point where the
best treatment is removal or extraction. Tooth decay, periodontal disease, trauma, and impacted wisdom
teeth are some of the more common reasons teeth are removed.
Tooth extraction is a minor surgical procedure. This procedure is often
preformed by an oral surgeon. An
oral surgeon has special training in surgery after their normal dental
school education. An anesthetic will be used
and the length of time you are numb will vary. You may require a general
anesthetic.
After the Extraction
Your dentist will probably place a sterile gauze over the
extraction site to limit bleeding. You should maintain pressure on the
gauze from 30 to 60 minutes. If you remove the gauze and the area continues
to bleed fold a piece of clean gauze to where you can put pressure on it
and bite down. Again keep the pressure on the area from 30 to 60 minutes.
If bleeding still continues, place a tea bag over the area and bite down.
If heavy bleeding continues, call your dentist.
When You Get Home
- Ice to the area will help
reduce any pain and swelling
- Do not smoke or swish and
rinse your mouth or drink through a straw for 12 hours
- Limit strenuous activity
the rest of the day
- Do not brush the teeth
next to the extraction for the rest of the day
- Drink lots of fluid, but
avoid alcohol
- For a few days try not to
chew on the side where the tooth was extracted
- If nausea or vomiting
occur call your dentist
- If you have prolonged or
severe pain call your dentist
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