Extractions

You and Dr. DeForte may determine that you need a tooth extraction for any number of reasons. Some teeth are extracted because they are severely decayed; others may have advanced periodontal disease, or have broken in a way that cannot be repaired. Other teeth may need removal because they are poorly positioned in the mouth (such as impacted teeth), or in preparation for orthodontic treatment. The removal of a single tooth can lead to problems related to your chewing ability, problems with your jaw joint, and shifting teeth, which can have a major impact on your dental health.

The Extraction Process

At the time of extraction, the doctor will need to numb your tooth, jawbone, and gums that surround the area with a computerized painless anesthetic.
During the extraction process, you will feel pressure. This is from the process of firmly rocking the tooth in order to widen the socket for removal.

You feel the pressure without pain as the anesthetic has numbed the nerves stopping the transference of pain, yet the nerves that transmit pressure are not profoundly affected.

If you do feel discomfort at any time during the extraction please let us know right away.

Some teeth require sectioning. This is a very common procedure done when a tooth is so firmly anchored in its socket or the root is curved and the socket can’t expand enough to remove it. The doctor simply cuts the tooth into sections then removes each section one at a time.

Bleeding

Some bleeding may occur. Placing a piece of moist gauze over the empty tooth socket and biting down firmly for 45 minutes can control this.

Blood clots that form in the empty socket.

This is an important part of the healing process and you must be careful not to dislodge the clot. Avoid rinsing or spitting for 24 hours after the extraction, as well as avoiding drinking through a straw, smoking, or hot liquids.

Swelling

If swelling occurs you can place ice on your face for 10 minutes and off for 20 minutes. Repeat this cycle as you feel necessary for up to 24 hours.

Medications

If you experience discomfort you may use non-prescription pain relief medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen.


Eating

For most extractions just make sure you do your chewing away from the extraction site. Stay away from hot liquids and alcoholic beverages for 24 hours. A liquid diet may be recommended for 24 hours.


Brushing and Cleaning

After the extraction avoid brushing the teeth near the extraction site for one day. After that, you can resume gentle cleaning. Avoid commercial mouth rinses, as they tend to irritate the site. Beginning 24 hours after the extraction you can rinse with salt water (1/2 teaspoon in a cup of water) after meals and before bed.

Healing

After a tooth has been extracted there will be a resulting space in your jawbone where the tooth was. In time, this will smooth and fill in with bone. This process can take many weeks or sometimes months. However, after 1-2 weeks you should no longer notice any inconvenience.

  • Discomfort can vary after root planing, but one can expect it to be sorer afterward since it’s usually in a deeper region under the gums.
  • The teeth themselves can become a bit more sensitive to temperature, and bleeding might occur for a little while.
  • Over-the-counter painkillers such as ibuprofen work very well to alleviate discomfort, but stronger painkillers can be given should you need them.
  • Brushing and flossing can be delayed or done more gently to avoid aggravating any bruised or tender gum areas.
  • Your dentist or hygienist may recommend salt water or chlorhexidine rinses.