For patients with advanced tooth decay or a severely damaged tooth, tooth extraction may be necessary. This is one of the most important dental services that Dr. David Weinstock provides to his patients. Dr. Weinstock will make every attempt to save a natural tooth with dental fillings or root canals but for some patients, tooth extraction is the only viable treatment.
Tooth extraction is a relatively painless procedure that can be performed in one visit to our office with the use of a local anesthetic. For patients with a fear of the dentist, Dr. Weinstock provides sedation dentistry options for optimal comfort during the procedure. Sedation calms patients’ nerves before the extraction and keeps them free of pain throughout the procedure. Tooth extraction is a routine procedure that Dr. Weinstock can perform from the comfort of his Bala Cynwyd, PA dentist office.
Replacing An Extracted Tooth
Prosthodontist Dr. Weinstock offers comprehensive dental implant services for the replacement of missing teeth. After a tooth is extracted, it is important to replace it as soon as possible. Dr. Weinstock offers a variety of replacement options to replace your extracted tooth. During your one-on-one consultation, you and Dr. Weinstock can discuss options for replacing your extracted tooth.
Dental implants are the standard in tooth replacement for their long-term oral health benefits. Natural-looking and functioning, dental implants can restore your smile and your confidence. They secure prosthetic teeth at the tooth’s root, by attaching and permanently fusing with the jawbone. This reduces the risk of jaw bone deterioration and permanently secures restorations including dental crowns, dentures, and bridges.
After your tooth extraction, ask about our restoration options and which will be best suited for your needs. Dr. Weinstock will discuss each replacement option in detail and create a plan to replace any missing or extracted teeth.
What to Expect After a Tooth Extraction
After tooth extraction, it is important for a blood clot to form to stop the bleeding and begin the healing process. That is why we ask you to bite on a gauze pad for 30 to 45 minutes after the appointment. If the bleeding or oozing still persists, place another gauze pad and bite firmly for another 30 minutes. You may have to do this several times in order for blood to begin to clot.
After the blood clot forms, it is important not to disturb or dislodge the clot as it aids healing. Do not rinse vigorously, suck on straws, smoke, drink alcohol, or brush your teeth next to the extraction site for the next 72 hours.
These activities will dislodge or dissolve the clot and retard the healing process. It is important to be very careful around the extraction site to ensure that the blood clot forms and is not interfered with. Limit vigorous exercise for the next 24 hours, as it can increase blood pressure and increase bleeding from the extraction site.
It is important to resume your normal dental routine after 24 hours. This should include brushing and flossing your teeth at least once a day, however, it is still important to act gingerly around the extraction site until healing has begun. This will speed healing and help keep your mouth fresh and clean.
How to Deal With The Pain
You may feel some pain and experience some swelling. An ice pack or an unopened bag of frozen peas or corn applied to the area will keep swelling to a minimum. Take pain medications as prescribed. The swelling usually subsides after 48 hours.
Use the pain medication as directed. Call the office if the medication doesn’t seem to be working. If antibiotics are prescribed, continue to take them for the indicated length of time, even if signs and symptoms of infection are gone. Drink lots of fluids and eat nutritious soft food on the day of the extraction. You can eat normally as soon as you are comfortable.
After a few days, you will feel fine and can resume your normal activities. If you have heavy bleeding, severe pain, continued swelling for two or three days, or a reaction to the medication, call our office immediately at 610-667-2770. If emergency dental care is needed, we will do our best to get you in as soon as possible.
Tooth Extraction FAQs
Do you have further questions about the tooth extraction process and healing after? Continue reading to find answers to questions that are frequently asked in our office.
How long does it take to recover from a tooth extraction?
The typical recovery time from a tooth extraction is between 2-3 days following the procedure. This gives patients time to rest and begin to heal and feel comfortable. Rest is crucial for your body’s ability to heal and recover. It takes around 3-4 weeks for the soft tissue to heal fully, but most patients return to normal activities within 2-3 days of their procedure.
How long does it usually hurt after a tooth extraction?
Most patients begin to feel pain once sedation begins to wear off. Typically the jaw and area surrounding the extracted area are inflamed and bleeding for around 24-36 hours after the procedure. An OTC pain medication may be taken to alleviate pain. We also recommend holding ice on the outside of the mouth where the extraction took place to reduce swelling and numb the area. If bleeding is severe for an extended period, call your dentist.
What can I eat after having a tooth pulled?
You should stick to a soft diet for the first couple of days following the procedure. This gives your mouth some time to heal before testing any abrupt or aggressive actions. Some recommended soft foods include mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, oatmeal, and soup. Applesauce is also a common choice because it adds carbohydrates and fiber to your diet. There may be slightly sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures after the extraction, however, this should go away within a few days.