For patients with advanced tooth decay or severely damaged teeth, 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. However, for some patients, tooth extraction is the only viable treatment.
We perform tooth extractions right here in our Bala Cynwyd office. It is a relatively painless procedure that we complete in a single visit. Dr. Weinstock provides sedation dentistry options for optimal comfort during the procedure for patients who fear the dentist. Sedation calms patients’ nerves before the extraction and keeps them pain-free throughout the procedure.
Replacing An Extracted Tooth
Prosthodontist Dr. Weinstock offers comprehensive dental implant services to replace missing teeth. After we extract a tooth, it is important to replace it as soon as possible. Dr. Weinstock offers a variety of replacement options. During your one-on-one consultation, you and Dr. Weinstock can discuss options for replacing your extracted tooth.
Dental implants are the standard for long-term oral health benefits in tooth replacement. 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 tooth extraction, ask about our restoration options and which will best suit your needs. Dr. Weinstock will discuss each replacement option in detail and create a plan to replace missing or extracted teeth.
What to Expect After a Tooth Extraction
After tooth extraction, a blood clot must form to stop the bleeding and begin healing. 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 persists, place another gauze pad and bite firmly for another 30 minutes. You may have to do this several times for blood to begin to clot.
After the blood clot forms, it is important not to disturb or dislodge it 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. After your extraction, be gentle with the area. This protects the blood clot that helps you heal. Also, skip tough workouts for 24 hours to prevent bleeding.
After 24 hours, it is important to resume your normal dental routine. 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. Applying an ice pack or an unopened bag of frozen peas or corn to the area will minimize swelling. 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 you are prescribed antibiotics, you must finish all of them. This is important even after your symptoms have gone away.
Drink lots of fluids and eat nutritious, soft food on the extraction day. You can eat normally as soon as you are comfortable.
After a few days, you will feel fine and resume your normal activities. Please call us right away at 610-667-2770 for any of these issues: heavy bleeding, severe pain, prolonged swelling, or a reaction to your medication. If you need emergency dental care, we will do our best to get you in as soon as possible.
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Tooth Extraction FAQs
Do you have further questions about tooth extraction and healing afterward? Continue reading to find answers to frequently asked questions in our office.
How long does it take to recover from a tooth extraction?
The typical recovery time from a tooth extraction is 2-3 days following the procedure. This gives patients time to rest, begin healing, 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. However, 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 the surrounding area are inflamed and bleeding for 24-36 hours after the procedure. You can take an OTC pain medication to alleviate pain.
To reduce swelling, hold ice on the outside of your cheek near the extraction site. If bleeding is severe for an extended period, call your dentist.
What can I eat after having a tooth extraction?
You should stick to a soft diet for the first couple of days following the procedure. This gives your mouth time to heal before testing 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 slight sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures after the extraction. However, this should go away within a few days.
How long does it take for the gums to heal?
After a tooth extraction, the initial gum healing typically takes about 1 to 2 weeks. However, the complete healing process, including the bone, can take several months. During this time, the gum tissue closes over the extraction site, and the bone starts to heal and reshape. Proper care, avoiding hard foods, and keeping the area clean help ensure a smooth healing process.
What type of anesthesia do oral surgeons and dentists use for tooth extractions?
For tooth extractions, oral surgeons and dentists commonly use local anesthesia to numb the area around the tooth. We may use sedation, such as laughing gas, for complex extractions or to help anxious patients relax. In some cases, a dentist may use general anesthesia to make the patient completely unconscious. The choice of anesthesia depends on the procedure’s complexity and the patient’s comfort and health needs.
When can I stop using gauze after a wisdom tooth extraction?
Usually, patients can stop using gauze within 1-4 hours after wisdom tooth extraction. You may stop once a clot forms and the heavy bleeding ends.
Moreover, changing the gauze every 30-45 minutes while bleeding continues is important. However, contact your dentist if bleeding persists beyond 3-4 hours. The exact time to stop using gauze can vary based on individual factors and the complexity of the extraction.