Extraction

One of the main goals of modern dentistry is the prevention of tooth loss. All possible measures should be taken to preserve and maintain your teeth because the loss of a single tooth can have a major impact upon your dental health and appearance. However, it is still sometimes necessary to remove a tooth. Here are some of the reasons a tooth may need to be extracted.

• Severe Decay
• Advanced periodontal disease
• Infection or abcess
• Orthodontic correction
• Malpositioned teeth
• Fractured teeth or roots
• Impacted teeth

If you've just had a tooth extracted or your dentist has recommended that a tooth be extracted, the following information will help you get through the first few days after your extraction. Should anything occur that seemsout of the normal, do not hesitate to call your dentist.

POSTOPERATIVE INSTRUCTIONS

• DO NOT DISTURB THE WOUND : In doing so you may inviteirritation, infection and/or bleeding. Be sure to chew on theopposite side for 24 hours and keep anything sharp fromentering the wound (i.e. eating utensils etc. ).
  
  
• DO NOT SMOKE FOR 12 HOURS:: Smoking will promote bleeding and interfere with healing.
  
  
• BRUSHING: Do not brush your teeth for the first 8 hours after surgery. After, you may brush your teeth gently, but avoid the area of surgery.
  
  
• MOUTH WASH: Avoid all rinsing for 24 hoursafter extraction. This is to insure the formation of a healingblood clot which is essential to proper wound healing. Disturbanceof this clot can lead to increased bleeding or the loss of the blood clot. If the clot is lost, a painful condition called dry socket may occur. You may use warmsalt water or mild antiseptic rinses after 24 hours onlyif prescribed.
  
  
• DO NOT SPIT OR SUCK THROUGH A STRAW: This will promote bleeding and may dislodge the blood clot causing a dry socket.
  
  
• BLEEDING: When you leave the office, youwill be given verbal instructions regarding the control of postoperativebleeding. A rolled up gauze pad will be placed on the extractionsite and you will be asked to change this dressing every 20minutes or so depending on the amount of bleeding that isoccurring. It is normal for some blood to ooze from the area of surgery. We will also give you a package of gauze to take withyou to use at home if the bleeding should continue. Should youneed to use the gauze at home, remember to roll it into a balllarge enough to cover the wound. Hold firmly in place, by biting or with fingerpressure, for about 20-30 minutes. If bleeding still continues,you may fold a tea bag in half and bite down on it. Tea containsTannic Acid , a styptic, which may help to reduce the bleeding.
  
  
• PAIN :Some discomfort is normal after surgery. Analgesic tablets ( i.e. Aspirin, Tylenol etc.) may be taken under your dentist's direction. Prescription medication, whichmay have been given to you, should also be taken as directed.If pain continues, call your dentist.
  
  
• SWELLING : To prevent swelling, apply an ice pack or a coldtowel to the outside of your face in the area of the extraction during the first 12 hours.Apply alternately, 20 minutes on then 20 minutes off, foran hour or longer if necessary.
  
  
• DIET:Eat normal regular meals as soon as you are able after surgery. Cold, soft food such as ice cream or yogurt may be the most comfortable for the first day. It is also important to drink plenty of fluids.
  
  

  REPORT ANY UNUSUAL OCCURRENCES IMMEDIATELY !
  
  

If you have any questions regarding these directions, call your dentist for clarification.