Gentle Tooth Extractions for Optimal Recovery and Health
At Peachtree Corners Dentistry, we want to help you keep all of your teeth. Even so, there are times when a tooth extraction is the best option for maintaining your oral health in the long term. Tooth extractions in Peachtree Corners, GA are typically a fast process. The most critical part of this process is recovery. To encourage a proper healing process, we need to control the bleeding immediately following the tooth extraction. We will have you bite down on a gauze pad for 30 to 45 minutes after the extraction to form a blood clot. It is important to not disturb the blood clot for the next 24 hours. That means you should avoid sucking through straws, smoking, and vaping or you risk developing a dry socket. For the swelling, we recommend placing an ice pack on the outer cheek. Once the swelling has decreased, a warm compress can be placed in the same area for comfort. You can also gently rinse your mouth with salt water to keep the extraction area clean.
The Extraction Process
During the extraction, the doctor will numb your tooth, jawbone, and surrounding gums with a local anesthetic to ensure you feel no discomfort. If you experience any pain during the procedure, please inform us immediately so we can make you as comfortable as possible. Dr. Skelton and her team will also discuss options for replacing your extracted tooth.
Surgical Extraction
In some cases, a tooth may need to be sectioned for extraction. This procedure is commonly performed when a tooth is deeply rooted or has a curved root that makes it difficult to remove in one piece. The doctor will carefully cut the tooth into smaller sections, then remove each piece individually to ensure a smooth and efficient extraction.
After Tooth Extraction
After a tooth extraction, it is crucial for a blood clot to form to stop bleeding and promote healing. Immediately after the procedure, bite down on a gauze pad for 30-45 minutes. If bleeding or oozing continues, replace the gauze and bite down firmly for another 30 minutes. You may need to repeat this process to stop the bleeding.
Once the blood clot has formed, avoid disturbing it. For the next 72 hours, refrain from rinsing vigorously, using straws, smoking, drinking alcohol, or brushing near the extraction site, as these activities could dislodge or dissolve the clot and delay healing. Avoid vigorous exercise for 24 hours, as increased blood pressure could cause more bleeding.
Some pain and swelling are normal after the extraction. Apply an ice pack or an unopened bag of frozen peas to reduce swelling. Take pain medications as prescribed, and contact our office if they are not effective. If antibiotics were prescribed, continue taking them for the full duration, even if symptoms improve. Drink plenty of fluids and eat soft, nutritious foods on the day of the extraction. You can return to your normal diet once you're comfortable.
After 24 hours, resume your regular oral hygiene routine, including brushing and flossing at least once a day to aid healing and keep your mouth fresh. By a few days, you should be feeling better and can return to your usual activities. However, if you experience heavy bleeding, severe pain, prolonged swelling, or an adverse reaction to medication, contact our office immediately.