TOOTH EXTRACTIONS IN ARNOLD, MO
When necessary for your oral and overall health, Meramec Family Dentistry offers tooth extractions in Arnold, MO. Dr. Mandefro may recommend a tooth extraction for a number of reasons. Common reasons for extractions include severe decay, advanced periodontal disease, and teeth that are broken beyond repair. Other teeth may need to be removed due to poor position in the mouth or to prepare for orthodontic treatment.
Removing even a single tooth can cause problems with chewing, jaw joint issues, and shifting teeth. If the surrounding teeth shift, it can have a major impact on your dental health.
To avoid complications from tooth extractions, Dr. Mandefro will discuss alternatives treatments and replacement options such as dental implants for the extracted tooth.
The extraction process
To prepare for an extraction, your dentist will numb the treatment area including the tooth, jaw, and surrounding gums with a local anesthetic. This helps maintain your comfort during the procedure.
During the actual extraction procedure, you will feel pressure but not pain. This is from rocking the tooth to widen the socket so the tooth can be removed. The anesthetic numbs the nerves so the pain doesn’t transfer. If you do feel pain, please let us know right away.
Sectioning a tooth
Some teeth require sectioning. This is commonly done when a tooth is firmly anchored in its socket or the root is curved and the socket can’t expand enough to remove it. The dentist simply cuts the tooth into sections then removes the sections piece by piece.
AFTER TOOTH EXTRACTION
After a tooth is extracted, a blood clot must form to stop the bleeding and start the healing process. You will be given gauze to bite on for 30-45 minutes. If the site continues to bleed or ooze, place a clean gauze pad and bite firmly for another 30 minutes. Repeat this process as needed to stop the flow of blood.
Once a blood clot forms, do not disturb, dislodge, or dissolve the clot as it is crucial for healing. Avoid vigorously rinsing the teeth, using straws, smoking, and drinking alcohol. Do not brush the adjacent teeth for 72 hours. Minimize exercise for 24 hours as it increases blood pressure and may cause more bleeding.
After the tooth removal procedure, you may experience pain and swelling. Apply an ice pack or bag of frozen peas or corn on the treatment area to reduce swelling. Take pain medications as prescribed. Swelling usually subsides after 48 hours.
Use pain medication and antibiotics as directed. Contact our office if you are experiencing severe pain and the medication isn’t working. Finish your antibiotics even if signs and symptoms of infection are gone.
Be sure to consume plenty of fluids and soft, nutritious food the day of your procedure. You may add in regular foods as you heal and feel comfortable.
You may resume your normal oral health routine 24 hours after your treatment. This includes daily brushing and flossing. Following good oral hygiene habits will improve healing and keep your mouth clean.
Within a few days, you should begin to feel more like yourself and can resume your normal activities. If you experience heavy bleeding, severe pain, continued swelling, or a reaction to the medication, contact Meramec Family Dentistry immediately.
