Tooth Extraction - Icard & Strein Family Dentistry

Tooth extraction is removing a tooth or tooth roots without straining the gum and the surrounding tissues. The removal should be carefully done to let the socket wound heal without any complications. The dentist or an oral surgeon ensures the procedure goes smoothly before and after the surgery. Tooth extraction is always the last option to save gum and tissue by removing decayed or diseased teeth. The process isn’t always carried out to protect gums and tissues. Extraction is sometimes required to remove baby teeth.

Post-procedural care is required after removing a tooth. There are, however, some do’s and don’ts to help your teeth heal faster.

Things You Should Do

Let the wound heal

The first 24 hours are critical to ensure the surgical area doesn’t worsen, so rest. Don’t overexert yourself. Avoid chewing hard or sugary food. Don’t chew on the side of the extracted teeth, avoid touching the surgical area with your tongue, and try to keep your head in a vertical position.

Let the area clot

After the extraction, your dentist will ask you to bite down on a piece of gauze for 30 minutes to one hour. The gauze helps in coagulation, blood clotting. This is how your body heals wounds. The clots protect the wound from bacteria and germs that may cause infection. Make sure you change the gauze as per your dentist’s instruction.

Apply an ice pack

Applying an ice pack at the side of your face where the surgery has been conducted reduces swelling and shrinks the blood vessels to reduce bleeding. Keep in mind that ice packs should be applied on-and-off in 15 minute-intervals over the course of one or two hours.

Things You Should Not Do

Drinking or smoking after tooth extraction

It’s best to avoid smoking for up to 72 hours, but if it’s too much for you, restricting tobacco for at least 48 hours can do wonders. The chemicals in the smoke can affect the clot, delaying the healing of the socket wound. Also, avoid any kind of fizzy drinks or alcohol for a few days. The sugary drinks and alcohol can dislodge the blood clot and slow down the healing process.

Avoid Aspirin

Sometimes a sudden headache can tempt you to take an aspirin. Bear in mind aspirin acts as a blood thinner, so taking aspirin may disrupt any clot formation. Only take medicines prescribed by your dentist.

Avoid solid food

It’s best not to eat solid food when your extraction site is still tender. Your dentist applies local anesthetic during the extraction to numb the area. After the procedure, while you still feel that numbness, avoid solid food at all costs. Instead, consume liquid or soft food that doesn’t need chewing, such as soups, milkshakes, yogurts and smoothies.

NC’s tooth extraction center

Are you looking for affordable tooth extraction in Harrisburg? At Icard & Strein Family Dentistry, we take special care of our patients and offer pain-free dental extraction. To make an appointment, please call our office at (704) 455-5003.

Our Harrisburg NC Dentist Office

To learn more about dental treatments from Icard & Strein Family Dentistry, or to schedule an appointment, call our Harrisburg, NC dental office today at 704.455.5003.