Garner Family and Cosmetic Dentistry offers tooth extraction, or the removal of a tooth from its socket, as a part of our general dentistry services. Sometimes a tooth extraction is necessary to restore the oral health of a patient. Dr. Matthew Jenne may recommend tooth extraction for any of the following reasons:
- if we need to make space for braces or retainers, following an orthodontia plan
- You have a severely impacted or infected tooth
- if a tooth is unrecoverable from excessive decay or damage
If you require a tooth extraction, our team makes every effort to make the process as comfortable as possible. We are also able to answer any questions you may have about the procedure at any time.
Tooth Extractions: What to Expect
Dr. Jenne ensures that you are comfortable throughout the tooth extraction process. This is done through the use of a local anesthetic to numb the tooth and its surrounding area. You should not feel any pain through the procedure—only some minor pressure.
After you are completely numb, Dr. Jenne begins the extraction process. Depending on the location of the tooth, a slight incision may need to be made to access it. The goal of the extraction process is to be able to gently rock the affected tooth back and forth until it can be relieved from its socket.
Once the tooth is removed, the socket is cleaned out and packed with sterile gauze to begin the healing process. We will have you bite down on the gauze for several minutes to encourage blood clotting in the affected area. You should expect to experience some slight discomfort, swelling, and minor bleeding following the tooth extraction. However, if any of these symptoms intensify or become intolerable, please contact our office immediately.
Tooth Extraction Aftercare
Tooth extraction aftercare should be taken seriously, as your socket will not close up for about two weeks following the appointment. We suggest the following for tooth extraction aftercare:
- Take pain medicine as prescribed
- Use an icepack to reduce swelling
- Eat soft and moderately temperature foods for the first few days
- Avoid chewing near the extraction site
- Do not brush the extraction site for the first 24 hours following the appointment
- Rinse your mouth with warm salt water 24 hours following the appointment after each meal.
Tooth Extraction FAQs
What should you not do before a tooth extraction?
Before a tooth extraction, patients should avoid eating 12 hours prior to the procedure. This is to ensure that anesthetic is given in the correct amount, and will not make you nauseous.
Do they numb you for a tooth extraction?
Yes. Before extracting a tooth, your dentist will numb the area so that you will feel no pain throughout the procedure. This ensures that the patient is comfortable and unable to feel any pain the entire time.
Can I drive home after a tooth extraction?
After a tooth extraction, as long as you were not sedated, it is entirely safe to drive home after. Local anesthetic is commonly used for extractions, providing patients with a pain-free extraction without having to be sedated.
How long should I rest after tooth extraction?
After a tooth extraction patients should rest for at least one to two days. The anesthetic used during the procedure may cause drowsiness. It is best to rest for at least a day after your extraction.
What should you not do after tooth extraction?
After a tooth extraction patients should avoid any contact with the area of the extraction. It is clotting during this time so it is important not to brush or floss as it may dislodge the clot. Patients should also avoid drinking through a straw to avoid dry socket.
How can I make my tooth extraction heal quickly?
Patients can speed up their recovery after a tooth extraction by following all of the instructions their dentist gave them. Keeping gauze in place, taking OTC medicine when necessary, no smoking, and rest will speed up your recovery time.
Our team is here for you throughout the tooth extraction healing process. If you have any issues and would like us to take a second look—don’t hesitate to call our dentist office today.