A tooth extraction may be necessary for a number of reasons, including decay, infection, fractured tooth structure that extends below the gums, fractured roots of a tooth and teeth that have a failed root canal. Many times, dentists will refer you to an oral surgeon to have a tooth removed, but at Taher Family Dental, we are very well-equipped to help with any tooth extraction you may need. Our office prefers to see you on a regular basis to try to prevent the loss of teeth, but sometimes an extraction may be the only option.
Recovery time can vary depending on the individual, but it is generally recommended to take it easy for a few days and avoid strenuous activity. Having a tooth removed may be uncomfortable for a day or two, but your symptoms should progressively improve. It is also important to keep the extraction site clean and free of food particles to prevent infection. Common recommendations following tooth extraction are as follows:
- Stay biting on gauze for 15-30 minutes following the extraction. Replace the gauze with a new piece when it becomes saturated.
- For 3 days, avoid the use of straws, spitting or anything that will create a positive pressure inside of your mouth.
- The day of the tooth extraction, try to eat cold soft foods and avoid hot, hard, crunchy or sticky foods.
- Avoid alcohol-based mouthwashes for 1 week. You can use a saltwater rinse after 3 days (teaspoon of salt in a glass of water).
- Continue to brush and floss the neighboring teeth as normal.
- If a bone graft was placed, avoid rinsing vigorously for 3 days following the procedure.
- If sutures were placed, avoid pushing them with your tongue or pulling/tugging them in any way.
- Contact our office if you notice: large swellings, pain that is escalating as the days go by, extreme pain within a few days following the procedure or pus oozing from the area weeks after the procedure.