For patients with advanced tooth decay or a severely damaged tooth, a tooth extraction may be necessary. Our doctors will make every attempt to save a natural tooth with dental fillings or root canals but for some patients, tooth extraction is the only viable treatment.
A tooth extraction is a relatively painless procedure that can be performed in one visit to our office with the use of a local anesthetic. For patients with fear of the dentist, Dr. Weisntock and Dr. Waasdorp provide sedation dentistry options for optimal comfort during the procedure. A tooth extraction is a routine procedure that Dr. Weinstock or Dr. Waasdorp can perform from the comfort of their Devon, PA dentist office.
Prosthodontists Dr. Weinstock and Dr. Waasdorp offer comprehensive dental implant services for the replacement of missing teeth. During your one-on-one consultation, you and Dr. Weinstock or Dr. Waasdorp can discuss options for replacing your extracted tooth. Dental implants are the standard in tooth replacement for their long term oral health benefits. Natural looking and functioning, dental implants can restore your smile and your confidence.
After a tooth extraction, it is important for a blood clot to form to stop the bleeding and begin the healing process. That is why we ask you to bite on a gauze pad for 30 to 45 minutes after the appointment. If the bleeding or oozing still persists, place another gauze pad and bite firmly for another 30 minutes. You may have to do this several times.
After the blood clot forms, it is important not to disturb or dislodge the clot as it aids healing. Do not rinse vigorously, suck on straws, smoke, drink alcohol or brush teeth next to the extraction site for the next 72 hours. These activities will dislodge or dissolve the clot and retard the healing process. Limit vigorous exercise for the next 24 hours, as it can increase blood pressure and increase bleeding from the extraction site.
After the tooth is extracted you may feel some pain and experience some swelling. An ice pack or an unopened bag of frozen peas or corn applied to the area will keep swelling to a minimum. Take pain medications as prescribed. The swelling usually subsides after 48 hours.
Use the pain medication as directed. Call the office if the medication doesn’t seem to be working. If antibiotics are prescribed, continue to take them for the indicated length of time, even if the signs and symptoms of infection are gone. Drink lots of fluids and eat nutritious soft food on the day of the extraction. You can eat normally as soon as you are comfortable.
It is important to resume your normal dental routine after 24 hours. This should include brushing and flossing your teeth at least once a day. This will speed healing and help keep your mouth fresh and clean.
After a few days you will feel fine and can resume your normal activities. If you have heavy bleeding, severe pain, continued swelling for two or three days, or a reaction to the medication, call our office immediately at (610) 688-2211.
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