Extractions
Our dental team will make every effort to preserve your natural teeth. However, extractions are necessary when decay has made the tooth unsalvageable or when you have an advanced periodontal disease. When a tooth is malformed, damaged, impacted or ingrown, different procedures are used, but all extractions are considered surgery. Depending on which tooth is removed, we can offer you a replacement in the form of a dental implant or oral prosthetic. Dr. Weaver will refer you to a specialist for most extractions and let you know what options are available for tooth replacement.
FAQ
Where can I go for an extraction?
We refer most patients to an oral surgeon in Redding or Medford, depending on the situation and your preference. Currently there are no Oral Surgeons in Siskiyou County.
What should I expect after an extraction procedure?
REST: Plan to limit activities for the first 24 hours and to get extra rest during that time. When lying down, elevate your head slightly.
CONTROL BLEEDING: To help control bleeding, bite firmly on the gauze placed by your dentist. The pressure helps to form a blood clot in the tooth socket. If you have a lot of bleeding, bite on a regular tea bag. The tannic acid in the tea aids in forming a blood clot. Continue biting on the gauze or tea bag until the bleeding stops.
MINIMIZE PAIN: To lessen any pain, take prescribed medication as directed. Don’t drive while taking any pain medication as you may feel drowsy.
REDUCE SWELLING: To reduce swelling, put an ice pack on your cheek for 10 minutes. Then, remove it for 5 minutes. Repeat as needed. You may see some bruising on your face. This is normal and will go away on it’s own. Don’t drink hot liquids as they may increase swelling.
Don’t Smoke: Smoking may bread down the blood clot, causing a painful tooth socket.
Eat a diet of soft, healthy foods snacks at first. Such as oatmeal, mashed potatoes, bananas, and soups. Also drink liquids high in nutrients such as vegetable and fruit juices or high protein drinks. Move onto solid foods as soon as you can. Avoid crunchy or sticky foods such as popcorn, taffy, and nuts. Chew on the side of the mouth opposite the extraction.
Do Brush your teeth gently. Avoid brushing around the extraction, and don’t use any toothpaste. Rinsing toothpaste from your mouth may dislodge the blood clot.
Do keep the extraction sight clean. After 12 hours you may be able to gently rinse your mouth Rinse 4 times a day with 1 teaspoon salt in a glass of water.
Call us if: Pain becomes more severe the day after your extraction. Bleeding becomes hard to control. Swelling around the extraction site worsens. Itching or rashes occur after you take medication.
How long is the healing process?
It depends on the complexity of your case. However, most people feel back to normal in just a few days. While you'll be able to return to routine activities within 48 to 72 hours, it usually takes the jawbone several weeks to heal completely. To aid in the healing process plan to drink plenty of fluids, eat right and get plenty of rest. It can take from several weeks to months for an area to heal completely. Limit alcohol use. Excessive use of alcohol may slow healing.