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Extractions
Before removing a tooth, your dentist will give you a local anesthetic to numb the area where the tooth will be removed.
To remove the tooth, your dentist will apply pressure to the tooth in several ways. This helps to loosen the tissue around the tooth. You will likely feel pressure and hear some strange noises, which are actually normal for this procedure. After the tooth is removed, you may need stitches. Some stitches dissolve over time and some have to be removed after a few days. Your dentist will tell you whether your stitches need to be removed. A folded cotton gauze pad placed over the wound will help stop the bleeding.
What To Expect After Surgery
In most cases, the recovery period lasts only a few days. The following tips will help speed your recovery.
- Bite gently on the gauze pad periodically, and change pads as they become soaked with blood. Call your dentist or oral surgeon if you still have bleeding 24 hours after your surgery.
While your mouth is numb, be careful not to bite the inside of your cheek or lip, or your tongue.
- Do not lie flat. This may prolong bleeding. Prop up your head with pillows at a 45 degree angle.
- Try using an ice pack on the outside of your cheek for the first 24 hours. You can use moist heat-such as a washcloth soaked in warm water and wrung out-for the following 2 or 3 days.
- Relax after surgery. Physical activity may increase bleeding.
Eat soft foods, such as gelatin, pudding, or a thin soup. Gradually add solid foods to your diet as healing progresses.
- Do not use a straw for the first few days. Sucking on a straw can loosen the blood clot and cause a "dry socket" which is very painful and will delay healing.
- After the first day, gently rinse your mouth with warm salt water several times a day to reduce swelling and help to cleanse the area.
- Do not smoke for at least 48 hours after your surgery. The sucking motion can loosen the clot and cause a "dry socket" and will delay healing. In addition, smoking decreases the blood supply and can bring germs and contaminants to the surgery area.
- Avoid rubbing the area with your tongue or touching it with your fingers.
- Continue to brush your teeth and tongue carefully. This will help to remove bacteria and allow better healing.
- Your dentist will remove the stitches after a few days, if needed.
- If your doctor prescribes pain medicine after your extraction, take as directed.
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