Extraction
Dentist Fairfax, VA
At Sensational Smiles, our team understands that the loss of a tooth can seem very scary. Due to changes in technology, tooth extractions are a lot easier and more comfortable than in the past. Dr Mary-Stuart Gallian is very conservative and does her best to avoid dental extractions if at all possible. However, tooth extractions can be crucial for ensuring your mouth is able to function as intended and without pain.
Dr Mary-Stuart Gallian and her team will work with you throughout your experience to ensure a fulfilling and comfortable experience. Whether it’s using the latest in extraction technology or her gentle and friendly approach, Dr Gallian will be there to make sure your experience is the best possible.
Tooth removal and surgical extractions may be used as a treatment for:
- Extreme tooth damage or decay
- Overcrowded teeth
- Bone loss in your jaw
- Infection
With every tooth extraction we perform, we set a focus on making sure it is the answer for your specific dental issue. We’ll never suggest removing teeth unless it’s necessary for the long-term health of your mouth and smile. Every surgical procedure will be performed in the same expert way to ensure your comfort and a more predictable postoperative healing.
Post-Extraction Care
–If you smoke or dip PLEASE DO NOT SMOKE OR DIP for 24 hours after the extraction, this greatly increases the risk of a dry socket.
–Please DO NOT SPIT OR DRINK THROUGH A STRAW for 24 hours, the suction created by these actions pulls the clot out of the socket. This increases bleeding and delays healing.
–After the first 24 hours, you can rinse with warm salt water (1 tsp salt dissolved in a glass of warm water) to decrease the sensitivity in the gums surrounding the extraction site and promote healing.
BLEEDING:
Some bleeding is normal after an extraction. Bite on the gauze for at least 20 minutes after you leave our office. Repeat if necessary. Keep in mind that blood mixes with your saliva, and it will look like a lot more blood than is actually there. If bleeding persists, a home remedy is to bite on a teabag over the extraction site, the tannins in the tea assist with healing. Also, it is recommended to place an old towel or pillowcase over your pillow the first night in case there is any drooling of blood.
PAIN:
Some discomfort is to be expected after any surgical procedure. For mild to average pain, please use any non-aspirin medication for pain relief. (Take Ibuprofen 800 mg and Tylenol 500mg every 4-6 hours for the first 24 hours is you are experiencing pain.) If pain gets worse after three days, you may have a dry socket and need to contact us.
SWELLING/BRUISING:
Some swelling may be noticed after the extraction. Do not be alarmed, this is a normal tissue reaction. Apply ice in intervals of 10 minutes on/10minutes off, and repeat as necessary (frozen peas work very well for this). The area around the extraction can also be bruised, this is normal as well.
EATING:
For the first 24-48 hours, soft foods are preferable and attempt to chew away from the extraction site. Avoid very hot, very cold, and very spicy foods because these will irritate the extraction site. Avoid rice and smaller foods for the first 24 hours as these can get lodged in the extraction site. Crunchy foods should be avoided for 3-4 days post extraction to prevent injury to the extraction site.
ACTIVITIES:
For the first day, avoid strenuous exercise or heavy lifting. Avoid getting hot or taking extremely hot showers as these increase bleeding. After the first day, you should feel free to resume normal activities.
For more information or an extraction consultation, contact our office.
May, 2022
