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Common Reasons for Extracting the Teeth

• Severe Tooth Decay is the most significant cause of tooth loss in children

• Advanced Gum Disease is the major motive of tooth removal in adult

• Fracture or break a tooth by accident

• Tooth abscess

• Wisdom tooth removal if infected or not having enough space (impacted wisdom teeth)

• Removing the tooth can help keep infection from spreading to other areas of your mouth

• In preparation for braces or orthodontic treatment

What to do Before Tooth Extraction

• Alcohol should be discontinued  before and following the surgical procedure.

• When a general anesthetic or light sedation is used, the patient should not drive. Plans for someone to accompany and assist the patient should be made.

• A good night rest is advocated.

• The clothing worn should be loose and comfortable. The sleeves should be easily drawn up over the elbows.

• You will be asked to remove contact lenses and dentures, and should bring containers for their safe keeping.

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Overview of Tooth Removal

• Perform on teeth that are visible in the mouth.

• Complete usually under local anesthesia to numb the area where the tooth will be removed.

• Require only the use of instruments to lift and/or grasp the visible portion of the tooth (dental elevators and forceps).

• You can gently bite down on a cotton gauze pad to help stop the bleeding.

• Involve the teeth that cannot be easily accessed (the Wisdom Tooth).

• The teeth are broken under the gum line.

• The teeth have not erupted fully.

• The soft tissues covering the tooth may be elevated.

• Surrounding and overlying bone tissue could also be removed.

• The tooth may be split into several pieces to ease its release.

• A stronger, general anesthesia may be used, especially if several or many of your teeth need to be extracted.

• You may need stitches after the tooth is removed.

• You can firmly bite down on a cotton gauze pack placed over the surgical area to help stop the bleeding.

• The dentist will take out the stitches a few days after.

What to do After Tooth Extraction

• Bite firmly the gauze pack over the surgical area for, at least, 1/2 hour; then discard it gently.

• Do not spit, or suck through a straw, since this will promote bleeding.

• Start taking your pain pills before the numbing medication has worn off.

• Over-the-counter (OTC) pain medications or Painkillers may be used for temporary pain relief. Take these as directed on the package and around the clock. Do not overdosing on these generic drugs:

• ASPIRIN, or IBUPROFEN, or KETOPROFEN, or NAPROXEN SODIUM, or ACETAMINOPHEN

• Do  not rinse your mouth or brush your teeth for the first 12 hours after the surgical appointment. Then use warm salt water (1/2 teaspoon salt in 1/2 cup [4 ounces] of warm water) after tooth-brushing and every 2 hours.

• DO NOT SMOKE for 24 hours after surgery because this will cause bleeding, pain and interfere with healing.

• Get plenty of rest; at least 8 to 10 hours of sleep each night. Avoid strenuous exercise during the first 24 hours, and keep the mouth from excessive movement.

• Use a liquid or soft diet high in protein.

• Drink a large volume of water and fruit juices.

• Do not drink through a straw because this may promote bleeding.

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Aleksandr V. Melekhin, DDS

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