One of the main goals of modern dentistry is the prevention
of tooth loss. All possible measures should be taken to preserve and maintain
your teeth because the loss of a single tooth can have a major impact
upon your dental health and appearance. However, it is still sometimes
necessary to remove a tooth. Here are some of the reasons a tooth may
need to be extracted.
Severe Decay
Advanced periodontal disease
Infection or abcess
Orthodontic correction
Malpositioned teeth
Fractured teeth or roots
Impacted teeth
If you've just had a tooth extracted or your dentist
has recommended that a tooth be extracted, the following information will
help you get through the first few days after your extraction. Should
anything occur that seems out of the normal, do not hesitate to call your
dentist.
Postoperative Instructions
DO NOT DISTURB THE WOUND : In doing so you
may invite irritation, infection and/or bleeding. Be sure to chew on
the opposite side for 24 hours and keep anything sharp from entering
the wound (i.e. eating utensils etc. ).
DO NOT SMOKE FOR 12 HOURS:: Smoking will promote
bleeding and interfere with healing.
BRUSHING: Do not brush your teeth for the
first 8 hours after surgery. After, you may brush your teeth gently,
but avoid the area of surgery.
MOUTH WASH: Avoid all rinsing for 24
hours after extraction. This is to insure the formation of a healing
blood clot which is essential to proper wound healing. Disturbance of
this clot can lead to increased bleeding or the loss of the blood clot.
If the clot is lost, a painful condition called dry socket may occur.
You may use warm salt water or mild antiseptic rinses after 24
hours only if prescribed.
DO NOT SPIT OR SUCK THROUGH A STRAW: This
will promote bleeding and may dislodge the blood clot causing a dry
socket.
BLEEDING: When you leave the office, you
will be given verbal instructions regarding the control of postoperative
bleeding. A rolled up gauze pad will be placed on the extraction site
and you will be asked to change this dressing every 20 minutes
or so depending on the amount of bleeding that is occurring. It is normal
for some blood to ooze from the area of surgery. We will also give you
a package of gauze to take with you to use at home if the bleeding should
continue. Should you need to use the gauze at home, remember to roll
it into a ball large enough to cover the wound. Hold firmly in place,
by biting or with finger pressure, for about 20-30 minutes. If
bleeding still continues, you may fold a tea bag in half and bite down
on it. Tea contains Tannic Acid , a styptic, which may help to reduce
the bleeding.
PAIN :Some discomfort is normal after surgery.
Analgesic tablets ( i.e. Aspirin, Tylenol etc. ) may be taken under
your dentist's direction. Prescription medication, which may have been
given to you, should also be taken as directed. If pain continues, call
your dentist.
SWELLING : To prevent swelling, apply an ice
pack or a cold towel to the outside of your face in the area of the
extraction during the first 12 hours. Apply alternately, 20 minutes
on then 20 minutes off, for an hour or longer if necessary.
DIET:Eat normal regular meals as soon
as you are able after surgery. Cold, soft food such as ice cream or
yogurt may be the most comfortable for the first day. It is also important
to drink plenty of fluids.
REPORT ANY UNUSUAL OCCURRENCES IMMEDIATELY
!
If you have any questions regarding these directions,
call your dentist for clarification.
