Tooth Extraction Aftercare

tooth extraction

Needless to say, the idea of tooth extraction at your dentist’s office can be quite a scary one. However, let us begin by assuring you that it’s not what it looks like. Tooth extractions for adults these days are quite commonplace even though they have permanent teeth. The reasons for these could be many, some of which include:

  • A tooth infection, also known as a cavity or decay
  • Gum disease
  • Injury because of an accident or fall
  • Crowded teeth
  • Impacted teeth or molars
  • Wisdom teeth

If you have any of the above, and you experience any kind of painful sensation, visit your dentist in Glendale. Smile Makeover of LA dental clinic is the best in the Glendale area, offering dental solutions for all needs.
Our dentists would be in the best position to determine whether tooth extraction is necessary. Permanent teeth cannot be replaced, unlike baby or primary teeth. Therefore, dentists generally refrain from tooth extractions, unless necessary. Your Glendale dentist would examine your teeth, look for possible signs indicative of a potential problem, and then suggest accordingly.

What Happens During a Tooth Extraction?

wisdom tooth

To put your worries to rest, let’s begin by assuring you that tooth extractions aren’t painful as they’re hyped about. When you visit your dentist for tooth extraction in Glendale, he’d start by injecting a local anesthetic to numb the area. This would make you feel completely oblivious to any pain during the procedure.
The dentist would then use an elevator, a device to push the tooth back and forth until it loosens up. It can then be gently extracted using dental forceps.

Aftercare Methods for Tooth Extraction

Now you know that dental extractions aren’t scary or painful. You’d still need to take good care of the area for some time post-extraction until it heals up. Some suggestions by your Glendale dentist:

  • Your dentist might prescribe a painkiller, which can be taken as and when required.
  • He’d have placed cotton gauze over the area to control bleeding. Leave it in place for at least 3-4 hours.
  • Apply an ice pack over the affected area immediately after the tooth extraction in Glendale dental clinic. However, do so only for 10 minutes at a time; leaving it for too long can damage tissue.
  • Take good rest for at least a day after the procedure. Don’t overexert or indulge in physical activity.
  • Avoid rinsing or spitting for at least 24 hours to avoid dislodging the blood clot.
  • After 24 hours, you may use a lukewarm saltwater solution for rinsing your mouth. Besides that, it’d help heal the area faster too.
  • Sleep with raised pillows under your head at least the same night after the procedure. Lying flat may delay healing.
  • You may brush and floss as usual; however, avoid the affected site for a day or so.
  • Eat soft foods as much as possible for a few days. Our dentists advise eating soup, pudding, yogurt, and applesauce.

Most important, remember to consult your dentist in Glendale at Smile Makeover of LA, immediately in case of prolonged pain or bleeding. He’d suggest accordingly what needs to be done to control the same. Besides that, it’s usually normal to experience slight pain after the procedure. In some cases, the extracted site may feel sore for a day or so. You might also feel slight swelling around your face where the tooth has been extracted.
This is fairly normal. However, you may still consult the team in a Smile Makeover of LA in case of any doubts. Call 818-578-2324 or contact us for an appointment today.