Do you believe you need a tooth extracted? Is severe tooth pain preventing you from concentrating on everyday tasks?
Tooth pain can come from a variety of sources. Dr. Jason Petkevis performs most tooth extractions in the convenience of our Chester Springs dental office near you. We refer patients to an oral surgeon or periodontist to extract teeth when necessary. There are several reasons for tooth extraction. Reasons might include teeth that are broken, severely damaged, or affected by tooth decay or disease.
As a highly trained restorative and cosmetic dentist, Dr. Petkevis offers a range of natural-looking replacement options for teeth extracted from the smile zone. Leaving an empty socket where a tooth used to be may create more issues for your neighboring teeth. Leaving unaddressed missing teeth can lead to gum disease, tooth cavities, and further tooth loss.
Tooth Extractions in Chester Springs, PA
Tooth extraction is a fairly simple procedure. First, the dentist will numb the area to minimize discomfort. After the dentist extracts the tooth, he will pack the socket with gauze. A small amount of bleeding is normal. The gauze should remain in the socket for 30 minutes to an hour.
Please note: if you experience nausea, vomiting, or heavy bleeding, contact our office immediately.
To promote proper healing, avoid smoking, rinsing, or drinking through a straw for at least 24 hours. These activities can dislodge the clot, delay healing, and lead to a dry socket. A cold cloth or ice bag may help with any pain or swelling. Your dentist will prescribe pain medication if you need it. It is important to continue a normal dental care routine. You should brush and floss normally, but avoid the teeth next to the tooth socket.
Socket Preservation
Bone grafting or socket preservation procedures take bone tissue and place it in areas that require its support. Socket preservation fills the socket of an extracted tooth with enough bone tissue to become solid bone. This bone grafting procedure ensures there’s enough bone tissue for dental implant restoration. Dental implants and implant-secured dental restorations require bone tissue for a more stable result. Socket preservation also prevents further infection or bone loss.
What Is Dry Socket?
A dry socket is a condition that sometimes develops after a dentist removes a tooth. It happens when your blood clot dislodges before the socket can fully heal. To avoid dry socket, refrain from smoking, drinking through a straw, or vigorously rinsing for at least 24 hours.
Dry socket can be painful and delay healing times. If you are experiencing dry socket or pain at the extraction site, contact our office immediately for accurate advice.
Tooth Extractions FAQs
Tooth extractions are routine procedures we see a lot in our dentist office. Read the answers to these commonly asked questions to learn more.
What is the best pain relief after tooth extraction?
Your dentist will administer and recommend pain medications after the tooth extraction. If you can take Ibuprofen, we recommend taking 400- 600mg every 6-8 hours post-operation until the pain is bearable. Putting a cold or warm compress on your face, eating cold or soft foods, and rinsing with salt water are good methods to help with pain and swelling.
When can I drink water after tooth extraction?
Wait to drink for about an hour after the procedure so the blood clot has had time to form. Don’t drink it through a straw or swish the water around aggressively in your mouth. Any sucking motion can dislodge the forming blood clot and cause dry socket. Stay well-hydrated, as this is a vital part of the healing process.
When can I eat normally after tooth extraction?
Most people will need two weeks to get back to normal post-extraction. However, you may be able to go back to eating sooner, depending on where the tooth is and your level of pain tolerance.
How long should I take off work after a tooth extraction?
Typically, people take off work for 1-2 days after tooth extraction. However, this depends on the level of discomfort and pain you are in. It is also dependent on the type of job you have. Individuals who work very physical jobs are more likely to take a little bit longer time off to give themselves time to recover and rest.
Is bleeding a sign of infection after tooth extraction?
Bleeding is a sign of infection, but only when the bleeding is excessive. Severe throbbing, increased swelling, oozing discharge, and difficulty opening one’s mouth and speaking and eating are all signs of infection after a tooth extraction. Rinsing your mouth with a saltwater mix may help, but if symptoms continue, one should call their dentist and get an antibiotic.
How long do you have to keep gauze in after a tooth extraction?
Keep gauze on the surgical area with a bit of pressure for around 30-45 minutes. Take the gauze out after this time and check if you’re still bleeding. If you are, get a new piece of gauze and ensure you’re putting pressure on it directly on the extraction site. Do this for another hour, and the bleeding should cease.
Schedule A Dental Exam with our Dentist in Chester Springs, PA
Never assume that you need a tooth extraction without consulting a dentist. We do our best to save as much of your natural teeth as possible. Sometimes, we can address your tooth pain without the need to completely remove your tooth. Schedule a dental exam with Dr. Petkevis today by calling 610.904.9274 or using our online form.