Extraction is the removal of the tooth and will either be simple or surgical, depending on whether your tooth is visible or impacted. When a patient hears that they need a tooth extraction, it's synonymous with everything that's scary about the dentist. If performed properly, tooth extractions are easy and painless, with little to no downtime. You will receive a local anesthetic, which numbs the area around your tooth, so you’ll feel only pressure, not pain, during the procedure. The dentist then uses an instrument called an elevator to loosen the tooth and forceps to remove it. You will receive local anesthesia and a sedative, the latter of which makes you calm and relaxed. You may also receive general anesthesia, depending on any medical conditions. With general anesthesia, we will refer you to a specialist for this procedure and you will remain unconscious during the procedure. The general dentist or oral surgeon will cut into your gum with a small incision. They may need to remove bone around your tooth or cut your tooth before it can be extracted.

 

In modern and holistic dentistry, Pahlavani Dental aims to save all teeth. In some cases, if teeth are severely decayed or damaged then extracting the tooth may be the only option. Secondly, extractions may be necessary for orthodontic treatment and the application of braces. 

 

It normally takes a few days to recover after tooth extraction. The following steps help ensure that your recovery goes smoothly. 

• Apply an ice pack to your cheek directly after the procedure to reduce swelling. Use the ice pack for 10 minutes each time.

• After the dentist places the gauze pad over the affected area, bite down to reduce bleeding and to aid in clot formation. Leave the gauze on for three to four hours, or until the pad is soaked with blood.

• Take any medications as prescribed, including over-the-counter painkillers. 

• Rest and relax for the first 24 hours. Do not jump immediately into your regular routine the following day.

• Don’t use a straw for the first 24 hours. 

• Don’t smoke.

• Don’t rinse for 24 hours after the tooth extraction, and spit only gently. 

• Use pillows to prop your head up when you lie down.

• Brush and floss your teeth like normal, but avoid the extraction site.

• The day after the procedure, eat soft foods, such as yogurt, pudding, and applesauce. 

• After 24 hours, add a half-teaspoon of salt to eight ounces of warm water to rinse out your mouth.

• As you heal over the next few days, you can slowly reintroduce other foods into your diet.

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If you are experiencing pain that isn’t going away after several days, or signs of an infection including fever, pain, and pus that drainage from the incision call us and schedule an emergency appointment to see us as soon as possible.