We will do everything we can to save your tooth. Unfortunately, sometimes a tooth extraction will be required when there is no other alternative treatment option.
If you need a tooth extraction, then you may be particularly dreading this treatment. But we will do everything we can to make you as comfortable as possible. We offer many forms of sedation dentistry if you are scared or worried. Nitrous oxide is a mild relaxant gas that can be breathed in at your appointment to help put you at ease. Or maybe you may want to try something stronger. Oral sedation involves taking a pill prior to your appointment. You will be indifferent to what is going on, so much so that you may not even remember it. To learn more, please visit our sedation dentistry page.
What to Expect When You Have a Tooth Extracted
- To stop the bleeding after a tooth extraction you should sit still for a short time after the appointment to enable the blood clot to form. Dr. Collins will inform you how long you need to be still, most likely about 10 minutes or so.
- A wet gauze pack will cover the extraction site to keep pressure on the area. This also aides in stopping the bleeding. You should keep this in place for 30-45 minutes after the appointment. Don’t be surprised if you experience slight bleeding for a day or two.
- Avoid activities like sucking liquid through a straw or spitting. You should avoid activity for a couple hours after the appointment so you don’t cause any problems with the forming of the blood clot.
- The next day you can gently rinse with a mixture of warm water and a half teaspoon of salt. This can be repeated every three hours. Make sure to rinse after meals.
- If you have swelling, use an ice pack for a couple of days over the area of the cheek where the extraction took place for 15-20 minutes at a time and repeat as needed. Once the swelling has occurred, ice will slow down the healing.
- For pain, Dr. Collins will prescribe a prescription pain medication if he feels it is needed. Otherwise, you can use over-the-counter pain medications, or you can call the office.
- On the first day it is recommended that your diet consist mainly of fluids or soft foods like ice cream or yogurt.
- Be sure to clean around the extraction site, but do it gently. Also be very gentle when brushing or flossing for a few days.
If at anytime your bleeding increases or you experience pain or swelling after the second day, please call us at 225-292-4321. We may need to see you again to ensure you are healing properly.