Extraction

Only when all efforts to save a tooth have been explored and exhausted will Dr. Shen suggest that a tooth be removed. If a tooth needs to be extracted, Dr. Shen will make sure your procedure is as comfortable as possible by thoroughly making the tooth and the surrounding area numb. Because of Dr. Shen’ careful anesthesia technique, his patients report only a very minor sensation of pressure as the tooth is removed from its socket. It is essential that you have the tooth replaced with dental bridges or dental implants to maintain proper alignment of the surrounding teeth and to avoid needing TMJ treatment in the future. After a tooth extraction, Dr. Shen will discuss with you which tooth replacement options are right for your individual case.

Extraction Post Op Instruction

After an extraction, it's important for a blood clot to form to stop the bleeding and begin the healing process. That's why Dr. Shen will ask you to bite on a gauze pad for 30 to 45 minutes after an extraction. If bleeding or oozing continues after you remove the gauze pad, place another gauze pad on the area and bite firmly for another 30 minutes. You may have to do this several times. After the blood clot forms, it's important to protect it, especially for the next 24 hours. It's important to not:

smoke

suck through a straw

rinse your mouth vigorously

clean the teeth next to the extraction site

These activities could dislodge the clot and slow down healing.

Limit yourself to calm activities for the first 24 hours. This keeps your blood pressure lower, reduces
bleeding, and helps the healing process.

After the tooth is extracted, you may feel some pain and have some swelling. You can use an ice bag (20 minutes on, 20 minutes off) to keep this to a minimum. The swelling usually starts to go down after 48 hours.

To control discomfort, take pain medication as recommended. Don't take medication on an empty stomach or nausea may result. If antibiotics are prescribed, continue to take them for the indicated length of time, even if all symptoms and signs of infection are gone. Also:

Drink lots of fluids.

Eat only soft, nutritious foods on the day of the extraction.

Don't use alcoholic beverages.

Avoid hot and spicy foods.

You can begin eating normally the next day, or if not by then, as soon as it's comfortable. Gently rinse your mouth with warm salt water three times a day (put a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water, and then gently rinse, swish, and spit). Also, rinse gently after meals. This helps keep food out of the extraction site.

It's very important to resume your normal dental routine after 24 hours. This should include brushing your teeth and tongue and flossing at least once a day. This will speed healing and help keep your breath and mouth fresh. Call your dental office right away if you have heavy bleeding, severe pain, continued swelling after two or three days, or a reaction to the medication. After a few days, you'll be feeling fine and can resume your normal activities.