About Tooth Extractions
Tooth extractions (“pulling teeth”) are a fairly common procedure. Wisdom teeth in particular often cause problems as they try to protrude through the gums. And when a wisdom tooth is impacted, it means the tooth is coming in at an angle and not straight through the gum line. This can cause pain, the tooth can come in unevenly, or the tooth may emerge only partially.
When a wisdom tooth only emerges partially, a flap of skin called an operculum may form over the tooth. This can make the tooth hard to clean, and pieces of food may be caught under the skin. This also makes it easy for an infection called pericoronitis to develop. It will usually go away on its own, but it causes swelling and pain in the area.
Post-Surgery Protocol
After the surgery, you will need to rest. You can expect the extraction site to bleed for a little while after the surgery. Gauze will be applied at the completion of the surgery, and you will need to change it when it becomes soaked. If bleeding continues for longer than 24 hours you should call your dentist or seek urgent care of bleeding is excessive or uncontrolled.
Rest when you return home, but don’t lie flat. This could prolong the bleeding. Prop your head up on a pillow when lying down. Your dentist may prescribe you pain medication, so if you become sore take as directed. You can also use an ice pack if swelling occurs during the first 48 hours after procedure.
You will be limited to soft foods for a few days after your surgery. Here are some recommended foods:
- Gelatin
- Pudding
- Yogurt
- Mashed Potatoes
- Ice Cream
- Thin Soups
- Other food you can eat without chewing
Lastly, when drinking, make sure not to use a straw. The sucking motion can remove the clot and cause a dry socket. The same goes for smoking. If you have prolonged pain, bleeding, irritation, or don’t feel that the extraction site is healing properly, call your dentist for a follow-up.
Do You Need Some Teeth Pulled?
The Hills Dental Care specializes in dental treatment that will give you the best oral health possible moving forward. Whether you’re a new patient or you’ve been coming to see us for a while, contact us for an appointment and we’ll see you in our clinic as soon as possible!
