Tooth Extraction

Tooth Extraction in Denver, CO

It's Like Having Your
Tooth Again!

The most natural way to replace a missing tooth.

The removal of teeth is a surgical procedure. Post-operative cares is very important. Unnecessary pain and the complications of infection and swelling can be minimized if the instructions are followed carefully.

BLEEDING

Keep firm pressure on a moist, folded gauze pad placed over the surgical area for 30 minutes and discard. If the bleeding continues, place another pack and bite firmly for another 30 minutes. Continue changing the pack every 30 minutes until the bleeding has stopped.
Limited bleeding and oozing may occur for 48 hours following surgery. If bleeding persists, bite on a tea bag until it subsides (ie. Lipton Tea bag, not an herbal tea).
If bleeding becomes brisk and quickly fills the mouth contact our office or the emergency room immediately.

CARE OF THE MOUTH

After the blood clot forms, it is important not to disturb or dislodge the clot as it aids in healing.
Avoid vigorous mouth rinsing, sucking on straws, smoking, spitting, drinking alcohol and brushing teeth next to the extraction site for 72 hours. These activities will dislodge the blood clot and slow the healing process. Resume gentle brushing and flossing of remaining mouth as normal.
Limit vigorous activities for the next 24 hours as this will increase blood pressure and may cause more bleeding from the extraction site.
After 24 hours rinse with warm salt water two to three times a day (1/2 teaspoon salt to 1/2 cup warm water) for one week to improve circulation and soothe the tissues.

DIET

It is important to maintain good nutrition following surgery.
When an anesthetic has been used, you may remain numb in the area for several hours after your appointment. Avoid hot beverages and chewing until the numbness has completely worn off to prevent biting or burning your tongue, cheeks and lips.
A diet of liquids and soft foods is recommended for the first few days following the surgery (yogurt, pasta, soup, etc.).
Drink as many fluids as possible for three days following your surgery.

MEDICATION

The greatest amount of discomfort can be expected in the first six to eight hours after the procedure.
If a prescription pain medication was given, use as directed. The prescription should be filled promptly and taken exactly as directed before the local anesthetic wears off. Do not take pain medication on an empty stomach as it may cause nausea. If a prescription was not given, 600 mg of Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, Nuprin, etc) can be taken every six hours.
If an antibiotic was given, please continue to take them for the indicated length of time, even if the signs and symptoms of infection are gone. Antibiotics may decrease the effectiveness of birth control medications. Additional methods of birth control should be used while on antibiotics.
If itching or rash develops, discontinue all medications and contact our office or the emergency room immediately.

SWELLING

Some degree of swelling, discoloration and bruising is normal and can be minimized with the use of ice or cold packs (unopened bag of frozen peas or corn) applied to the face at the extraction site for 20 minutes and then removed for 20 minutes. This should only be done for the first 6-8 hours after surgery.
Heat may be applied 24 hours after the surgery.
Maximum swelling will occur about the second or third post-operative day and then slowly recede.

MUSCLE SORENESS

Difficulty in opening jaws is common after third molar (wisdom tooth) removal. Chewing sugarless gum at intervals will help muscle soreness along with moist heat 24 hours following surgery.

IMPORTANT

Occasionally the bony walls which supported your tooth can create hard projections in your mouth. These projections usually smooth out spontaneously but can also be removed at a later time if needed.
If you notice a foul odor or increase in pain and discomfort, call our office immediately.

Please contact us if you have any further questions or concerns.

I had a long overdue deep cleaning, root canal/crown, AND fillings within a month. Dr. Thurman, Morgan, Kathy and staff were very attentive and kind with not ONLY the procedures and explanations but with checking up on me after the root canal. Also great at helping me figure out my insurance coverage and payments. Dental Elements is GREAT.

- Steve

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