Teeth Extractions Seattle WA
You and Dr. Lewis may determine that you need a tooth extraction for any number of reasons. The removal of a single tooth can lead to problems related to your chewing ability, problems with your jaw joint, and shifting teeth, which can have a major impact on your dental health.
To avoid these complications, in most cases, Dr. Lewis will discuss alternatives to extractions as well replacement of the extracted tooth.
The Extraction Process
At the time of extraction, Dr. Lewis will need to numb your tooth, jawbone and gums that surround the area with a local anesthetic.
During the extraction process you will feel pressure. This is from the process of firmly rocking the tooth and should be felt without pain
If you do feel pain at any time during the extraction please let us know right away.
After Care
Bleeding
Some bleeding may occur. Placing a piece of moist gauze over the empty tooth socket and biting down firmly for 45 minutes can control this.
This is an important part of the healing process and you must be careful not to dislodge the clot.
- Avoid rinsing vigorously or spitting for 24 hours after the extraction.
- Avoid use of a straw, smoking or hot liquids.
Swelling
If swelling occurs you can place a soft-cloth-covered bag of frozen peas or corn on your face for 20 minutes and off for 20 minutes. Repeat this cycle as you feel necessary for up to 24 hours.
Pain and Medications
If you experience pain you might use non-prescription pain relief medications such as acetaminophen (Tylenol®) or ibuprofen (Advil® or Motrin®) as directed by Dr. Lewis.
Eating
For most extractions just make sure you do your chewing away from the extraction site. Stay away from hot liquids and alcoholic beverages for 24 hours.
A liquid diet may be recommended for 24 hours.
Brushing and Cleaning
After the extraction avoid brushing the teeth near the extraction site for one day. After that you can resume gentle cleaning. Avoid commercial mouth rinses, as they tend to irritate the site.
Dry Socket
Dry socket is when a blood clot fails to form in the socket where the tooth has been extracted or the clot has been dislodged and the healing is significantly delayed.
Following the post extraction instructions will reduce the chances of developing dry socket. Dry sockets manifest themselves as a dull throbbing pain, which doesn't appear until three to four days after the extraction. The pain can be moderate to severe and radiate from the extraction area. Dry socket may cause a bad taste or bad breath and the extraction site appears dry.
Dr. Lewis may apply a medicated dressing to the dry socket to sooth the pain.
Healing
After a tooth has been extracted there will be a resulting hole in your jawbone where the tooth was. In time, this will smooth and fill in with bone. This process can take many weeks. However after 1- 2 weeks you should no longer notice any inconvenience.
Replacing teeth with:
Dental Implants
Bridges