Tooth Extractions in Bethlehem GA
For a variety of reasons, your Bethlehem GA dentist may tell you that you need a tooth extraction. Some teeth are removed because they are badly decayed. However, others are extracted because they have advanced periodontal disease or have fractured in an unrepairable way. Other teeth may need to be extracted due to their poor positioning in the mouth (such as impacted teeth) or as part of an orthodontic treatment plan. Today on the blog, Dr. Uyen Hoang is discussing everything you need to know about tooth extractions in Bethlehem GA.
The Extraction Methodology
If you need an extraction, please don’t panic. Our team at Gentle Dental Group offers gentle, compassionate dentistry. Our Bethlehem family dentistry will walk you through every stage of the tooth extraction process so that you are prepared.
First, a local anesthetic will be used to numb the tooth, jaw bone, and gums surrounding the region during the extraction. Next, you will feel some pressure during the extraction process. This is due to the method of firmly rocking the tooth to enlarge the socket in preparation for extraction.
It’s important to note that the pressure is felt without pain because the anesthetic has numbed the nerves, preventing pain transmission. Thus, if you experience any discomfort during the extraction, please let us know as soon as possible.
Post Tooth Extraction Information
It’s important for a blood clot to form after tooth extraction to stop the bleeding and start the healing process. Immediately after the consultation, bite on a gauze pad for 30-45 minutes. If the bleeding or oozing continues, put another gauze pad over the wound and bite tightly for another 30 minutes. It’s possible that you’ll have to repeat this process many times to stop the flow of blood.
Our Bethlehem GA dentistry wants you to note that it is important not to disrupt or dislodge the blood clot once it has formed. Thus, for the next 72 hours, do not scrub vigorously, suck on straws, smoke, drink alcohol, or brush your teeth near the extraction site. These activities can cause the clot to dislodge or dissolve, obstructing the healing process. For the next 24 hours, avoid physical exercise because it raises blood pressure and can cause more bleeding at the extraction site.
As a result, you may experience some discomfort and swelling after the tooth is extracted. Additionally, swelling may be reduced by applying an ice pack or an unopened bag of frozen peas or corn to the affected area. Take your pain relievers exactly as directed. After 48 hours, the swelling normally goes down.
Medication
Follow the directions on your pain medication. If the drug isn’t working, please contact our office. Sometimes, our friends at Park Hills Family Dentistry explain, antibiotics may be prescribed. If this is the case, the dentist in Lexington KY explains that you need to take your antibiotic for the full duration of the prescription, even if the signs and symptoms of infection have passed. On the day of the extraction, drink plenty of water and eat nutritious, soft food. As soon as you feel relaxed, you can resume regular eating habits.
It’s important to get back to your regular dental routine after 24 hours. Brushing and flossing your teeth at least once a day should be part of this routine. This will hasten the healing process while still keeping your mouth fresh and clean.
You should be fine after a few days and able to resume your usual activities. Contact our office right away if you have excessive bleeding, intense pain, or swelling that lasts more than 2-3 days, or if you have a reaction to the drug.
Contact Gentle Dental Group Today
If you have any dental pain ever, please don’t hesitate to contact our team today. We offer same-day appointments for dental emergencies and are always looking to help our patients feel their best.