It’s never good news to hear that a tooth must be extracted, and the extraction process is not particularly pleasant. While having a tooth pulled isn’t fun, there’s much a patient can do before and after surgery to minimize pain and lessen infection risk.
Before the Extraction
Before the procedure begins, Dentists in Waimanalo should know about the supplements and medications a patient takes, as well as medical issues that increase infection risk, such as:
• Bacterial endocarditis
• Man-made or damaged heart valves
• Congenital heart defects
• Immune impairments
• Cirrhosis of the liver
• Artificial joints
All of the above conditions can reduce a patient’s immune response and make them more likely to become ill. When the dentist knows about a patient’s medicines and conditions, he or she can make better treatment and aftercare recommendations and prevent serious injury and/or infection.
After Extraction
Dentists in Waimanalo will pack the patient’s tooth socket with sterile gauze or close it with self-dissolving stitches. When the patient gets home, they should follow these guidelines to prevent infection and speed healing of the extraction site:
• Rest for at least 24 hours after the extraction
• Bite the gauze for several hours to minimize bleeding and facilitate clotting; replace gauze as necessary
• Apply ice to the affected area
• Elevate the head to reduce bleeding
• Do not spit, rinse or use a straw for at least 24 hours
• Eat soft foods and slowly add solids as the site heals
• Avoid the site when flossing and brushing other teeth
• Use painkillers as recommended
While pain, bleeding, and swelling are normal following an extraction, the patient should notify their dentist if they experience severe swelling, bleeding and pain after the first few hours. If a patient experiences chill, fever or other signs of infection, he or she should call a doctor immediately to prevent serious illness.
In most cases, an extraction site will completely heal in one or two weeks. After healing is complete, the patient can restart his or her normal oral hygiene routine. To find out more about extractions from a local dentist, Contact us online or call the office to schedule an appointment.
