POST OP INSTRUCTIONS FOR EXTRACTION : LAKE LANIER SMILES, AFFORDABLE BUFORD DENTIST

This article by Affordable Buford Dentist, Lake Lanier Smiles about Post-operative instructions for Tooth Extractions/ Tooth Extraction after care instructions

After an extraction, being mindful of what to expect and pay attention to regarding the extraction site is very important.

Following the procedure, it is critical to have someone accompany you, especially if sedation was used.

Generally, there are some common side effects of the procedure such as, stiffness, bleeding, soreness, swelling, and discomfort that may occur.

If the post-op instructions are not followed, the risk of complications and delayed healing will increase.

Our office will provide you a handout containing some information, however we will go over the information with you in case of any questions and concerns. Here are a few of those instructions:

Gauze pad: As bleeding will occur following extraction, the pad will help absorb the blood. It is important to keep the gauze pad in the area of the site for 1-2 hours, while biting on it to give pressure.

In cases of too much bleeding, we suggest placing a new gauze and continue adding pressure for another hour, till the bleeding stops.

Numbness: Within our jaw we have many nerve endings, these nerves may be irritated resulting in temporary loss of sensation for some unknown time.

This sensation is not permanent. Do not be alarmed and keep monitoring the progress of the gaining sensation back in your lower lips, chin, and extraction area.

Pain killers: We will prescribe you some medications to get picked up from your pharmacy. As pain will occur once the anesthesia wears off, we advise taking the pills 1-2 hours after the procedure. In some cases, we will begin a dose of pain killers at the office before the numbness dissipates.

Do not take pain medications without eating something. Nausea may result in cases when pain killers are taken on an empty stomach. To help nullify the discomfort, carbonated drinks, tea, broth and soft food will help.

Ice and Heat packs: During the first couple days, swelling will occur and subside soon after. However, using temperature packs can help reduce and relieve swelling. With a cold pack, place it on the area of the swelling for about 20 minutes then take it off for 20 minutes. Repeat this method for the first two days.

In terms of a heat pack, use it 2 -3 days after the procedure. For stiffness the heat packs will help along with stretching exercises and periodic use of chewing gum.

Avoid strenuous activities: Do not go back to work or perform any strenuous activity immediately following the procedure. When resting, place couple of pillows to elevate your head. Resting for the first two days is recommended. Heavy lifting type work should only be done once you feel completely healed and normal.

Athletic contact sports should be avoided for about a week. In case of musicians, do not use wind instruments for approximately 5-7 days.

Adapt a soft diet: Initially, on the day of the procedure, a light diet is recommended such as, Jell-O, soup, or oatmeal. In the next couple days, soft food are allowed and then gradually normal diet.

The Most common side effect of a tooth extraction, especially wisdom tooth is Dry Socket.

What is Dry socket?
A symptom of an extraction, this results from the dislodgement of the blood clot formed after the procedure.
The symptoms are severe sharp pain of the free nerve endings, leaving a bad odor in the mouth, slight fever, visible bone, and potential swollen lymph nodes.
In a normal situation, after the extraction, the blood begins to clump up and form a clot. Then clot is a mechanism the body creates to stop bleeding.
There are higher chances of dry socket occurrences in wisdom teeth extraction. The pain usually occurs two days after the procedure and starts near the gums gradually moving to the ear (known as referred pain).

What are the causes of Dry Socket?
• Smoking and alcohol use
• Drinking from a straw
• Infection in the area
• Manually interfering with the clot formation with the tongue
• Coughing
• Sneezing
• Drugs that interfere with blood clotting
• Rinsing your mouth vigorously
• Brushing roughly in the area of the extraction
• Eating food that could dislodge the clot like popcorn or peanuts


What are the risk factors for dry socket?
• Bad oral hygiene
• Birth control usage
• Frequency of dry sockets
• Smoking

How can we treat a dry socket?

In case you do encounter having dry socket, please visit the affordable dentist in Buford, Lake Lanier Smiles as soon as possible so we can help you.
At the office, we can clean out the socket of any debris and place a medication dressing to relieve the pain and help healing.
We can prescribe you pain killers and advice to flush the area for a few days.
Along with our clinical treatment and pain medications, there are some other home remedies that can assist such as:
• Clove oil
• Saline water- pain relief
• Yogurt- antibiotic
• Ice pack- reduces swelling
• Cold tea bag- pain relief
• Turmeric- pain relief
• Peroxide – pain relief
• Hydration- helps with pain
• Lemon and salt- antiseptic

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT TOOTH EXTRACTION

What is the tooth extraction healing time?
Usually the extraction socket heals in 2-3 weeks but still the bone inside remodels and forms up to 6 months.

When can I brush after a tooth extraction?
You can brush the next day after tooth extraction. But be gentle at the extraction site. The dentists at Lake Lanier Smiles recommend that you keep your mouth clean to prevent infections.

When can I start smoking after tooth extraction?
We always recommend to stop smoking as long as you can after the tooth extraction. But a minimum of two days is very important to prevent dry socket.

What should I do if it still bleeds after hours of tooth extraction?
Slight bleeding is common after a tooth extraction for a day or two. It's important to make a difference between severe bleeding and a minor bleeding. If you notice bright red saliva then call our dentists at Lake Lanier Smiles, but if the saliva is very light red due to mixing with a large amount of saliva then nothing to worry.

What can I do to help with healing after tooth extraction?
Healthy diet will help your mouth heal after extraction. Taking Vitamin C helps too.

I got stitches after tooth extraction so when should I go to the dentist to remove them?
At Lake Lanier Smiles we use resorbable sutures so there is no need for follow up visit to take them out as they dissolve and come out by itself.

How long can I expect pain after tooth extraction?
A typical tooth extraction pain might last for 2-3 days depending on the difficulty of the extraction.
If you still have pain after 3 days please call our Buford dental office at 770-831-0559.

If you have any questions about tooth extraction or to make an appointment to see us, Call us at 770-831-0559 or visit us at WWW. LAKELANIERSMILES.COM for Valuable Coupons and Specials. Our prices are 30-50 % Off Regular Prices. Call Us before Noon and we will see you the Same Day. We accept most insurances. We are conveniently located just off I-985 at 4965 Lanier Islands Parkway, Suite 105, Buford, Ga- 30418. LAKE LANIER SMILES provides Affordable dental care with outstanding customer service to patients in Buford, Sugar Hill, Suwanee, Cumming, Flowery Branch and surrounding areas.