What are the reasons for tooth extractions?
You and Dr. Baysa may determine that you need a tooth extraction for any number of reasons. Some teeth are extracted because they are severely decayed; others may have advanced periodontal disease, or have broken in a way that cannot be repaired. Other teeth may need removal because they are poorly positioned in the mouth (such as impacted teeth), or in preparation for orthodontic treatment.
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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. Baysa will discuss alternatives to extractions as well as replacement of the extracted tooth.
What is the extraction process?
At the time of extraction the doctor will need to numb your tooth, jaw bone and gums that surround the area with a local anesthetic.
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During the extraction process, you will feel a lot of pressure. This is from the process of firmly rocking the tooth in order to widen the socket for removal.
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You feel the pressure without pain as the anesthetic has numbed the nerves stopping the transference of pain, yet the nerves that transmit pressure are not profoundly affected. If you do feel pain at any time during the extraction please let us know right away.
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Some teeth require sectioning. This is a very common procedure done when a tooth is so firmly anchored in its socket or the root is curved and the socket can’t expand enough to remove it. The doctor simply cuts the tooth into sections then removes each section one at a time.
What to do after a tooth extraction?
If you experience a deep pain after a couple of days, you may have a dry socket (bone infection). Call us at (808) 625-6300, Dr. Baysa may need to prescribe appropriate medication.
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What to Expect:
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Numbness may last 2-8 hours. You may eat/drink but be careful not to bite your tongue, cheek, or lip.
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Bite firmly on gauze pad for 20 minutes. If bleeding continues, fold new gauze over the area and maintain firmpressure again for 20 minutes.
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Several pieces of gauze may be needed to create enough pressure over the extraction site.
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Gauze may be substituted by a warm, soaked tea bag. The tannic acid in tea has a clotting effect.
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It is normal for saliva to be streaked with blood for a day or two after surgery.
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Pain control should be started prior to numbing wearing off. DO NOT TAKE Aspirin or Ibuprofen as this may thin the blood and prolong bleeding. *If Dr. Baysa has prescribed antibiotics or stronger pain medication, take them as directed.
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You may experience swelling and discoloration in certain areas, usually reaching its maximum after two days. It should disappear gradually and is no cause for concern. You may apply an ice pack for the first 4-6 hours, alternating 10 minutes on, 10 minutes off.
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Care – Day 1:
A clot should form in the extraction site. This will act as a band-aid to allow healing. Avoid the following for the first 24 hours as you do not want to disturb the clot:
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Avoid brushing the site.
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Avoid sports and strenuous activity.
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Avoid smoking as it can cause a very painful dry socket (bone infection).
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Avoid vigorous rinsing, spitting, or drinking through a straw.
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Avoid hot liquids. Softer, cooler foods are ideal for the first day. Nutrition is important for healing.
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Care – Day 2:
Starting tomorrow, gently rinse with warm salt water for 1 week. (1 tsp salt / 1 cup warm water, 6-8 times per day).
*Continue to rinse with water, warm salt water or alcoholfree mouthwash for 30 days, especially after meals to keep the site free from debris.
Sutures (stitches) if required will dissolve without discomfort within 7-10 days. Keep fingers and tongue away from the area.