At Navasota Dental, tooth extractions are sometimes necessary for various reasons:
Severe decay
Broken teeth that cannot be repaired
Poorly positioned (impacted) teeth
Advanced periodontal disease
Preparation for orthodontic treatment
Bleeding: To control post-extraction bleeding, place a moist gauze over the socket and bite down for 45 minutes.
Blood Clots: It's essential to protect the blood clot that forms in the empty socket. Avoid rinsing, spitting, using a straw, smoking, and consuming hot foods or beverages for 24 hours after extraction.
Swelling: For swelling, use a cold compress on the area for 10 minutes at a time, with 20-minute breaks between applications, within the first 24 hours.
Pain Management: Over-the-counter pain medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help relieve discomfort.
Brushing and Cleaning: Avoid brushing near the extraction site for 24 hours. Afterward, rinse with a salt water solution after meals.
Dry Socket: A dry socket occurs when a blood clot dislodges, delaying healing. Follow all post-extraction care instructions to reduce this risk.
It can take several weeks to a few months for the socket to fill with bone after an extraction. Following proper care instructions will promote healing and reduce the chances of complications.
