Tooth Extraction | Doylestown PA
Tooth Removal Procedure
You and Dr. Keiper 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.
Tooth extraction should be considered a procedure of last resort. Please note that tooth loss 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. Keiper will discuss alternatives to extractions as well as tooth replacement at the site of tooth loss.
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At the time of extraction the doctor will need to numb your tooth, jawbone and gums that surround the area with a local anesthetic.
There is a new approach in todays modern dentistry regarding tooth extractions and dental surgery in general. Tooth removal with the least amount of trauma to the surrounding gum tissue along with preservation and replacement of bone at the surgical sites are key factors in todays dentistry. Today, we have the ability to grow bone where it is needed such as extraction sites. This gives Dr. Keiper the opportunity to provide an ideal site for an esthetic bridge or implant placements of proper length and width. This also gives Dr. Keiper a better opportunity to restore functionality and esthetic appearance after an extraction procedure.
The use of new instrumentation has extended our ability to achieve ease of tooth removal, bone growth replacement, and uncomplicated healing. This new instrumentation includes the use of proximators for initial tooth engagement and the utilization of the piezo-surgery instrumentation which is an advanced high powered ultra-sonic device ideally suited for routine as well as advanced extraction procedures.
After Tooth Extraction
After tooth extraction, its important for a blood clot to form to stop the bleeding and begin the healing process. Bite on a gauze pad for 30-45 minutes immediately after the appointment. If the bleeding or oozing still persists, place another gauze pad and bite firmly for another 30 minutes. You may have to do this several times to staunch the flow of blood.
After the blood clot forms it is important to not disturb or dislodge the clot. Do not rinse vigorously, suck on straws, smoke, drink alcohol or brush teeth next to the extraction site for 72 hours. These activities may dislodge or dissolve the clot and hinder the healing process. Limit vigorous exercise for the next 24 hours, as this increases blood pressure and may cause more bleeding from the extraction site.
After the tooth is extracted you may feel some pain and experience some swelling. An ice pack or an unopened bag of frozen peas or corn applied to the area will keep swelling to a minimum. Take pain medications as prescribed. The swelling usually subsides after 48 hours.
Use pain medication as directed. Call our office if the medication doesn’t seem to be working. If antibiotics are prescribed, continue to take them for the indicated length of time even if signs and symptoms of infection are gone. Drink lots of fluids and eat nutritious, soft food on the day of the extraction. You can eat normally as soon as you are comfortable.
It is important to resume your normal dental routine after 24 hours. This should include brushing and flossing your teeth at least once a day. This will speed healing and help keep your mouth fresh and clean.
After a few days you should feel fine and can resume your normal activities. If you have heavy bleeding, severe pain, continued swelling for 2-3 days, or a reaction to the medication, call our office immediately.