What is Extraction(Tooth removal)?
The procedure of removal of a tooth is called an extraction. When a tooth cannot be saved by
any procedure like dental-filling or RCT, it has to be removed to prevent the spread of
infection into surrounding bone or relive the patient of a severe toothache.
The extraction almost all the times is a last resort and should not be done if there is any
chance that your dentist can save the tooth.
FOLLOW-UP
It is essential that you follow all my instructions during and after the extraction.
–What you should do within first 24 hours of extraction
1) The cotton gauze/pack that I have placed in your mouth at the site of extraction, keep
it pressed for 45 minutes and then gently remove it with your hand. It helps a blood
clot to form. After this, you may take an ice-cream (without nuts/cone) or juice
(remember, no fizzy drinks and no straw). If you are diabetic, take a sugar-free
alternative.
2) If I have given you any medicines, please follow my instructions and take them
timely.
3) Apply icepack to the side of the extraction. It will help reduce the swelling.
4) If bleeding continues after removing the cotton pack from mouth, then put it back for
another half hour. If bleeding still continues, contact me for further measures.
—What you should do after first 24 hours of extraction
1) It is not necessary that after every extraction you will get a swelling. But if you have
gone through a surgical extraction, there are chances that after 2 days of extraction,
the swelling appears. It will go slowly so don’t worry. To reduce it, use lukewarm
water with some salt and gurgle gently. It will also help flush out the food debris
stuck in your teeth.
2) For 2-3 days, eat liquid/semi-solid diet like mashed potatoes, porridge, pulses, fruit
juices etc.
3) Use the side opposite of extraction to eat. For eg, if your right-sided tooth has been
removed, use left side to eat.
4) Don’t forget to drink more water/juice.
5) Brush your teeth gently.
6) Start practicing to open your mouth slowly. Sometimes, after surgical extraction,
mouth opening may reduce.
7) Visit me to get your stitches removed after 7-10 days.
8) If you got a wisdom tooth removed, there is no need for replacement. If it is another
tooth you got extracted, you need to replace the missing tooth which can be an
implant, a cap or a removable partial denture (RPD).
—What you should NOT do in first 24 hours of extraction
1) Do not spit for 24 hours after extraction. It may dislodge the blood clot formed at the
site and may lead to a painful condition called ‘dry socket’.
2) Do not eat for 2-3 hours after extraction. Also, it is better if you speak less. You may
cut your lip because of anesthesia and won’t even realize it.
3) Do not eat hot and spicy food. Stick to mashed food and juice or cold milk.
4) Do not smoke and consume alcohol, not for at least 2-3 days.
5) Do not use straw in your juice as it might dislodge the blood clot at the site of
extraction.
–What you should NOT do after first 24 hours of extraction
1) Do not touch your stitches with tongue or finger. This will slow the healing process.
2) Avoid heavy exercise about 2-3 days after extraction
3) Try and not sleep on the side from which the tooth has been removed.
For more info you can call @Ikigai Dentistry-9319065937.