What to expect
There may be times when Dr. Moronto highlights a tooth that needs to be removed due to various reasons. Decay, disease, damage or being misplaced, teeth each narrate their own, unique story.
Removing a tooth can cause unexpected changes like affecting your eating, jaw movements and resulting in rearranging teeth. Yet, with Dr. Moronto, you'll explore alternatives to extraction and options for tooth replacement. Are you ready to embrace the journey, turning challenges into stepping stones towards improved oral health?
Your visit
In the course of your tooth extraction procedure, Dr. Moronto will employ a local anesthetic to numb your tooth, jawbone, and surrounding gums. This process mitigates discomfort, offering reassurance through each stage of the extraction process.
Throughout the procedure, it's crucial to understand that the sensation of pressure is a natural, expected component of tooth extraction due to the socket's expansion to facilitate tooth removal. However, the brilliance of modern anesthetic use resides in its ability to distinctly numb pain while allowing for the necessary perception of pressure.
Your active role in this dental experience cannot be overstated. In the event that pain surfaces during the extraction process, we firmly implore you to inform us immediately. Remember, you sit in the driver's seat of your dental health journey, guiding it conscientiously towards a healthier oral destination.
After your Extraction
Post tooth extraction, it is of utmost importance that a blood clot forms; this mechanism halts bleeding and signals the commencement of healing. We advise you to bite down on a gauze pad for a period of 30 to 45 minutes post-appointment. If bleeding persists, a new gauze should be applied, and the aforementioned process repeated until the blood flow is adequately controlled.
Once the blood clot has formed, it is crucial to avoid any activities that might disturb or dislodge it. Vigorous rinsing, straw usage, smoking, alcohol consumption, or food chewing near the extraction site are unadvised for a period of 72 hours post procedure. These activities could potentially dissolve the clot, thereby hindering the healing process. Strenuous physical activity should also be avoided for the first 24 hours, as increased blood pressure runs the risk of provoking additional bleeding from the extraction site. You have the power to impact your healing process; we implore you to use it wisely.
After your appointment
After your tooth extraction, there's a good chance you'll notice some discomfort and swelling. But rest assured, you're fully equipped to manage it. Taking simple steps such as applying an ice pack, or creatively using a bag of frozen peas or corn, can effectively contain swelling. Alongside this, the prescription for pain medication you've been given is a crucial tool for management. You can generally expect to see the swelling retreat around the 48-hour mark.
Adherence to your pain medication is an important part of the recovery journey. If you notice that the medication isn't quite hitting the mark, reach out to our office. Your prescribed antibiotics are another pillar of your recovery process. Even if visible signs and symptoms of infection are gone, completing the full course is key to your recovery success.
On the day of extraction, ensure you're drinking ample fluids and maintaining a diet of soft yet nutritious food items. As you find comfort returning, you can gradually reintegrate your regular eating habits. Don't underestimate the role of your standard dental hygiene routine. Regular brushing and flossing can significantly hasten your healing process and help maintain oral freshness.
Moving beyond the initial recovery, you should start feeling fit to resume your regular activities within a couple of days. Yet, if you encounter heavy bleeding, severe pain, persistent swelling beyond a few days, or bear a reaction to the medication, contact our Anderson Mill office immediately. It's your road to recovery, and you're in control every step of the way.