Tooth Removal

Root Canal Treatment Brisbane

Tooth removal, known as a tooth extraction, is a common dental procedure that involves removing the tooth from the dental socket in the jaw bone.

The most common reason for tooth removal is severe tooth decay resulting in infection of the bone. Other reasons include, in preparation for orthodontic treatment, or impaction causing pain such as with wisdom teeth.

Dentists will do everything possible to save a tooth and restore its function, however extractions can be completed if the tooth cannot be restored.

 

 

Care Following Tooth Removal

The following tips are useful to help with healing and reduce post-operative issues.

 

Bleeding

  • Continue to bite gently on the gauze pack over the wound for 30 minutes to encourage clotting
  • Some blood can ooze from the socket for several hours, this is normal
  • Increased saliva production is normal especially when a gauze pack is placed
  • Should the wound start to bleed:
    – fold the cotton-gauze (provided) or a clean handkerchief and bite firmly for another 30 minutes.
    – If prolonged bleeding occurs, contact the practice or your local hospital if after-hours

 

Swelling and Bruising

  • Swelling and bruising can occur, and its severity differs from person to person and the way the tooth needed to be removed
  • Swelling and bruising usually takes 3 days to reach its maximum, then 10 days to subside.

 

Care after Extraction

  • Do not eat, drink or rinse for the first three hours. (Briefly drinking water to take painkillers is acceptable)
  • Rest for few hours and avoid exercise for the rest of the day
  • Keep your head slightly elevated when sleeping.  Cover your pillow with a towel to prevent blood stains
  • Brushing and cleaning your teeth like normal is fine but avoid the affected area
  • Avoid sucking or spitting for 24 hours
  • After 24 hours commence gentle salt water rinses.  This may be carried out after each meal for 14 days, or until healing is complete.  This is to wash food away from the wound
  • Avoid smoking or alcohol for at least 3 days
  • Smoking and alcohol both cause the body to not heal properly.  This is due to the harmful chemicals contained in both substances. This can lead to an increased chance of an infected socket, referred to as a “dry socket”. This can be extremely painful
  • Do not alter any of your usual medications unless advised by your dentist or GP

 

Eating

  • While healing is occurring, eat soft foods
  • Chew on the opposite side of your mouth to the wound
  • Avoid small hard foods that can get lodged in the open wound like nuts, seeds and grains
  • Avoid Alcohol
  • If you are still numb, be mindful not to chew your lip, cheek or tongue. Avoid hot foods and drinks to avoid unintentional burns

 

Controlling Pain

Pain is normal after extraction/surgery and can last 7-10 days.  If mild, choose Panadol, or Nurofen/Ibuprofen.  If pain is severe, take Panadol and Nurofen/ibuprofen together at the same time.

(Do not take Nurofen/ibuprofen if you have been told in the past by a doctor or pharmacist that it is medically not suitable for you)

  • DO NOT take Aspirin for pain relief, as this will increase bleeding
  • Take pain relief medication approximately 3 hours after your extraction, then every 6-8 hours on the day of treatment.
  • Continue taking painkillers for 7-10 days if pain persists.

Your Pain Relief Schedule:

  • Mild pain: Take Panadol only, as directed by the packaging
  • Moderate Pain: Take Panadol and Nurofen/Ibuprofen TOGETHER at the same time, as directed by the respective packaging
  • Severe Pain: Contact the practice

 

How long does it take for the wound to close?

  • The gum takes 2-3 weeks to completely close over the wound site but can vary depending on patient factors.  During this time, you will notice the wound opening appear smaller and smaller.
  • The tooth socket will take close to six months to reshape

 

If you have any concerns or questions following  your tooth removal, please contact the practice.