In some cases, we may make the determination that removing a patient’s tooth is in the best interest of their oral health. A patient will usually only have a tooth removed if it is irreparably damaged or if it is causing problems or issues for other teeth. Our goal when providing a tooth extraction is to make sure that the procedure is as easy and painless as possible

The first step when conducting a tooth extraction is to take X-rays of the area. This will allow us to determine the safest and most effective method for removing the tooth. During the removal process, most patients report that they experience little-to-no pain, but it is common to feel some pressure.

The top priority after removing a tooth is to control the bleeding. The patient will be asked to bite down on a gauze pad for 30 to 45 minutes so that a blood clot can form in the area. It is common to experience some bleeding for up to 24 hours after a tooth extraction. The patient must be very careful not to disturb the blood clot during this time. For that reason, we ask the patient to refrain from using drugs or alcohol, participating in vigorous exercises, smoking or using a straw for at least a day after the procedure.

To manage swelling, an ice pack can be used on the outer cheek near the extraction site for up to 20 minutes at a time. Once the swelling has subsided, the patient can apply a warm compress to the area for comfort. This can be very effective for managing pain following a tooth extraction. After 24 hours have passed, the patient can then gently rinse the area with warm salt water. This will help to keep the area clean. The patient should try to avoid any tough or chewy foods in the days following the extraction.

Hilltop Dental Studio also provides wisdom teeth removals. These teeth erupt in the very back of the mouth when a person is in their late teens or early twenties. While it is technically possible to keep one’s wisdom teeth, nearly everyone has them removed due to the lack of available space for them. Since wisdom teeth can cause issues for other teeth, it is usually recommended that a patient has them removed as soon as possible.

A wisdom teeth removal procedure is generally more intricate than a standard tooth extraction. The intensity of the operation will greatly depend on how severely the teeth are impacted. Most patients should expect it to take about a week for them to completely recover following a wisdom teeth removal procedure. However, there are a few things that they can do to help expedite the process. By getting lots of rest and consuming plenty of fluids, a patient can help their mouth recover more quickly. During this time, only soft foods should be consumed so that the area does not become aggravated. We will provide the patient with additional recommendations and guidelines that will help to ensure a quick and easy recovery.

If you require a tooth extraction, our professional team will help you through the entire process. We’ll make sure that you get back on the right track for excellent oral health. You may call us at (540) 898-8181 to schedule an appointment.