Getting a tooth extraction can be nerve wracking. If you’re feeling anxious, rest assured that your Denver dentists at Metropolitan Dental Care will use modern, gentle techniques to encourage a fast and healthy recovery.
If you have any questions about an upcoming appointment, our friendly, caring staff will be happy to answer them. Call (303) 534-2626 today. This information will hopefully make you feel less nervous as you go in for your tooth extraction procedure.
Reasons for a Tooth Extraction
Dentists will usually try to restore a tooth before opting to pull it out. However, for these dental problems, extraction may be the only option:
- You need braces. To make room for teeth to move into their proper positions, it’s sometimes necessary to remove one or more of them. If some aren’t removed before the rest are straightened with braces, it may cause instability later.
- Your wisdom teeth are coming in. If not removed, wisdom teeth can become impacted and infected, causing immense pain.
- Your tooth is damaged or decayed. Anytime a toothache occurs, it’s a good idea to visit a dentist who can repair or reverse the damage. Unfortunately, many people wait too long to get the help they need. If the damage or decay is left untreated for too long, tooth extraction may be the only option.
- You’re undergoing radiation or chemotherapy. These can cause the teeth to become infected, resulting in the need for tooth extraction.
Have concerns about any of these issues? Get your teeth checked by one of our professional, compassionate dentists. Set up an appointment at our Denver office today by calling (303) 534-2626.
Following A Tooth Extraction
Your Denver dentist will provide specific, personalized instructions on how to care for your mouth following a tooth extraction. Here are some general tips to encourage a quick recovery process:
- Rest. Take off work and don’t plan to do anything else on the day of surgery. Remember to keep your head propped up with an extra pillow while watching TV or sleeping to avoid bleeding.
- Avoid hot food and drinks. Until the anesthetic wears off, you won’t be able to properly feel pain, which can result in you burning your mouth without even realizing it. Chewing your cheek is another frequent problem to avoid.
- Don’t rinse. For the first 24 hours, don’t disturb the extraction area by swishing liquid in your mouth, eating on that side, or running your tongue over the surface. This can remove the clotted blood and cause an infection. After the first 24 hours, use salt-water mouthwash to help clean and heal the area. Continue gently rinsing for at least a week after the procedure.
- Take pain medication. If you’re experiencing a little pain or discomfort, some ibuprofen should do the trick. However, avoid aspirin because it will make your mouth bleed.
If you experience overwhelming pain, or if something just doesn’t feel right following the procedure, contact our dentist immediately. Infections are extremely rare, but they do happen. Our experienced dentists will be able to appropriately address the issue.
Have more questions or concerns?
If you need further advice or answers before your tooth extraction, feel free to call and talk with one of our caring team members today at (303) 534-2626.
