Extractions

Both Dr. Helfner and Dr. Curro might determine that you need a tooth extraction for any number of reasons. Some teeth are extracted because they are severely decayed while others may suffer from advanced periodontal disease. Another factor in choosing if you need this procedure is if you broke a tooth in a way that it cannot be repaired. Other teeth may need to be removed because they are poorly positioned in the mouth (such as impacted teeth) or need to be prepared to when you receive orthodontic treatment.

Unfortunately, taking out a single tooth can lead to shifting teeth. This can lead to having problems with chewing as well as your jaw joint. All of these issues can have a major impact on your dental health.

To avoid these problems, Dr. Helfner and Dr. Curro will discuss alternatives of extractions with you as well as the replacement of the extracted tooth.

The Extraction Process

Before the extraction, the dentist will numb your tooth, jawbone, and gums that surround the area with a local anesthetic.

During this process, you will feel a lot of pressure from the process of rocking the tooth in order to widen the socket for removal. The anesthetic numbs the nerves to stop the transference of pain and prevents the nerves transmitting pressure from being affected.

If you do feel pain at any time during the extraction, Please let us know right away so we can resolve the issue and make this procedure as pain-free as possible.

Sectioning a tooth

Sectioning is a very common procedure done when a tooth is firmly anchored in its socket or the root is curved and the socket is not able to expand enough to remove it. The doctor simply cuts the tooth into sections and removes each of them, one at a time.

Post Op Extractions

Medications

Patients taking medication to relieve pain or other drugs that may slow reflexes should not operate machinery, cars, etc. Antibiotics should be taken as directed until the prescription runs out.

Instructions

  1. BLEEDING: A certain amount of bleeding is expected and the saliva may be blood tinged for approximately 24-48 hours. If the bleeding is persistent, place a piece of sterile gauze over the wound and bite on it for 20 minutes and repeat if necessary. It is important not rinse your mouth. The gauze should be placed directly over the site where the tooth was removed and not over the adjacent teeth. Make sure that the gauze is bulky enough to prevent the upper and lower teeth from meeting when firmly biting.
  1. PAIN: This can be controlled by taking 2 Motrin every 3-4 hours if necessary. If you have been given a prescription for relief of pain, use as directed. It is important to not take these medications on an empty stomach and to avoid alcoholic beverages.
  1. SWELLING: Apply an ice bag to the face in the area of the surgery for intervals of 10 minutes on and off for the first hour. After 24 hours, warm applications can be used at the same intervals. Swelling is not uncommon after extractions, something you may experience at its height in about 24-48 hours and may last several days after.
  1. MOUTH RINSE: Do not rinse the mouth within 24 hours after surgery. After this time, use one tablespoon of salt in a glass of warm water and gently rinse after meals for about 10 days if necessary.
  1. DIET: Your doctor will recommend that you eat Soft and bland foods for the first 24 hours. Good nutrition post-surgery is essential. Do not use a straw for drinking. We also advise that you refrain from smoking for at least 24 hours. 
  1. HYGIENE: Proper Oral hygiene is crucial. Normal care should be maintained, but the area around the extraction site should be excluded from care when brushing, flossing, dental irrigation appliances, etc. for one week.
  1. IN CASE OF UNUSUAL DISTURBANCE: Call this office immediately at (631) 247-0977.

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