At Dental Care of Lombard, Dr. Julie Glud and our team want to help you keep healthy, strong, natural teeth throughout life! However, when tooth extraction is the best option for good oral health and comfortable oral function, Dr. Glud will recommend it. She will also explain why you need a tooth removed and what to expect during and after the procedure. We will go into some of this in this blog post.
The goal of modern dentistry is to provide education and instruction about, as well as access to, professional dental care so that people can enjoy healthy, natural teeth for a lifetime. As with most goals, sometimes people meet challenges and hiccups along the way.
Who needs tooth extraction?
Patients of any age may need a tooth, or a few teeth, extracted. Conditions that warrant tooth removal include, but are not limited to:
- Third molars (wisdom teeth)
- Broken tooth
- Crowded teeth (orthodontic prep)
- Irreparably infected tooth
- Impacted tooth
- Un-restorable, previously treated tooth
- Dead tooth
- Denture patient (prep)
- Impacted tooth
- Gum disease-related tooth damage
What happens during tooth extraction?
First and foremost, we will make you comfortable. Dr. Glud will gently numb the gum tissue around your tooth, as well as the tooth itself. Once the area is numb, she’ll use an instrument called an elevator to loosen the tooth within the socket. Next, she’ll remove the tooth with forceps. In some cases, a molar may need to be sectioned prior to removal.
It’s really that simple!
What’s recovery like after a tooth is removed?
Plan to have someone drive you home after your procedure. Prepare for post-extraction recovery by gathering a few items. Most patients like to lie in bed or on a sofa, where TV is available.
- Gauze – Change when pad becomes soaked for first 8 hours, and remove the pad when bleeding stops. Do not dislodge the blood clot from the tooth socket.
- NSAIDs (ibuprofen, acetaminophen) – Take as per instructions on label to reduce swelling and related discomfort.
- Pillows – Keep your head elevated for the first 24 hours.
- Ice pack – Use the on 10 minutes, off 10 minutes rule for the first 24 hours, then as needed for comfort. Place a towel between your cheek and the ice pack to protect your skin.
- Soft foods (yogurt, smoothies, mashed potatoes, soup, etc.) – Eat a soft diet for two days following your tooth extraction.
- Water – Hydration always helps with healing.
DO NOT:
- Smoke
- Use a straw (suck)
- Dislodge the blood clot from the socket
- Strain or lift heavy objects (including kids and animals)
Will I need to take off work?
Besides your appointment for the procedure, you may not need to take off work (but you might want to, and that’s okay). Plan to rest for the remainder of the day following tooth extraction.
If you have a desk job, you may feel like returning the next day for a half or full day’s work. For patients who perform manual labor of any kind, an extra day or two off is recommended. Most patients are ready to resume normal activities in 48 hours, taking NSAIDs as needed for comfort.
Do I have to replace an extracted tooth?
For orthodontic and denture preparation, wisdom teeth extraction, and impacted tooth extraction, you should not have to replace an extracted tooth or teeth.
For all 31 remaining teeth to stay properly aligned and to retain your bite alignment, replacing an extracted tooth is important. Dr. Glud will talk with you about your lifestyle, cosmetic goals, and preferences before recommending either a dental implant or bridge to replace your extracted tooth. She offers these prosthetic procedures at our office.
A Second Opinion About Extraction
If you’ve been told that you need tooth extraction, don’t be ashamed to seek a second opinion. Dr. Julie Glud offers second opinions, as well as the procedure itself. With her gentle chair-side manner and contemporary anesthetics, she will make your experience as comfortable as possible. Call us today at Dental Care of Lombard–630-629-5700–to schedule your consultation.
