“Some dentists don’t do extractions at all and refer patients out to Oral Surgeon even though it can be easily done on site. I would like to save my patients when they come in with pain and infection. I mastered surgical skills in the 1 year training at Bronx Lebanon Hospital Center General Practice Residency program and I have extracted countless teeth so far. But I do refer patients out to our local Oral Surgeon with reputation for difficult extractions such as deeply impacted wisdom teeth or for medically compromised patients. You will have the best care and honesty you deserve.”
– Dr. Huh
An extraction means to have a tooth removed, usually because of disease, trauma or crowding.
If you need an extraction, your dentist will first numb the area to lessen any discomfort. After the extraction, your dentist will advise you of what post extraction regimen to follow. In most cases a small amount of bleeding is normal. Your mouth will slowly fill in the bone where the tooth root was through the formation of a blood clot.
Here are some tips to follow to make recovery easier:
- Avoid anything that might prevent normal healing.
- Don’t smoke or rinse your mouth vigorously.
- Avoid drinking through a straw for 24 hours.
- Follow the diet your dentist suggests.
For the first few days, if you must rinse, rinse your mouth gently. If you experience swelling, apply a cold cloth or an ice bag and call your dentist right away. Ask your dentist about pain medication. You can brush and floss the other teeth as usual. But don’t clean the teeth next to where the tooth was removed.
Remember, when having an extraction, today’s modern procedures and follow up care (as recommended by your dentist) are there for your benefit and comfort.