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Extractions

Healing After Tooth Extraction

We’ll give you specific instructions on how to make the healing process as comfortable as possible after your tooth extraction. To ensure a fast and comfortable recovery period, we will typically suggest that you:

  • Relax and avoid physical activities for the following 24 hours.

  • Take prescribed medication and over-the-counter pain relievers as instructed.

  • Reduce swelling by applying an ice pack or cold compress for 10-15 minutes at a time.

  • Rinse with warm saltwater several times a day to protect the extraction site from infection.

  • Stick to a diet of soft, nutritious foods for at least 48 hours.

  • Don’t smoke, don’t drink with a straw, and don’t forget to brush your remaining teeth. 

If you still have questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us right away.

Understanding the Tooth Extraction Procedure

First and foremost, we will thoroughly inspect your mouth and look for alternative solutions. If none are found and you both agree that extraction is the best way to move forward, the procedure can begin. We’ll apply a local anesthetic to completely numb the area and ease any discomfort you may be in. If you’re feeling particularly anxious or overwhelmed, we may offer calming sedation dentistry options so you can sit back and relax. 

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During extractions, we don't want you to feel pain or discomfort. The main thing we inform patients is pressure. Most patients handle the procedure well and are pleasantly surprised. 

Why do we suggest to pull teeth? 

We do believe in saving teeth and don't suggest extracting teeth unless we have to. It’s only recommended when absolutely essential for your health and there are no other viable treatments that can save your tooth. Commonly, this includes situations like:

  • When a tooth is so badly damaged it cannot be repaired.

  • When a tooth is so severely decayed or infected it cannot be rescued.

  • When gum disease has irreparably weakened the bone structure that supports the tooth.

  • When more room is required in your mouth for a new denture or orthodontic treatment.

  • When a baby tooth is preventing a permanent tooth from coming in.

  • When a third molar (wisdom tooth) is trapped beneath the gumline.

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Extractions for Dentures/
Fixed Dentures

Healing of gums after tooth extractions takes, on average, 6 to 8 weeks for the gum tissue to fully close and toughen enough to tolerate eating firmer foods. Tooth extraction for dentures recovery time and complete healing of the underlying bone takes much longer – 6 to 8 months – for the sockets to fill in with new bone and for the majority of initial bone shrinkage to occur.

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That being said, there are things you can do that slow the healing process. Patients who smoke take longer to heal. Because smoking causes constriction of the blood vessels, it slows down oxygen-rich blood flow to the wounded area, making healing longer than the non-smoker.

Wearing dentures immediately after extractions has its benefits. For someone who has suffered not being able to smile for many years, receiving dentures the same day teeth are removed is life-changing. Dentures act as a bandage to help protect your gums during the healing process. They make the transition to permanent dentures easier. 

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While immediate dentures may be annoying or slightly uncomfortable, they shouldn’t hurt or cause bleeding. If you experience pain or notice continued bleeding while the dentures are in your mouth, the dentures need an adjustment. Don’t ignore the problem believing it to be normal. Contact us with any issues. A simple denture adjustment can make a world of difference in your comfort level and your ability to use your dentures.

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