Tooth extractions are often a treatment of last resort used to address one or more teeth that have been significantly compromised by oral trauma or untreated tooth decay. In other cases multiple teeth might need to be removed to prepare the area for a partial denture.
Once the teeth have been removed Dr. Keith Dodge will carefully suture your gums and provide you with any necessary prescriptions for pain medication. They will need to be taken as directed at the stated times and dosage to help you remain comfortable while your gums heal.
There are a few basic measure to keep in mind to help speed the recovery process while reducing your chances of suffering complications.
It’s natural for the suture sites in the gums to bleed for the first few days after the procedure. When this happens you can minimize the bleeding by lightly biting down on a piece of sterile gauze. Once the bleeding is under control you can clear away any residual blood with a gentle rinse with lukewarm saltwater.
Throughout the healing process it’s best to avoid chewing food on that side of your mouth. You also should not drink through a straw as the suction can potentially loosen a blood clot or irritate one of the suture sites.
If you are a tobacco user, you should consider embracing cessation throughout the recovery process. The heat, tar and other chemicals introduced to the mouth can irritate gums, extend the recovery time and potentially cause an infection.
If you have recently had a tooth extracted at Dodge Family Dental and you have further recovery questions, you can always call 801-225-8060 to speak to our dentist or a member of our staff.