Extraction

EXTRACTION

One of the main goals of modern dentistry is the prevention of tooth loss. All possible measures should be taken to preserve and
maintain your teeth because the loss of a single tooth can have a major impact upon your dental health and appearance. However, it
is still sometimes necessary to remove a tooth. Here are some of the reasons a tooth may need to be extracted.

Severe Decay
Advanced periodontal disease
Infection or abscess
Orthodontic correction
Malpositioned teeth
Fractured teeth or roots
Impacted teeth

If your child just had a tooth extracted or recommended that a tooth be extracted, the following information will help you get
through the first few days after your extraction. Should anything occur that seems out of the normal, do not hesitate to call us.

POSTOPERATIVE INSTRUCTIONS

DO NOT DISTURB THE WOUND: In doing so you may invite irritation, infection and/or bleeding. Be sure to chew on the
opposite side for 24 hours and keep anything sharp from entering the wound (i.e. eating utensils etc. ). You should see a blood clot
forming.
BRUSHING: Do not brush your teeth for the first 8 hours after surgery. After, you may brush your teeth gently, but avoid the area
of surgery (extraction area).
MOUTH WASH: Avoid all rinsing for 24 hours after extraction. This is to insure the formation of a healing blood clot which is
essential to proper wound healing. Disturbance of this clot can lead to increased bleeding or the loss of the blood clot. If the clot is
lost, a painful condition called dry socket may occur. You may use warm salt water or mild antiseptic rinses after 24 hours only if
prescribed.
DO NOT SPIT OR SUCK THROUGH A STRAW: This will promote bleeding and may dislodge the blood clot causing a dry
socket.
BLEEDING: When you leave the office, you will be given verbal instructions regarding the control of postoperative bleeding. A
rolled up gauze pad will be placed on the extraction site and you will be asked to change this dressing every 20 minutes or so
depending on the amount of bleeding that is occurring. It is normal for some blood to ooze from the area of surgery. We will also
give you a package of gauze to take with you to use at home if the bleeding should continue. Should you need to use the gauze at
home, remember to roll it into a ball large enough to cover the wound. Hold firmly in place, by biting or with finger pressure, for
about 20-30 minutes. If bleeding still continues, you may fold a tea bag in half and bite down on it. Tea contains Tannic Acid , a
styptic, which may help to reduce the bleeding.
PAIN: Some discomfort is normal after surgery. Analgesic tablets ( i.e. Advil, Tylenol etc. ) may be taken under your dentist's
direction. Prescription medication, which may have been given to you, should also be taken as directed. If pain continues, call your
dentist.
SWELLING: To prevent swelling, apply an ice pack or a cold towel to the outside of your face in the area of the extraction during
the first 12 hours. Apply alternately, 20 minutes on then 20 minutes off, for an hour or longer if necessary.
DIET: Eat normal regular meals as soon as you are able after surgery. Avoid chewing foods until feeling return to avoid injury to
the tongue or checks. Cold, soft food such as ice cream or yogurt may be the most comfortable for the first day. It is also important
to drink plenty of fluids.

REPORT ANY UNUSUAL OCCURRENCES IMMEDIATELY !
Sopheap Tang, DMD
(951) 674-6900, after hours 714 809 2265
Sopheap Tang, DMD & Associates