Tooth Extractions

What do I need to know about having a tooth pulled?

It is best to plan a tooth extraction on a day when you can go home and rest. Most patients are fine to go back to work the next day. Here is what you can expect with a tooth extraction here at Mountain Gate Dental:

  • You will get numb for the procedure. The numbness will last about two to three hours.

  • Feel free to bring headphones to listen to during the procedure.

  • If you were prescribed any medication prior to the extraction like an antibiotic, pain medication or anxiety medication, take it as directed.

  • During the procedure you will feel pressure, but most likely no pain. Let us know if you are feeling pain.

  • You will be tender after you have a tooth pulled, this is very normal. If you are feeling pain after 3 days please call our office right away.

Post-Care Instructions:

Bleeding/Oozing

  • Some bleeding after the procedure is normal and could continue for 24 to 48 hours.

  • Keep in mind that saliva mixed with blood gives the appearance of excessive blood.

  • To reduce bleeding, bite down on gauze or a teabag.

  • When removing the gauze, fill your mouth with water first, then remove the gauze or teabag.

  • Sometimes bleeding occurs when sleeping. Sleep with your head elevated, if possible, and use an old pillow case or towel on your pillow.

Swelling

  • Apply an ice pack or cold compress to the area on the outside of the face will help reduce swelling. Alternate with 20 minutes on 20 minutes off as needed for the first two days.

  • Swelling can be present for about three days.

  • Applying heat on the fourth day after surgery may help reduce the swelling.

  • If swelling persists past the fourth day, please call the office.

Diet

  • To aid in healing, it is important to get adequate nutrition.

  • Avoid hot foods. Hot foods or drinks could increase the swelling and increase the bleeding. Hot foods could also prematurely dissolve the clot and/or sutures (if placed).

  • Eat soft foods that are cold/warm (not above 100°): Ex: eggs, pancakes, applesauce, Jell-O, cottage cheese, yogurt, milkshake, mashed potatoes, etc.

Smoking/Using a Straw

  • Do not smoke for 5 days following an extraction.

  • Do not use a straw for 5 days after an extraction.

  • Smoking or using a straw creates suction in the mouth and can remove the clot, resulting in a dry socket. This is very painful and results in a longer healing time.

Exercise

  • Avoid exercise for the first three days, you may resume low impact exercise on the fourth day.

  • Try to rest as much as you can for the first day, your body heals better when you are well rested.

Brushing

  • Continue normal brushing and flossing but avoid the surgery area.

Rinsing

  • The day after surgery, start rinsing gently with salt water. Do not use mouthwash during the healing time.

Dry socket

  • Dry socket occurs when the clot comes out of the socket before it has healed. This can be quite painful. If you experience this, please call our office at 406-442-5930.

Pain Management

  • Ibuprofen or Tylenol is the best way to manage pain. You can alternate taking every couple of hours. For example: Take Ibuprofen before the numbness wears off, then take Tylenol two hours after taking Ibuprofen.

  • For Example:

    Time Medication
    8:00 Tylenol
    10:00 Ibuprofen
    12:00 Tylenol
    2:00 Ibuprofen

    Repeat as needed, but be mindful that 24 hours maximum for Ibuprofen is 3200 mg and Tylenol is 4000 mg.
    If you feel like you need something stronger, talk with Dr. Erekson.

Please call us at 406-442-5930 if you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment with our dentist in Helena, Montana.