Services Offered - Tooth Extraction - Lowell Tooth Docs Dentistry

Tooth Extraction

In Dental Procedures, Services Offered by [email protected]

Extractions - Lowell Tooth Docs - Lowell, MAA tooth extraction may be necessary for a number of reasons, including decay, infection, fractured tooth structure that extends below the gums, fractured roots of a tooth and teeth that have a failed root canal. Many times, dentists will refer you to an oral surgeon to have a tooth removed, but at Lowell Tooth Docs, we are very well equipped to help with any tooth extraction you may need. Our office prefers to see you on a regular basis to try to prevent the loss of teeth, but sometimes an extraction may be the only option.Tooth Extraction - Lowell Tooth Docs - Lowell, MA

Recovery time can vary depending on the individual, but it is generally recommended to take it easy for a few days and avoid strenuous activity. Having a tooth removed may be uncomfortable for a day or two, but your symptoms should progressively improve. It is also important to keep the extraction site clean and free of food particles to prevent infection. Common recommendations following a tooth extraction are as follows:

  • Stay biting on gauze for 15-30 minutes following the extraction. Replace the gauze with a new piece when it becomes saturated.
  • For 3 days, avoid the use of straws, spitting or anything that will create a positive pressure inside of your mouth.
  • The day of the tooth extraction, try to eat cold soft foods and avoid hot, hard, crunchy or sticky foods.
  • Avoid alcohol-based mouthwashes for 1 week. You can use a saltwater rinse after 3 days (teaspoon of salt in a glass of water).
  • Continue to brush and floss the neighboring teeth as normal.
  • If a bone graft was placed, avoid rinsing vigorously for 3 days following the procedure.
  • If sutures were placed, avoid pushing them with your tongue or pulling/tugging them in any way.
  • Contact our office if you notice: large swellings, pain that is escalating as the days go by, extreme pain within a few days following the procedure or pus oozing from the area weeks after the procedure.