Dental Extractions – Warren, Michigan

When one is lost, the others will begin to shift, causing possible TMJ dysfunction, fracture or loosening of other teeth, or possibly speech problems. Teeth also support your face and loss of a back tooth can cause a sunken appearance that may make you look older.

Dr. Apsey will discuss with you your options for replacement of your teeth.

The Extraction Process

Dr. Apsey will first numb the area so that you will be comfortable during the extraction process. You may wish to have Nitrous Oxide Gas (Laughing Gas) to relax you, or you may wish to take a mild sedative prior to your appointment.

You will feel pressure and no pain as the anesthetic numbs the nerves that cause pain. Pressure sensing nerves will still sense the movement so you will feel a bit of pressure.

Dr. Apsey will ask that you alert him if anything is painful while he works. He will further numb your mouth to prevent any further pain.

Surgical Extraction

Sometimes it is necessary for Dr. Apsey to section your tooth into smaller pieces in order to remove it. This is the case if there are multiple roots going in different directions. He will use a drill to section the tooth. You will not feel any additional pain as a result. He may also need to open the gums slightly in the area of the tooth extraction. Sutures will be placed to close the gums after the procedure and you will be advised to return for a follow-up appointment to remove the sutures.

After your Extraction

Bleeding

This is always part of surgery. You will leave the office with gauze in your mouth. You will also have additional gauze for when you get home. You should bite firmly on the gauze for 45-60 minutes following your procedure. The purpose of this is so that a blood clot will form. This is necessary for proper healing of your tooth extraction. If you need to replace the gauze, wet the gauze in tap water, squeeze it out and fold it twice. The wad of gauze should be large enough so that your remaining teeth are not in contact when you are biting. Dr. Apsey will also ask that you take it easy and rest after an extraction so that your blood pressure will not elevate. This will help you to prevent increased bleeding.

Avoid using a straw, smoking or hot liquids for 48 hours after your procedure.

Swelling

If swelling occurs you can place ice on your face for 10 minutes on and then 20 minutes off. Repeat this as often as possible for 24 hours. After 24 hours, you can apply moist heat to your face to help the swelling to go down.

Pain and Medications

Dr. Apsey will recommend that you take pain medications starting before the numbness wears off. Continue to take it as needed until your symptoms subside.

Eating

Dr. Apsey recommends that you try to chew on the other side if possible, otherwise, chew only soft foods for the first 24-48 hours. Drink plenty of fluids to aid in your healing process.

Brushing and Cleaning

After your tooth extraction avoid brushing the teeth near where the tooth was extracted for 24 hours. After that you can begin gentle cleaning with your tooth brush and floss. 24 hours after the extraction you can begin to rinse with warm salt water (1 teaspoon in a cup of warm water) after meals and before bed.

Dry Socket

If a blood clot fails to form (usually due to using a straw, or smoking too early), a painful dry socket will form. This usually causes severe pain to start days after the extraction has occurred.p> To prevent this from happening, follow the above instructions as closely as possible. If you do develop pain after your extraction, do not hesitate to call the office and Dr. Apsey will have to see you to pack a medicated gauze into the extraction site. This will have to be repeated 3 times in total. This will take care of your discomfort and help you to get back to proper healing.

Healing

Though the hole where the tooth had been will take about 6 months to close completely, you should be feeling normal after 5-7 days.