Losing a tooth as an adult is sometimes necessary, but that doesn’t mean we look forward to it.
Having a tooth removed can cause a great deal of stress and anxiety, which is why it is of the utmost importance to be fully prepared for your procedure.
Whether you have a wisdom tooth, impacted teeth, or dental trauma causing you pain, there are multiple reasons you may need to have your tooth removed. Rest assured that you are in the right hands at Tree City Family Dental.

What to Expect

When you arrive for your procedure, you will first be given a local anesthetic injection to numb the area of your mouth involved in the surgery. In some cases, you will also be given a strong general anesthetic to prevent pain throughout your body. The general anesthetic will cause you to sleep during your procedure.
Once you are asleep, your dentist will proceed to extract your tooth. Don’t worry, you won’t feel – or remember – any of this.

Before the Tooth Extraction

Painkillers

Ask your dentist about the type of anesthesia you will be given during your treatment. If you know that a specific type works best for you based on past experience, please let us know so we can accommodate you.
Be sure to tell your dentist about any painkiller preferences you may have.

Avoid Eating

In general, it is recommended that you do not eat or drink anything for 12 hours before a surgical procedure. This is done to reduce nausea during and after your treatment.
If you are only receiving a local anesthetic, you may not have to fast. Be sure to consult with your dentist to discuss your exact treatment.

Ask Questions

Getting answers to our pressing questions is one of the best ways to ease our nerves, and this trick works for dental anxiety as well!
Ask your dentist any and all questions you can think of during your consultation. If you have any confusion, we want to make sure it is cleared up.
Remember, there is no such thing as a stupid question!

Disclose Medical History

It is necessary that you share your medical history with your dentist as specific conditions may increase your vulnerability to infections. Please let us know if your information is related to any of the following:
· Congenital heart defect
· Mechanical or biomechanical heart valves
· Bacterial endocarditic history
· Liver disease
· Impaired immune system
· Artificial joint replacements

Arrange Transportation

After your surgery concludes you will still be under the influence of heavy pain medications and anesthesia. As such, it will not be safe to operate your vehicle.
We recommend asking a friend or family member for a ride after the extraction. You can also schedule an Uber or taxi to pick you up post-procedure.

Post-Extraction Care

Taking Care of the Site

Depending on the size and severity of the extracted tooth, your dentist may place stitches on the surgical site. These are typically self-dissolving, so you won’t be required to visit again to get them removed.
A blood clot will typically form in the socket of the missing tooth. Your dentist will pack it with a gauze pad and have you bite down on it to stop the bleeding.
Very rarely, the blood clot may break loose and expose the bone of your tooth socket, resulting in a condition called dry socket. If this occurs, your dentist will place a sedative dressing over the socket to protect it as a new clot forms.

Pain Medication

You will experience pain as soon as the anesthesia and pain medication given to you at the dentist’s office wears off. Not to worry! The cure to the pain is likely sitting in your medication cabinet.
If you are experiencing moderate pain, Naproxen (Aleve) or Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) should do the trick.
For more severe pain, contact your dentist for prescribed medication.
Contact your doctor before taking any medication. Do not take any medication if you are allergic.

Care Instructions

In general, there are a few things you should do to take care of yourself after a tooth extraction.
· Ice the area for no more than 10 minutes at a time on the first day.
· Rest for 24 hours and reduce your activity for the following 3 days.
· Rinse your mouth with 8oz warm water and a half teaspoon of salt the day after your procedure, and every 24 hours after.
· Do not rinse, spit, or drink from a straw until 24 hours after your procedure to avoid dislodging the blood clot.
· Brush and floss your teeth and tongue but be sure to avoid the area around the extraction site.
· Eat soft foods like yogurt, soup, and applesauce. Slowly add solid foods back into your diet as the site heals.
· Do not smoke, it can prevent healing.

When to Contact the Dentist

It is normal to feel some pain for at least 24 hours after your tooth is pulled, but if you are experiencing severe pain and bleeding up to 4 hours after your procedure, we recommend you contact your dentist.
You should also contact your dentist if you experience nausea or vomiting, signs of infection, excessive discharge from the site, shortness of breath, or chest pain.
The initial healing period can take anywhere from one to two weeks. Tree City Dental will be here for you throughout the entire process.
If you need to have a tooth pulled, contact us today! We will go over your exact procedure in a consultation to make your experience as smooth as possible.