Dental Extractions
You and Dr. Madlock may determine that you need a tooth extraction for any number of reasons. Some teeth are extracted because they are severely decayed; others may have advanced periodontal disease, or have broken in a way that cannot be repaired. Other teeth may need removal because they are poorly positioned in the mouth (such as impacted teeth), or in preparation for orthodontic treatment.
The removal of a single tooth can lead to problems related to your chewing ability, problems with your jaw joint, and shifting teeth, which can have a major impact on your dental health.
To avoid these complications, in most cases, Dr. Madlock will discuss alternatives to extractions as well as replacement of the extracted tooth.
The Extraction Process
At the time of extraction the doctor will need to numb your tooth, jawbone and gums that surround the area with a local anesthetic.
During the extraction process you will feel a lot of pressure. This is from the process of firmly rocking the tooth in order to widen the socket for removal.
You feel the pressure without pain as the anesthetic has numbed the nerves stopping the transference of pain, yet the nerves that transmit pressure are not profoundly affected.
If you do feel pain at any time during the extraction please let us know right away.
Sectioning a tooth
Some teeth require sectioning. This is a very common procedure done when a tooth is so firmly anchored in its socket or the root is curved and the socket can’t expand enough to remove it. The doctor simply cuts the tooth into sections then removes each section one at a time.
After Extraction Home Care
Bleeding
Some bleeding may occur. Placing a piece of moist gauze over the empty tooth socket and biting down firmly for 45 minutes can control this.
Blood clots that form in the empty socket.
This is an important part of the healing process and you must be careful not to dislodge the clot.
- Avoid rinsing or spitting for 24 hours after the extraction.
- Avoid use of a straw, smoking or hot liquids.
Swelling
If swelling occurs you can place ice on your face for 10 minutes and off for 20 minutes. Repeat this cycle as you feel necessary for up to 24 hours.
Pain and Medications
If you experience pain you may use non-prescription pain relief medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
Eating
For most extractions just make sure you do your chewing away from the extraction site. Stay away from hot liquids and alcoholic beverages for 24 hours. A liquid diet may be recommended for 24 hours.
Brushing and Cleaning
After the extraction avoid brushing the teeth near the extraction site for one day. After that you can resume gentle cleaning. Avoid commercial mouth rinses, as they tend to irritate the site. Beginning 24 hours after the extraction you can rinse with salt water (1/2 teaspoon in a cup of water) after meals and before bed.
Dry Socket
Dry socket occurs when a blood clot fails to form in the socket where the tooth has been extracted or the clot has been dislodged, and the healing is significantly delayed.
Following the post extraction instructions will reduce the chances of developing dry socket. Dry sockets manifest themselves as a dull throbbing pain, which doesn’t appear until three or four days after the extraction. The pain can be moderate to severe and radiate from the extraction area. Dry socket may cause a bad taste or bad breath and the extraction site appears dry.
Dr. Madlock will apply a medicated dressing to the dry socket to soothe the pain.
Healing
After a tooth has been extracted there will be a resulting hole in your jawbone where the tooth was. In time, this will smooth and fill in with bone. This process can take many weeks or months. However, after 1-2 weeks you should no longer notice any inconvenience.
Canyon Point Implant and Oral Surgery
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Dr. Madlock's staff took time to make sure I was fully informed about every detail of the extraction and bone graft as well as the future implant. His office is beautiful and makes a lovely place to wait for what can be an uncomfortable procedure.
- Denise F
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I had a Maxillomandibular Advancement procedure in December 2019 to correct severe sleep apnea. Dr. Madlock and his staff have been very helpful and supportive through the entire process. They answered all of my questions and concerns prior to and after surgery. The procedure and recovery have been a tremendous success and the result, I believe, is life changing. My airway was about 2mm wide prior to surgery. Now, it is nearly 15mm! I am sleeping better than I have in 30 years. I am happy with the way I look and amazed by how I feel. Dr. Madlock took great care to avoid damaging nerves in my face and I am so pleased with how quickly sensation has returned. This is a very complex surgery. I am so thankful that I chose Dr. Madlock and his staff. They guided me through the process of decision making, the surgery and recovery with caring and extremely competent hands. I truly feel this surgery saved my life! I really cannot say enough great things about my experience. Thank you!
- Randy M
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Dr Madlock and his team are amazing. Dr Madlock exceeded my expectations with his professionalism and surgical abilities. He performed double jaw surgery on me and did an excellent job.
- Lauren W