Tooth Extractions in Houston, TX
In some cases, having a tooth extracted may be in your best interest. We ensure tooth extractions are as comfortable as possible, allowing you to focus on a speedy recovery.
Your Tooth Extraction Dentist in Houston
At Pearl Shine Dental, we want to help you keep all of your teeth. Even so, there are times when a tooth extraction is the best option for maintaining your oral health in the long term. Tooth extractions at Pearl Shine Dental are typically a fast process. The most critical part of this process is recovery.
To encourage a proper healing process, we need to control the bleeding immediately following the tooth extraction. We will have you bite down on a gauze pad for 30 to 45 minutes after the extraction to form a blood clot. It is important to not disturb the blood clot for the next 24 hours. That means you should avoid sucking through straws, or you risk developing a dry socket. For the swelling, we recommend placing an ice pack on the outer cheek. Once the swelling has decreased, a warm compress can be placed in the same area for comfort. You can also gently rinse your mouth with salt water to keep the extraction area clean.
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How do I prevent dry socket after tooth extraction?
After a tooth extraction, a blood clot forms as part of the healing process. If this blood clot becomes dislodged before your mouth fully recovers, it can lead to a painful condition called dry socket.
To avoid dry sockets, follow these six tips:
- Avoid using straws or anything that creates suction or a significant air movement.
- Do not smoke tobacco, as it can dislodge the blood clot and hinder healing or cause infection.
- For the first one or two days, stick to soft foods such as applesauce, yogurt, and mashed potatoes.
- Check with your doctor about your medications to ensure they won’t interfere with the healing process.
- Maintain good oral hygiene to keep your mouth clean, and consider using an antibacterial mouthwash.
- Follow your doctor’s instructions on proper oral care to promote faster recovery.
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What can I eat after tooth extraction?
It’s important to stick to soft foods for the first couple of days following your tooth extraction. You don’t want to disturb the blood clot that has formed, so some foods you can eat are:
- Applesauce
- Yogurt
- Mashed potatoes
- Jello
- Pudding
- Ice cream
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What causes the need for tooth extraction?
Tooth extraction involves removing a tooth from its socket in the bone. This is typically necessary when a tooth is extensively damaged by decay or trauma and cannot be repaired with a filling or crown.
Other reasons for tooth extraction include the presence of extra teeth blocking others, retention of baby teeth preventing the eruption of permanent teeth, the need for orthodontic treatment such as braces, the removal of wisdom teeth, and specific medical reasons.
More Questions?
If you have more questions about tooth extractions, please contact our office, and we will be happy to discuss further. You can also request an appointment or see the other services we provide using the links below.
