Tooth Extractions

Removing Teeth Can Help With Your Overall Oral Hygiene

An extraction means to have a tooth removed, usually because of disease, trauma or crowding.

If you need an extraction, your dentist will first numb the area to lessen any discomfort. After the extraction, your dentist will advise you of what post extraction regimen to follow. In most cases a small amount of bleeding is normal. Your mouth will slowly fill in the bone where the tooth root was through the formation of a blood clot.

Here are some tips to follow to make recovery easier:

• Avoid anything that might prevent normal healing.
• Don’t smoke or rinse your mouth vigorously.
• Avoid drinking through a straw for 48 hours.
• Follow the diet your dentist suggests.

For the first few days, if you must rinse, rinse your mouth gently. If you experience swelling, apply a cold cloth or an ice bag and call your dentist right away. Ask your dentist about pain medication. You can brush and floss the other teeth as usual. But don’t clean the teeth next to where the tooth was removed.

Child Extraction after Care Instructions

1. Some bleeding is normal following the tooth extraction

2. Gently apply pressure on the extraction site with gauze for 20-30minutes at a time. DO NOT REMOVE THE GAUZE EARLY, even if you feel it is full.

3. Repeat as necessary until the gauze is clean when removed.

4. For the first 24 hours you will need to chew on the opposite side.

5. Do not drink carbonated drinks, spit, or drink through a straw for the first 24 hours.

6. No excessive physical activity for the first 24 hours unless discussed with the doctor first. NO SWIMMING!

7. After the first 24 hours you will need to start warm salt water rinses.

8. If bleeding persists after 4 hours try getting a tea bag moist, apply it to the extraction site and bite down for 10 minutes. 

*If after trying the tea bags a couple of times the bleeding persist contact our office at 573-445-9526. Leave a message on the emergency line and it will notify the doctor immediately. If you are unable to reach Dr. Stevens or Dr. Ryan we would recommend going to the emergency room.

Adult Extraction after Care Instructions

OS offices - We currently refer to the following offices:

• Columbia Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery - Dr. Adam Andrews and Dr. Jared Atwood 
• Show-Me Oral Surgery & Dental Implants - Dr. Timothy Coyle
• Jefferson City Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, LLC - Dr. R. Eric Bessey and Dr. Michael T. Bauman

Endo offices - We currently refer to the following offices:

• Lawson Endo - Dr. Warren Lawson
• Dr. Patrick Stamos, D.D.S.- Stamos Endodontics
  

wisdom teeth extractions

We’ve referred you to an oral surgery specialist to have your wisdom teeth removed. Now what?

• We will discuss your options for various offices and specialists with you so you can make an informed decision as to which office you’d like to have your surgery with. You will leave our office with their information, including address, phone contact, etc. 
• During your consultation we will talk about whether or not you will need to call their office for an appointment or if you should expect a call from them.
• You will leave our office with a copy of your referral. You should take the referral to your appointment at their office, whether your appointment there is for the surgery or an initial consultation.
• You will need an updated panorex x ray. We will have a discussion around whether or not this is needed prior to your appointment at the specialist’s office or if we have a current panorex we can send over to them. 
• We know you likely have additional questions. Please address these to the oral surgery office of your choice as they are well-equipped with any additional information you may need.
  

Remember, when having an extraction, today’s modern procedures and follow up care (as recommended by your dentist) are there for your benefit and comfort.