Tooth Removal / Tooth Extractions

How are Teeth Removed?

Dr. Schroeder is highly skilled at tooth removal and performs most extractions in his own office. Before a tooth is removed, Dr. Schroeder will thoroughly review your medical and dental history and take the appropriate digital radiographs (computerized x-rays). Radiographs reveal the length, shape, and position of the tooth and surrounding bone. Before removal, the area around your tooth will be anesthetized. We use a powerful local anesthetic to numb the area of the mouth where the extraction will take place. For a simple extraction, the tooth is gently loosened and then removed. Occasionally a suture or stitch may be placed.

What can I Expect After an Extraction? Dr. Schroeder will ask you to bite down gently on a piece of dry, sterile gauze, which you must keep in place for 45 minutes. This will help the formation of a clot. If you are a smoker, do not smoke for 6 hours as this has been found to cause “dry socket”, an uncomfortable complication. Do not rinse or disturb the extraction site for the next 24 hours. Discomfort can be minimized by taking an over-the –counter pain medicine (such as aspirin, ibuprophen, naproxen sodium, or acetaminophen ) as soon as you remove the gauze packing and before the local anesthetic has worn off. On some occasions Dr. Schroeder may give you a prescription for stronger pain relievers and or antibiotics. On occasion he may recommend using ice. If so, apply the ice pack to the face over the area where the tooth was extracted. Hold it on the area for 20 minutes and then take it off for 10 minutes and repeat. Twenty-four hours after the extraction stop using ice and begin using warm salt water rinses at least 4 times a day to promote healing. Put ½ teaspoon of salt in and 8 ounce juice glass of tap water that is as warm as tea or coffee you can comfortably drink. If you have prolonged or severe pain, swelling, bleeding or fever, or any questions, please call our office.