Extractions – Ymladmin

Tooth Extractions

While we make every effort to save your natural teeth, sometimes an extraction is the best option for your overall oral health. Teeth may need to be removed if they are:

Severely decayed or damaged beyond repair
Affected by advanced periodontal (gum) disease
Broken in a way that cannot be restored
Poorly positioned, such as impacted teeth
Removed to prepare for orthodontic treatment

Before recommending extraction, the doctor will discuss all alternatives and replacement options to protect your bite, jaw health, and appearance..

Why Careful Extraction Matters

Removing a tooth can affect chewing, jaw alignment, and neighboring teeth. Planning for replacement—such as a bridge, implant, or denture—helps maintain function and prevent long-term issues.

The Extraction Process

If you feel discomfort at any point, let us know immediately so we can adjust your care.

Anesthesia

The tooth, surrounding bone, and gums are numbed with local anesthesia for comfort.

Loosening the Tooth

Gentle pressure is applied to widen the socket so the tooth can be removed. You may feel pressure but not pain.

Sectioning if Needed

If a tooth is firmly anchored or has curved roots, it may be sectioned into smaller pieces for easier removal.

Post-Operative Care

How to Care for Your Extraction Site

Oral hygiene:

For the first 24 hours, do not rinse, brush, or spit forcefully—this allows a protective blood clot to form over the extraction site. Beginning the next day, gently rinse with warm salt water several times a day, especially after meals, to keep the area clean. Brush and floss your other teeth as usual, but avoid the extraction site until it begins to heal. Avoid using straws, commercial mouthwashes, or vigorous rinsing, as these can dislodge the clot and delay healing.

Diet:

Stick to soft foods such as yogurt, smoothies, applesauce, and mashed potatoes for the first few days. Avoid chewing directly on the extraction site. Do not consume hot, spicy, carbonated, or crunchy foods in the early healing stage. Reintroduce firmer foods gradually as comfort allows. We strongly advise avoiding smoking and alcohol, as both slow healing and increase the risk of dry socket.

Pain & swelling management:

Keep your head slightly elevated when resting, and apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek in 15–20 minute intervals during the first 24 hours to reduce swelling. After 48 hours, a warm compress may be used to promote healing. Over-the-counter pain relievers such as Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or Acetaminophen (Tylenol) are usually effective; follow any prescription instructions given by your dentist.

Infection prevention:

Although uncommon, infection can develop if the area is not kept clean. Your dentist may prescribe antibiotics such as amoxicillin (or clindamycin if you have a penicillin allergy). Take the full course as directed. Contact our office if you notice severe or worsening pain, swelling, fever, or pus at the site.

If You Wear a Denture or Partial:

If your extraction is part of denture preparation, you may be given a temporary appliance. Avoid wearing it full time during the first days of healing, as pressure on the extraction site can slow recovery. Always remove it at night and keep both your mouth and the appliance clean. Your dentist may adjust or reline the denture to prevent irritation.

Follow-up appointments:

Post-extraction checkups are important. These visits allow us to confirm proper healing, remove sutures if needed, and ensure there are no complications.

With the right care and follow-up, your mouth can heal quickly and comfortably after a tooth extraction.

Tooth Extraction Care: Do’s & Don’ts

✅ Do’s

❌ Don’ts

Keep gauze in place for the first hour to control bleeding.
Rinse gently with warm salt water starting the day after surgery.
Brush and floss your other teeth, avoiding the extraction site.
Eat soft, cool foods like yogurt, smoothies, and mashed potatoes.
Apply a cold compress for the first 24 hours to reduce swelling.
Sleep with your head elevated to minimize discomfort.
Take pain relievers and antibiotics exactly as directed.
Remove dentures/partials at night and keep them clean.
Attend all follow-up appointments.

Don’t rinse, spit, or brush in the first 24 hours.
Don’t use straws or smoke—suction can dislodge the clot and cause dry socket.
Don’t floss or brush directly over the extraction site until cleared by your dentist.
Don’t eat hot, spicy, hard, or crunchy foods in the first few days.
Don’t drink alcohol, as it delays healing.
Don’t ignore warning signs like severe pain, swelling, fever, or pus—call our office right away.
Don’t wear dentures or partials full time unless advised—it can place pressure on the healing area.

If you need a tooth extraction, we’ll ensure the process is as comfortable and stress-free as possible—and help you plan the best tooth replacement option to keep your smile healthy. Call us today to schedule your consultation.