At White Orchid Dental, we make every effort to help you keep your teeth for a lifetime. Although, there are times when extracting a tooth may be the best choice for you.  Nick Kouri DDS provides most extractions at White Orchid Dental.  Please call or visit Dr. Kouri and see how he can help you obtain dental health.  Dr. Kouri is also one of the smile care experts at White Orchid Dental who can provide you with alternatives (Dental Bridges, Dental Implants, Dentures) for replacing missing teeth. 

What are wisdom teeth?

What if my tooth is broken?

How can I replace a missing tooth?

What should I expect after a dental extraction?

Wisdom Teeth

Wisdom teeth are the last teeth to develop. The development is usually completed during the teenage years into the early twenties. Often, wisdom teeth (3rd molars) do not have enough room to erupt into a healthy functioning position.  Sometimes the jaw space is so limited, the wisdom teeth never grow into the mouth.  Instead, they remain in the bone under the gum tissue.  This is known as impacted wisdom teeth. We will recommend the removal of your wisdom teeth if there is a probability that they will damage or cause shifting of other teeth.  If the wisdom tooth is a recurring source of infection, we will recommend extraction.  Impacted wisdom teeth should be removed if they are contacting the roots of your second molars to prevent long-term damage.

Broken or Severely Decayed Teeth

Sometimes a tooth just cannot be restored. Unfortunately, these teeth must be extracted to prevent pain and infection. A local anesthetic along with a gentle touch allows us to remove teeth quickly and efficiently.

Tooth Replacement Options

At your consultation appointment, we will discuss all the options of replacing the lost or extracted tooth.  Dental Implants or Dental Bridges are often the best long-term alternatives to replace missing teeth. Often, we can provide temporary tooth replacement so you can continue looking your best until the long-term solution can be completed.

What do I do after a dental extraction?

POST TREATMENT INSTRUCTIONS FOR EXTRACTIONS

1.       Bleeding Control:

Leave the gauze pads in place for approximately one hour and replace as needed.  It will take three to six hours for the bleeding to stop.  A small amount of oozing is normal during the first day.  Avoid heavy spitting and drinking through a straw the first day.  If bleeding is excessive, place a roll of clean, moistened gauze over the site and keep firm pressure for 30 minutes.  Elevate your head on two pillows or sit in a semi-reclined position the first evening.

2.       Pain and Infection Control:

Take all medications as prescribed.  If you have any type of unusual reaction, please call the emergency number listed below.  Take your first pain medication before the numbness wears off completely (approx. 2 hours after surgery).  Then take the medication as needed.  Usually, ibuprofen, Tylenol or aspirin will relieve most surgical soreness the following day.  DO NOT DRIVE OR OPERATE MACHINERY IF TAKING THE PRESCRIPTION PAIN MEDICATIONS. 

( Examples: Vicodin, Tylenol with codeine)

3.       Swelling Control:

Apply an ice pack to your jaw on the side of surgery.  Rotate sides if surgery was done on both sides of your mouth.  30 minutes each side.  SWELLING TAKES TWO DAYS TO PEAK.  So, don’t be alarmed if your jaw is puffy two to three days after oral surgery.   Apply moist heat to your face the day after surgery.  Ice is only good for 24 hours.  Heat will increase your comfort and decrease swelling.

4.       Diet:

A soft diet is recommended the first day.  Avoid chewing while your mouth is numb.  Stiffness of your jaw is normal after surgery.  It will take three to five days for most stiffness to resolve, so try a soft diet the first few days and increase your chewing as the stiffness improves.

5.       Oral Hygiene:

The day after surgery, start salt water rinses over the surgery site.  A mixture of ½ teaspoon of salt in an 8-ounce glass of warm water will make a good rinse.  Rinse after each meal if possible.  You may brush your teeth gently near the surgery site after 48 hours and can brush the other areas normally. Do not use over the counter mouthwash for 48 hours after the extraction.

6.       Smoking:

Avoid smoking for a minimum of two days and preferably for the entire healing period.  If pain or unusual symptoms appear three to four days after surgery, you may be developing a dry socket.  Please call the office if you feel that this is occurring.

7.       Rest:

Avoid excess exercise or heavy lifting for at least one to two days.  Drink plenty of fluids and rest as needed

8.       Nausea:

Nausea is rare after oral surgery.  If you had an empty stomach before surgery, please try to drink something within the first few hours to prevent nausea from the medications or blood in your stomach.  Carbonated drinks (Sprite, Coke, or Ginger-Ale) can help alleviate nausea.  

The professionals at White Orchid Dental welcome your questions. Please call 219-836-9122 to schedule your consultation with the smile care experts. Email: jeffmilne@sbcglobal.net with any questions or concerns along with your contact information and we will promptly respond.  We offer the opportunity to save time by printing the patient information forms online Patient Forms at White Orchid Dental  Please mail or fax these completed forms to us before your visit.