Extractions
Tooth Extractions Spruce Grove!
In some cases pulling teeth (removing a tooth completely from its spot in the jaw bone), may be necessary to preserve or improve your dental health. Some of the reasons for tooth extraction include: Pulling teeth for braces, pulling teeth to save space, pulling teeth due to damage or decay or wisdom tooth extraction.
Wisdom teeth usually appear between the ages of 17 and 21, although they can begin causing problems as early as age 13.
Teeth can be extracted with local anesthetic and/or IV sedation.
Dr. Kalhs will assess whether your wisdom teeth have enough space or if they should be removed. When it comes to wisdom teeth in Spruce Grove, we are ready to help no matter your situation!
POST OPERATIVE INSTRUCTIONS FOR WISDOM TEETH
General Information
The most critical time for successful healing after oral surgery is the initial 4 weeks. Therefore, please follow these directions carefully.
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As soon as you get home take your medications as prescribed with food, to help prevent an upset stomach. Some discomfort is normal following any surgical procedure and this can be minimized by taking your prescriptions. Please call if pain does not start to subside 4-5 days after surgery.
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After taking the medications replace gauze for 40 min. This acts like a Band-Aid to help stop the bleeding. If it continues to ooze change the gauze for an additional 20 min, 1 hour all together. It is normal for the saliva to be streaked with blood for a day or two. If the oozing continues elevate your head and bite on a wet tea bag for 20 min, the tannic acid in the tea bag can help stop the oozing. If the bleeding persists please contact the office. Avoid strenuous physical exercise for the first 48 hours.
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Do not rinse or brush your mouth on the day of surgery. On the second day start gently brushing and rinsing with a cup of warm water mixed with a ½ tsp of salt, after every meal and before bed (approx 4 times a day) for 7-10 days. Do not use any commercial mouth rinses during this time.
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For the first day or two you limit your diet to soft, lukewarm foods, but resume your regular diet as soon as possible. If not the muscles will get very tense and sore and it will be uncomfortable to open your mouth. Avoid foods like grains, seeds, popcorn and nachos etc… for the first 3 weeks. Also drink lots of fluids during this time.
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There may be stitches, but they dissolve on their own and will come out in 5-7 days. Avoid touching the area with your tongue or fingers, as they will cause the stitches to come out prematurely.
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Swelling and bruising often occurs after surgery. Swelling typically increases for the first 3-4 days, then gradually subsides over the following 3-7 days. To minimize swelling apply ice packs for the first day. (20 minutes on, 20 minutes off and chilling the pack when not in use). This should be done whether or not you have swelling or bruising.
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Avoid sucking on a straw, cigarettes, candies, water bottles or a deep spit for 2 weeks. As this may dislodge the blood clot.