The Tooth Extraction Process

Tooth extraction is a dental procedure in which a dentist or oral surgeon removes a tooth from its socket in the jawbone. This procedure is typically performed when a tooth is severely damaged, decayed, or infected, and it cannot be saved or needs to be removed for oral health reasons. If you are experiencing any tooth pain or believe you may need a tooth extracted, please reach out to Dr. Carlson and his team at 425-334-9600 set up a consultation to discuss treatment options.

What to Expect Following the Procedure

After a tooth extraction, you can expect some common post-operative experiences:
Bleeding: Initially, some bleeding is normal. Your dentist will provide you with gauze to bite down on to control bleeding. It usually stops within a few hours to a day.

Swelling: Swelling around the extraction site is common and can be managed with ice packs applied to the outside of your cheek for the first 24-48 hours.

Pain: You may experience some discomfort or pain after the procedure. Your dentist will prescribe pain medications or recommend over-the-counter pain relievers to manage this.

Follow their instructions for pain relief

Diet: Stick to a soft diet for the first few days, including foods like soups, yogurt, and mashed potatoes. Avoid hot, hard, or crunchy foods that could irritate the extraction site.

Oral Hygiene: Maintain good oral hygiene by gently brushing and rinsing your mouth as instructed by your dentist. Be careful around the extraction site to avoid disturbing the healing process.

Rest: Avoid strenuous activities for at least 24 hours to allow the extraction site to heal properly.

Follow-Up: Attend any follow-up appointments scheduled by your dentist to monitor your healing progress and discuss further dental care, such as possible replacements for the extracted tooth.

Keep in mind that the healing time can vary depending on the complexity of the extraction and your overall health. Following your dentist’s post-operative instructions diligently will help ensure a smoother and faster recovery process. If you experience severe pain, excessive bleeding, or any concerning symptoms, contact your dentist for guidance.

What Dr. Carlson Can Do for Your Tooth

If you have a tooth that’s been bothering you, there’s no need for you to keep suffering out of fear of the dentist, and the problem is likely to worsen if it isn’t treated. Call us at (425) 334-9600 or email us to schedule your appointment today, and Dr. Carlson will be able to determine if extraction is what your tooth needs or if there are other options, such as root canal treatment.