Extractions

The answer to this question depends on the situation—an impacted wisdom tooth will require more healing time than a canine, for example. In most cases, we’ll ask you to take it easy for 2–3 days after your extraction to ensure that your blood clot isn’t dislodged. After about a week, any discomfort should have subsided.

Dr. Quinta uses local anesthetic to numb your tooth and the tissue surrounding it, so there is no pain during your procedure. When the anesthetic wears off in the hours after your extraction, you’ll experience soreness and swelling, but this can be treated with over-the-counter pain relievers.

We will provide you with a list of foods to eat with your aftercare instructions, but as a general rule, stick with soft foods that require little-to-no chewing. Mashed potatoes, applesauce, yogurt, ice cream, and smoothies are all good choices for the first day after your extraction.

We don’t recommend it—you may still be bleeding from the site and your mouth will be numb for a few hours afterwards. You’ll feel better relaxing at home.

There are several reasons dentists may recommend removing a tooth. Conditions that affect teeth, like tooth decay and gum disease, can be treated by removing a tooth to make sure the rest of your mouth is healthy. Sometimes, teeth can be removed because they are damaging other teeth.

Treatment for Tooth Decay or Gum Disease:

Tooth decay is commonly caused by dental plaque, which builds up on teeth over time. Not removing this plaque can lead to cavities, which destroy the tooth’s structure. Your dentist may recommend removing the damaged part of the tooth to treat this condition.

Removing Teeth to Prevent Further Damage:

Sometimes a tooth has become loose over time and cannot be saved. To prevent damage to other teeth or the bone that supports them, it may be necessary to remove a tooth that has been weakened by decay or injury.

Removing Teeth That Are Damaging Others:

Over time, certain teeth may become worn or move in such a way that they begin to crowd or damage other teeth. In these cases, your dentist may recommend removing one or more teeth so that they do not continue causing harm and discomfort to you.

1. Prepare mentally. It's normal to be a bit nervous, but find ways to distract yourself if you find yourself worrying about the procedure. Stay busy, or take some deep breaths and focus on relaxing.

2. Use over-the-counter pain relievers. These include aspirin, ibuprofen, and acetaminophen. Follow package instructions carefully and ask your dentist for advice if you have questions about your specific situation.

2. Avoid food and drink after midnight the night before an extraction. Also, avoid drinking alcoholic beverages. They can decrease blood flow in your gums, making it harder to heal even after the soreness goes away.