Tooth Extractions
Tooth Extractions in Arlington, VA
At Del Ray Dental Center, our first priority is always to restore and save your natural teeth, but there are some situations where a tooth extraction is the only course of action. This can occur when the decay, disease, or trauma is so severe that other restorative options won’t be able to fix the issue, and it will do more harm to your health if the tooth isn’t removed. We know the thought of a tooth extraction can seem a little daunting, but the Del Ray team is here to make sure you’re kept completely comfortable during the entire procedure.
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About the Tooth Extraction Procedure
Before we begin the actual tooth extraction process, we will take X-rays of the area and go over your medical and dental history in order to create your personalized treatment plan. When it’s time for your tooth extraction, we’ll first apply a local anesthetic so that you don’t feel discomfort while we work. You shouldn’t experience any dental pain during a tooth extraction, just a bit of pressure. Once your tooth has been removed, we’ll go over aftercare guidelines to ensure a smooth and speedy recovery.
Tooth Extractions FAQ
What should I do before a tooth extraction?
If you are scheduled for a tooth extraction, our team will go over pre-surgery instructions with you, including guidelines about food and beverage consumption before your appointment. We may also recommend that you arrange to have someone drive you home after your visit. You should not smoke on the day of the surgery. It’s important that you let us know any medications that you are taking and any health issues that you are dealing with so we can plan your procedure accordingly.
How long after a tooth extraction can I brush my teeth?
It’s best if the day that you get a tooth extraction, you avoid cleaning around the treatment area. However, you should still brush and floss your other teeth. The day after your tooth has been removed you can start cleaning the teeth around the extraction site. It’s important to be gentle and use a soft-bristled toothbrush. At this time, you can also clean your mouth using saltwater rinses (not mouthwash!). Take care not to spit out the rinse forcefully, instead letting it dribble from your mouth, so you don’t have disturb the healing process.
How long after a tooth extraction can I eat normally?
You should stick to soft foods (like noodles, oatmeal, yogurt, pudding, and applesauce) for the first day after your tooth extraction. Avoid consuming hot liquids (like soup, tea, and coffee), eating spicy foods, and drinking through a straw. You can start reintroducing solid goods after a couple of days have passed as long as chewing isn’t painful. Generally it takes a few days to a week for the treatment area to heal, and this is when you can resume a normal diet.
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