Tooth Extraction for Pain Management
Woodland, CA
 At Beautiful Smiles, our goal is to save and restore your teeth. Unfortunately, there are instances where tooth extraction is necessary. These can vary from tooth decay, gum disease, or preparation for dental prosthesis, among others. Whatever the cause, our dedicated specialist will guide you throughout the procedure and will answer any questions you may have.
What to Expect
There is a certain amount of expected bleeding from the site after the procedure. Bleeding several hours afterward should be consulted with us immediately. Swelling and pain after the procedure are also expected. To alleviate swelling, you can apply a cold compress on the cheek on site of extraction.
You are still advised to brush your teeth, avoiding the site of the extraction. Use of mouthwash or saline solution is possible but lower intensity when swishing water in your mouth is advised.
Our dental specialist will help you with your diet post-extraction. These will consist mostly of soft foods and soup. Avoid foods served hot. Protein shakes and meal replacement drinks are great alternatives. Hot liquids should be avoided, as this can aggravate swelling and can possibly dislodge the blood clot forming at the extraction site. If that occurs, please immediately contact us, as this will delay wound healing and possibly cause complications.
There are certain activities you should refrain from doing while recovering from the procedure, as well. As already stated, hot foods and drinks should be avoided. The act of drinking hot beverages creates a vacuum that can dislodge the blood clot in the extraction site. Smoking, as well as drinking through a straw, can also do this and must also be avoided.
Pharmacological Pain Management
Pain management begins prior to the procedure. Our specialist needs to go over your social and medical history. We will need your thorough medical history and any current medications you take. This is essential in formulating your pain medication regimen to avoid being prescribed too much or being prescribed contraindicated medication.
During the procedure, you will be given a local anesthetic to ensure the process is pain-free. This effect may last an hour to a few hours after the procedure. According to The Manual of Clinical Procedures in Dentistry, pain management is classified according to the degree of pain experienced. In cases of mild to moderate pain and moderate to severe pain, you can be given 1000 mg of acetaminophen up to four times a day. You may further be given 600 mg of ibuprofen every four to six hours not exceeding 2400mg per day.
In cases of severe pain, we may need to identify the cause in order to manage your pain. Acetaminophen and ibuprofen are staples in pain management, as they provide relief without the side effects that opioids and opiates bring. Please be reminded that the medications and dosages given are general guidelines and will differ from what your specialist will prescribe you based on your overall health and condition.
Proper healing prevents complications. If you experience any difficulties or if you have any questions, please get in touch with us by calling us at (530) 206-9211. Our specialists here at Beautiful Smiles are there to assist you. |
