If you have a toothache, it is a clear sign that there is something wrong. It may be something as minor as a cavity that needs filling. But it could be a sign of something more serious, like an infection that needs immediate attention. If there is any doubt, remember that OnCall Dental in Fresno is here, 24/7.
Our impulse is always to try to save your tooth. But an extraction may be unavoidable. This is especially true if you have wisdom teeth coming in. Wisdom teeth are the most common extractions.
When wisdom teeth become inflamed it could be a sign of pericoronitis. Most often, this is caused by a bit of food that gets trapped beneath the gums. Food debris is easily caught beneath partially-erupted wisdom teeth.
In other cases, teeth need to be pulled because of severe decay, disease, or trauma.
We will also do our best to keep you comfortable during the procedure. It’s common for patients to feel at least a little uneasy at the prospect of having a tooth extracted. Let us know if you fall into that category. We have sedation dentistry options that can get you through your procedure without needless stress.
If we extract one of your teeth, there are going to be changes in your mouth. We will have instructions for you afterward, in order to promote healing and prevent complications.
In most extractions we place a gauze pack on the socket to help a blood clot form. Do not chew on it! You’ll need to leave it in place for about forty-five minutes. We’ll supply you with some fresh gauze to replace the initial gauze pack.
Also:
- Do not clean your teeth around the healing socket for at least 24 hours
- Brush the rest of your teeth, however
- Gently rinse out your mouth with warm sal water after eating
- Do not use mouthwash
- Take pain medication only as we direct
- Swelling and pain are normal; an ice pack can help
- Avoid hot liquids and alcohol
- Don’t use a straw
If you have any issues like fever, nausea or vomiting afterward, call us right away. In most cases you’ll be able to eat solid foods by the next day, although you must chew carefully, and not on the extraction site.
At OnCall Dental in Fresno we specialize in emergency dentistry, including extractions. We are here seven days a week, twenty-four hours a day. Walk-ins are always welcome.
