Tooth Extractions in Bismarck, ND

Maintaining oral hygiene is important, even after a tooth extraction, but it requires a delicate approach to avoid disturbing the healing process. On the day of the extraction, it’s best to avoid brushing the teeth near the extraction site. You can gently brush the other areas of your mouth, but take care to be gentle and avoid the immediate vicinity of the extraction.

Starting the day after your procedure, you can resume brushing your teeth, but be cautious around the extraction site. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and gentle strokes to clean your teeth without disrupting the healing tissue. It’s also advisable to avoid rinsing your mouth vigorously or using mouthwash for the first 24 hours, as this can disturb the blood clot. Instead, gently rinse your mouth with warm salt water a few times a day to help keep the area clean and promote healing. Dr. Carlson will provide personalized instructions based on your specific situation to ensure optimal recovery.

Foods that are easy to consume and won’t irritate the area include mashed potatoes, pudding, and clear soups. It’s important to avoid hot foods and drinks immediately after the extraction, as they can increase swelling and discomfort. Cold foods, like ice cream or chilled smoothies, can be soothing and help reduce swelling. Over the next few days, as healing progresses, you can gradually transition to a more normal diet, but continue to avoid hard, crunchy, or sticky foods that could interfere with the healing process.

After a tooth extraction, it’s crucial to allow your mouth to heal properly. Eating too soon or choosing the wrong foods can disrupt the healing process and potentially lead to complications. Generally, it's recommended to wait until the local anesthesia has completely worn off before attempting to eat. This is because eating while numb could result in accidentally biting your tongue or cheek, leading to additional pain or injury.

In the first 24 hours following the extraction, it’s best to stick to a diet of soft foods and liquids. Some suitable options include yogurt, applesauce, smoothies, and broths. These foods are gentle on the extraction site and require minimal chewing. Avoid using straws, as the suction can dislodge the blood clot that forms in the socket, leading to a painful condition known as dry socket. As your healing progresses, you can gradually reintroduce more solid foods into your diet, but it’s wise to chew on the opposite side of the mouth from where the extraction took place.

Tooth extractions are a common dental procedure that many people undergo for various reasons, such as severe decay, infection, or overcrowding. A common concern for patients is the potential pain involved. The good news is that modern dentistry has advanced significantly, and pain management during tooth extraction is highly effective. At 701 Dental in Bismarck, ND, Dr. Alexa Carlson and her team prioritize patient comfort and use local anesthesia to numb the area around the tooth. This ensures that you feel little to no pain during the procedure itself. You might experience some pressure or movement, but it shouldn’t be painful.

After the extraction, it’s normal to experience some discomfort once the anesthesia wears off. This can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain medications, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Dr. Carlson will provide you with specific aftercare instructions to help minimize discomfort and promote healing. If you experience severe pain or any complications, it’s important to contact the dental office promptly.

If you’ve had a tooth extraction, you have three options for replacing your teeth. Partial dentures are the most affordable. Dental bridges are more convenient, but more expensive. And dental implants are the most expensive option, but they also last the longest and provide the best, most natural results. If you’re interested in exploring your options for replacing your teeth after an extraction, contact 701 Dental to schedule a restorative dentistry consultation with Dr. Carlson.

If your tooth is severely damaged or decayed, it may need to be extracted. The best way to find out if you need an extraction is to contact 701 Dental for a consultation with Dr. Carlson.

‍