We perform extractions (tooth removals) with gentle care, using mild sedation when desired

Gentle, experienced and professional, Dr. Kindt provides a pain-free, relaxed and comfortable extraction treatment.

Extractions (tooth removals) are needed for a variety of reasons. Some teeth are extracted because they are severely decayed, others may have advanced periodontal disease, or have broken in a way that cannot be repaired. Some teeth may need removal because they are poorly positioned in the mouth (such as impacted teeth), do not fit in your mouth (such as wisdom teeth) or in preparation for orthodontic treatment.

You and Dr. Kindt will discuss your treatment. In most cases, Dr. Kindt will discuss alternatives to extractions as well replacement of the extracted tooth. Replacement of extracted teeth are very important because the removal of a single tooth can lead to problems related to your chewing ability, problems with your jaw joint, and shifting teeth, which can have a major impact on your dental health.

THE EXTRACTION/REMOVAL PROCESS

At the time of extraction, the doctor will need to numb your tooth, jawbone and gums that surround the area with a local anesthetic. During this process you may feel pressure. This is caused by gently rocking the tooth to prepare it for removal. This pressure will be felt without pain, as the anesthetic has numbed the nerves stopping the transference of pain, yet the nerves that transmit pressure are not as strongly affected by anesthetic.

If you do feel pain AT ANY TIME during the extraction, please let us know right away and we will adjust your anesthesia.

Dry Socket occurs when a blood clot fails to form in the socket where the tooth has been extracted or the clot has been dislodged and the healing is significantly delayed. Following the Post Operative Instructions will reduce the chances of developing dry socket.

Dry sockets manifest themselves as a dull throbbing pain, which usually doesn’t appear until three to four days after the extraction. However, call the doctor immediately if pain begins to appear to prevent unnecessary discomfort. The pain can be moderate to severe and radiate from the extraction area. Dry socket may cause a bad taste or bad breath and the extraction site appears dry. Dr. Kindt will apply a medicated dressing to the dry socket to sooth the pain.

Healing After a tooth has been extracted, there will be a resulting hole in your jawbone where the tooth was. In time, this will smooth and fill in with bone. This process can take many weeks or months. Dr. Kindt always schedules a follow-up appointment to check that healing is progressing properly.

Post Operative Instructions for Extractions

Hemorrhage (bleeding) Control

• Continue biting on gauze with gentle continuous pressure for 30 minutes after you leave
• It is normal to have blood in your saliva for 24-48 hours
• Do Not consume alcohol for 24 hours
• Do Not suck on straws, rinse or spit, or smoke for 24 hours (Smoking or sucking may result in a painful dry socket or persistent bleeding.)

Pain Control

• Take two or three 200mg Ibuprofen every 4-6 hours as needed
• If a prescription is given for pain, take as directed

Swelling Control

• Apply ice pack to outside of face for 15 minutes, then remove for 15 minutes, continue on and off 15 min. intervals for an hour
• Elevate head and shoulders at a 45 degree angle until bedtime
• Do not be alarmed if yellowish, blue-black discolorations appear on your face. Such bruising is common after surgery and may take a week or more to fade

Diet and Chewing

• Drink plenty of fluids, but not with a straw
• A soft diet should be maintained for the next 3-4 days
• Avoid crunchy foods like chips, nuts, carrots or apples for 1 week
• No carbonated beverage or acidic juices (orange/tomato) for 1 week
• Chew away from the extraction site for 3-4 days

Oral Hygiene

• Do Not rinse mouth for 24 hours
• Tomorrow you may start gentle warm salt water rinses (1/2 tsp per 8oz water)
• Do Not rinse vigorously
• Resume normal tooth brushing, but avoid the surgical site. If food gets lodged in the socket do not try to pick it out. Gently rinse area to flush out debris

Rest

• Take it easy for the next few days, no vigorous exercise or heavy lifting, and get plenty of rest

Possible Complications

• You may develop pain which becomes worse after a few days and does not respond to pain medication. This may indicate a dry socket and requires a call to the office.
• Other teeth on the same side may ache temporarily
• You may develop a fever. If your temperature reaches 101 degrees, call the office

If you have heavy bleeding, severe pain, continued swelling for 2-3 days, or a reaction to medication, call our office immediately at (480) 981-0094.

Be sure to keep your post operative appointment.