Individuals scheduled to have a tooth extracted are often anxious about the procedures. Having a tooth removed by an oral surgeon is a common procedure that doesn’t normally cause any complications. Individuals can learn what to expect when scheduled to have Oral Surgery Gaithersburg by reading the frequently asked questions below.
Q.) How long does it take for the tooth socket to close up after having a tooth extracted?
A.) It can take up to six weeks before the open socket completely closes over after having a tooth extraction. Before the socket heals, individuals should take precautions to prevent experiencing a dry socket. This condition occurs when the blood clot inside the socket dissolves too soon or moves out of position. The blood clot protects the nerves and the bone until the socket heals. When individuals have a dry socket, they have extreme pain in the socket and also on the side of their jaw and face.
Q.) What type of oral care is required after individuals have a tooth surgically removed?
A.) Right after having a tooth removed, individuals will need to bite down on a gauze pad until the bleeding subsides. This helps with the formation of the blood clot in the tooth socket. Individuals should take special precautions so they don’t disturb the clot. This includes not drinking liquids through a straw, eating only soft foods for the first couple of days after the surgery, and refraining from strenuous activity. Individuals may also be advised by their surgeon to carefully rinse out their mouth with warm salt water every few hours to keep the extraction site clean.
Q.) What can individuals do if they have severe pain and swelling following a tooth extraction?
A.) Patients are often prescribed a medication to help ease the pain of an extracted tooth. To help keep the swelling at a minimum, individuals can place an ice pack on the outside of their jaw at the extraction site. If individuals continue having pain or swelling for several days after the procedure, they can contact the surgeon who performed the Oral Surgery in Mount Vernon IL for further instructions.
Individuals who need oral surgery can schedule an appointment at The Center For Jaw and Facial Surgery P.C. Services available at this clinic include wisdom tooth removal, dental implants, oral biopsies, and periodontal surgery.
