3 Reasons You May Need a Tooth Extraction

Although our adult teeth are ostensibly meant to be permanent, there are several reasons why Dr. Hooks may recommend a tooth extraction, such as:

Crowding – If your mouth is overcrowded, Dr. Hooks may need to perform a tooth extraction in order to make space.
Decay & Infection – When tooth decay becomes severe, it often extends to the center of the tooth known as the pulp. In these cases, the tooth may need to be removed in order to avoid the spread of infection.
Wisdom Teeth Removal – Dr. Hooks might recommend the removal of wisdom teeth before they cause other oral problems, such as infection, displacement, impaction, or cysts.

Tooth Extraction Recovery Tips

After you’ve had a tooth extraction, Dr. Hooks will send you home to heal. Recovery after a tooth extraction usually takes a few days. We’ve created a list of tips to help patients have a speedy, successful recovery!

A cluster of blue, green, yellow, and purple straws that should be avoided during recovery from a tooth extraction

What to AVOID:

You should treat the extraction site with care, especially within the first 24-48 hours, and avoid things that may delay healing.

Straws – The suction when using a straw could dislodge the blood clot from the extraction site and delay healing.
Smoking – Smoking creates the same suction we worry about when you use a straw. The chemicals associated with smoking (cigarettes or vape) can also slow the body’s healing process. We recommend avoiding smoking even after your recovery for the safety of your oral and overall health.
Aspirin – Since aspirin is a blood thinner, it can slow or even prevent healing.
Swishing & Spitting – Avoid swishing vigorously and spitting for 24-48 hours after your tooth is pulled.

What Is SAFE to Do:

Now that we’ve discussed what to avoid during your recovery process, here are some things we recommend that you do.

Gently Rinse – If you want to gently rinse your mouth with a warm saline solution during the first 24 hours, it’s best to sip the solution (without a straw) and roll your head around (almost like doing neck stretches). This way gravity rolls the fluid around your mouth and you don’t have to worry about the suction removing the blood clots.
Take Recommended Pain Medication – Use a pain medication that is either recommended or prescribed by Dr. Hooks. Remember to never take your pain medication on an empty stomach, as it can cause nausea.
Apply an Ice Pack – Put an ice pack on your face over the extraction site in order to minimize swelling. Follow the ice-on, ice-off method for 15-20 minutes at a time.

If you have any questions about the tooth extraction process or think you may need a root canal, call our office!