Tooth Extractions in Memphis
Dr. Boucek has been performing tooth extractions in the Memphis area for over 30 years. If you have a tooth that needs to be removed, they’re the doctors to do it. Along with their amazing staff, they will do everything to keep you comfortable and happy before, during, and after the procedure.
When Do I Need a Tooth Removed?
Tooth extraction can become necessary for a number of reasons. A tooth can decay because of disease or infection, your mouth may be too crowded for the number of teeth, or sometimes an accident can happen making the tooth unrecoverable. Before deciding whether a tooth should be extracted, proper examination must be performed. We discuss all the possible options with you to help you decide what is best.
What Should I Expect?
Once we’ve decided that a tooth will be extracted, we will schedule an appointment with you. Nitrous sedation is optional for any procedure. We recommend nitrous sedation for any patients who tend to experience anxiety during operation. If you do choose to receive nitrous sedation, please coordinate a ride after the appointment. We will use a local anesthetic to numb the area in question, whether you choose to be sedated or not. This anesthetic ensures that you will not feel any discomfort during the extraction. If sedated, you may not even remember the process.
We displace the tooth by removing tissue around it first, then gently pull the tooth with our dental instruments. The process only takes 10 to 15 minutes, however including prep time and postoperative work it will take anywhere from 30 minutes to one hour depending on the case. Dr Boucek and staff will let you know what to expect for your case so that you can plan accordingly.
After the Operation
After the procedure, numbness from the anesthesia can last 2-4 hours. If you used Nitrous Oxide sedation, expect to feel light headed for up to 4 hours as well. Depending on the case we will write a prescription for antibiotics to prevent infection. We will also provide you a prescription for painkillers to relieve any postoperative discomfort that can occur. Patients are not required to come in for a checkup after this procedure unless they experience any issues.
Instructions for After a Tooth Extraction
A few days after the extraction of a tooth, the wound usually heals to the point where you can function normally. In the meantime, you should follow a few simple rules to help promote healing, prevent complications, and make yourself more comfortable.
How to Handle Bleeding
We will place a gauze pack on the extraction site to limit the bleeding and confine the blood while clotting takes place. This pack should be left in place for 30 minutes after you leave the office. Do not chew on the pack.
If bleeding or oozing continues after the pack is removed:
- Fold and DAMPEN a piece of clean gauze. Place it directly on the extraction site and bite firmly on the pad applying moderate pressure. Do this for about 30 minutes. Repeat if necessary.
- DO NOT suck on the extraction site. Remember that a lot of saliva and a little blood may look like a lot of bleeding.
- DO NOT sleep with gauze pack.
- If heavy bleeding continues, please call us!
Taking Care of the Tooth Socket
After the extraction of a tooth, a blood clot forms in the tooth socket. This is normal. It is important to avoid things that might disturb the clot.
- Do not smoke, rinse your mouth vigorously, or drink through a straw for at least 24 hours.
- Do not eat until anesthesia (numbness) has worn off.
- Do brush and floss your teeth. Please be gentle around the extraction site.
- Limit strenuous activity for 24 hours after the extraction.
- Drink lots of liquids and eat soft nutritious food.
- Avoid alcoholic and carbonated beverages.
- The day after the extraction, gently rinse your mouth with warm salt water.
You may download and print these Post Tooth Extraction Instructions.
Options for Replacement
If the extracted tooth requires replacement, we typically recommend a dental implant as it is the most robust choice. Other, less invasive options are bridges, or partials. After your extraction, Dr Boucek will be happy to discuss this choice so you can make an informed decision. Sometimes if the tooth was removed due to overcrowded teeth, a restorative procedure is unnecessary.
If you are in need of a tooth extraction, please contact our office today for an appointment.