305-443-4713A tooth extraction means to have a tooth pulled. There are a number of reasons why Dr. Douglas A Deam would recommend a tooth extraction in Coral Gables, Florida. If your smile is crowded, our dentist may pull a tooth to allow the teeth to align properly. This is especially the case if our dentist is preparing your mouth for orthodontia. If a tooth cannot break the gums because there is not room in your mouth for it, our dentist may recommend extraction. If a tooth becomes severely infected to the point that root canal therapy will not cure it, extraction may necessary so the infection does not spread. If a patient has a compromised immune system because of a medical treatment like chemotherapy or an organ transplant, even the risk of infection may be reason enough for extraction. If gum disease has caused a tooth to loosen, it may need to be pulled.
After having a tooth extraction, follow the advice below to make recovery easier:
- Take painkillers as prescribed by our dentist
- Bite firmly on gauze for three to four hours, changing as necessary
- Apply ice to the area to keep the swelling down
- Relax for 24 hours
- Avoid rinsing or spiting vigorously for 24 hours
- Do not drink from a straw for 24 hours
- Eat soft foods
- Prop your head up when lying down
- Brush and floss, but avoid the extraction site
Contact the office of Douglas A. Deam, DMD, PA today to learn more and to schedule an appointment.