Cleanings & Prevention

A preventive program is a cooperative effort by the patient, dentist, and dental staff to preserve the natural dentition and supporting structures by preventing the onset, progress, and recurrence of dental diseases and conditions.


Preventing dental disease starts at home with good oral hygiene and a balanced diet. It is continued in the dental office by the efforts of your dentist and dental hygienist to promote, restore, and maintain your oral health. Prevention also includes regular dental exams, cleanings, and x-rays. Sealants and fluoride are also great preventive treatments that help protect the teeth.


Prevention helps avoid serious and costly dental problems and is the key to having a healthy, confident, beautiful smile.

  • Dental Exams & Cleanings

    Dental Exam

    A comprehensive dental exam will be performed by your dentist at your initial dental visit. At regular check-up exams, your dentist and hygienist will include the following:


    Examination of diagnostic x-rays (radiographs): Essential for detection of decay, tumors, cysts, and bone loss. X-rays also help determine tooth and root positions.

    Oral cancer screening: Check the face, neck, lips, tongue, throat, tissues, and gums for any signs of oral cancer.

    Gum disease evaluation: Check the gums and bone around the teeth for any signs of periodontal disease.

    Examination of tooth decay: All tooth surfaces will be checked for decay with special dental instruments.

    Examination of existing restorations: Check current fillings, crowns, etc.


    Professional Dental Cleaning

    Professional dental cleanings (dental prophylaxis) are usually performed by Registered Dental Hygienists. Your cleaning appointment will include a dental exam and the following:


    Removal of calculus (tartar): Calculus is hardened plaque that has been left on the tooth for some time and is now firmly attached to the tooth surface. Calculus forms above and below the gum line and can only be removed with special dental instruments.

    Removal of plaque: Plaque is a sticky, almost invisible film that forms on the teeth. It is a growing colony of living bacteria, food debris, and saliva. The bacteria produce toxins (poisons) that inflame the gums. This inflammation is the start of periodontal disease!

    Teeth polishing: Remove stain and plaque that is not otherwise removed during tooth brushing and scaling.

  • Dental X-Rays

    Dental radiographs (x-rays) are essential, preventative, diagnostic tools that provide valuable information not visible during a regular dental exam. Dentists and dental hygienists use this information to safely and accurately detect hidden dental abnormalities and complete an accurate treatment plan. Without x-rays, problem areas may go undetected.


    Dental x-rays may reveal:


    • Abscesses or cysts.

    • Bone loss.

    • Cancerous and non-cancerous tumors.

    • Decay between the teeth.

    • Developmental abnormalities.

    • Poor tooth and root positions.

    • Problems inside a tooth or below the gum line.

    • Detecting and treating dental problems at an early stage can save you time, money, unnecessary discomfort, and your teeth!


    Are dental x-rays safe?

    We are all exposed to natural radiation in our environment. The amount of radiation exposure from a full mouth series of x-rays is equal to the amount a person receives in a single day from natural sources.


    Dental x-rays produce a low level of radiation and are considered safe. Dentists take necessary precautions to limit the patient’s exposure to radiation when taking dental x-rays. These precautions include using lead apron shields to protect the body and using modern, fast film that cuts down the exposure time of each x-ray.


    Our office has implemented complete digital x-ray system. This means that amount of radiation exposure has been decreased from 50%-90% versus the old film-based x-rays. While we believe that traditional film-based x-ray system is safe, we can be even safer.


    How often should dental x-rays be taken?

    The need for dental x-rays depends on each patient’s individual dental health needs. Your dentist and dental hygienist will recommend necessary x-rays based on the review of your medical and dental history, dental exam, signs and symptoms, age consideration, and risk for disease.


    A full mouth series of dental x-rays is recommended for new patients. A full series is usually good for three to five years. Bite-wing x-rays (x-rays of top and bottom teeth biting together) are taken at recall (check-up) visits and are recommended once or twice a year to detect new dental problems.

  • Home Care

    A beautiful, healthy smile that lasts a lifetime is our ultimate goal when treating patients. Your personal home care plays an important role in achieving that goal. Your personal home care starts by eating balanced meals, reducing the number of snacks you eat, and correctly using the various dental aids that help control the plaque and bacteria that cause dental disease.


    Tooth brushing – Brush your teeth at least twice a day (especially before going to bed at night) with an ADA approved soft bristle brush and toothpaste.


    Place the brush at a 45-degree angle to the gums and gently brush using a small, circular motion, ensuring that you always feel the bristles on the gums.

    Brush the outer, inner, and biting surfaces of each tooth.

    Use the tip of the brush to clean the inside of the front teeth.

    Brush your tongue to remove bacteria and freshen your breath.

    Electric toothbrushes are also recommended. They are easy to use and can remove plaque efficiently. Simply place the bristles of the electric brush on your gums and teeth and allow the brush to do its job, several teeth at a time. Sonicare brand toothbrush is recommended.




    Flossing – Daily flossing is the best way to clean between the teeth and under the gumline. Flossing not only helps clean these spaces, it disrupts plaque colonies from building up, preventing damage to the gums, teeth, and bone.


    Take 12-16 inches (30-40cm) of dental floss and wrap it around your middle fingers, leaving about 2 inches (5cm) of floss between the hands.

    Using your thumbs and forefingers to guide the floss, gently insert the floss between teeth using a sawing motion.

    Curve the floss into a “C” shape around each tooth and under the gumline. Gently move the floss up and down, cleaning the side of each tooth.

    Floss holders are recommended if you have difficulty using conventional floss.


    Rinsing – It is important to rinse your mouth with water after brushing, and also after meals if you are unable to brush. If you are using an over-the-counter product for rinsing, it’s a good idea to consult with your dentist or dental hygienist on its appropriateness for you.


    Use other dental aids as recommended by your dentist or dental hygienist: Interdental brushes, rubber tip stimulators, tongue cleaners, irrigation devices, fluoride, medicated rinses, etc., can all play a role in good dental home care.

Periodontal Disease

The word periodontal means “around the tooth”. Periodontal disease attacks the gums and the bone that support the teeth. Plaque is a sticky film of food debris, bacteria, and saliva. If plaque is not removed, it turns into calculus (tartar). When plaque and calculus are not removed, they begin to destroy the gums and bone. Periodontal disease is characterized by red, swollen, and bleeding gums.


Four out of five people have periodontal disease and don’t know it! Most people are not aware of it because the disease is usually painless in the early stages.


Not only is it the number one reason for tooth loss, research suggests that there may be a link between periodontal disease and other diseases such as, stroke, bacterial pneumonia, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and increased risk during pregnancy. Researchers are determining if inflammation and bacteria associated with periodontal disease affects these systemic diseases and conditions. Smoking also increases the risk of periodontal disease.


Good oral hygiene, a balanced diet, and regular dental visits can help reduce your risk of developing periodontal disease.

Signs and symptoms of periodontal disease:


• Bleeding gums – Gums should never bleed, even when you brush vigorously or use dental floss.

• Loose teeth – Also caused by bone loss or weakened periodontal fibers (fibers that support the tooth to the bone).

• New spacing between teeth – Caused by bone loss.

• Persistent bad breath – Caused by bacteria in the mouth.

• Pus around the teeth and gums – Sign that there is an infection present.

• Receding gums – Loss of gum around a tooth.

• Red and puffy gums – Gums should never be red or swollen.

• Tenderness or Discomfort – Plaque, calculus, and bacteria irritate the gums and teeth.

  • Diagnosis

    Periodontal disease is diagnosed by your dentist or dental hygienist during a periodontal examination. This type of exam should always be part of your regular dental check-up.


    A periodontal probe (small dental instrument) is gently used to measure the sulcus (pocket or space) between the tooth and the gums. The depth of a healthy sulcus measures three millimeters or less and does not bleed. The periodontal probe helps indicate if pockets are deeper than three millimeters. As periodontal disease progresses, the pockets usually get deeper.


    Your dentist or hygienist will use pocket depths, amount of bleeding, inflammation, tooth mobility, etc., to make a diagnosis that will fall into a category below:


    Gingivitis


    Gingivitis is the first stage of periodontal disease. Plaque and its toxin by-products irritate the gums, making them tender, inflamed, and likely to bleed.


    Periodontitis


    Plaque hardens into calculus (tartar). As calculus and plaque continue to build up, the gums begin to recede from the teeth. Deeper pockets form between the gums and teeth and become filled with bacteria and pus. The gums become very irritated, inflamed, and bleed easily. Slight to moderate bone loss may be present.


    Advanced Periodontitis


    The teeth lose more support as the gums, bone, and periodontal ligament continue to be destroyed. Unless treated, the affected teeth will become very loose and may be lost. Generalized moderate to severe bone loss may be present.

  • Treatment

    Periodontal treatment methods depend upon the type and severity of the disease. Your dentist and dental hygienist will evaluate for periodontal disease and recommend the appropriate treatment.


    Periodontal disease progresses as the sulcus (pocket or space) between the tooth and gums gets filled with bacteria, plaque, and tartar, causing irritation to the surrounding tissues. When these irritants remain in the pocket space, they can cause damage to the gums and eventually, the bone that supports the teeth!


    If the disease is caught in the early stages of gingivitis, and no damage has been done, one to two regular cleanings will be recommended. You will also be given instructions on improving your daily oral hygiene habits and having regular dental cleanings.


    If the disease has progressed to more advanced stages, a special periodontal cleaning called scaling and root planing (deep cleaning) will be recommended. It is usually done one quadrant of the mouth at a time while the area is numb. In this procedure, tartar, plaque, and toxins are removed from above and below the gum line (scaling) and rough spots on root surfaces are made smooth (planing). This procedure helps gum tissue to heal and pockets to shrink. Medications, special medicated mouth rinses, and an electric toothbrush may be recommended to help control infection and healing.


    If the pockets do not heal after scaling and root planing, periodontal surgery may be needed to reduce pocket depths, making teeth easier to clean. Your dentist may also recommend that you see a Periodontist (specialist of the gums and supporting bone).

  • Maintenance

    It only takes twenty-four hours for plaque that is not removed from your teeth to turn into calculus (tartar)! Daily home cleaning helps control plaque and tartar formation, but those hard-to-reach areas will always need special attention.


    Once your periodontal treatment has been completed, your dentist and dental hygienist will recommend that you have regular maintenance cleanings (periodontal cleanings), usually four times a year. At these cleaning appointments, the pocket depths will be carefully checked to ensure that they are healthy. Plaque and calculus that is difficult for you to remove daily will be removed from above and below the gum line.


    In addition to your periodontal cleaning and evaluation, your appointment will usually include:


    Examination of diagnostic x-rays (radiographs): Essential for detection of decay, tumors, cysts, and bone loss. X-rays also help determine tooth and root positions.

    Examination of existing restorations: Check current fillings, crowns, etc.

    Examination of tooth decay: Check all tooth surfaces for decay.

    Oral cancer screening: Check the face, neck, lips, tongue, throat, cheek tissues, and gums for any signs of oral cancer.

    Oral hygiene recommendations: Review and recommend oral hygiene aids as needed. (Electric toothbrushes, special periodontal brushes, fluorides, rinses, etc.)

    Teeth polishing: Remove stain and plaque that is not otherwise removed during tooth brushing and scaling.

    Good oral hygiene practices and periodontal cleanings are essential in maintaining dental health and keeping periodontal disease under control!

Restorations

It’s great news that the incidence of tooth decay has significantly diminished over the years due to the use of fluorides and an increase in patient awareness. However, teeth are still susceptible to decay, infection, and breakage and sometimes need to be restored back to health. Through improved techniques and modern technology, we are now able to offer more options for restoring a tooth back to its normal shape, appearance and function.


Should your teeth ever require a restorative treatment, you can rest assured knowing we will always discuss with you the available options, and recommend what we believe to be the most comfortable and least invasive treatment. Providing you with excellent care is our number one priority when creating your beautiful smile.

Reasons for restorative dentistry:


• Enhance your smile.

• Fill in unattractive spaces between teeth.

• Improve or correct an improper bite.

• Prevent the loss of a tooth.

• Relieve dental pain.

• Repair damaged and decayed teeth.

• Replace missing teeth.

• Replace old, unattractive dental treatments.

• Restore normal eating and chewing.

• Remember to give your teeth the attention they need today! 


  • Composite Fillings

    A composite (tooth colored) filling is used to repair a tooth that is affected by decay, cracks, fractures, etc. The decayed or affected portion of the tooth will be removed and then filled with a composite filling.


    There are many types of filling materials available, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. You and your dentist can discuss the best options for restoring your teeth. Composite fillings, along with silver amalgam fillings, are the most widely used today. Because composite fillings are tooth colored, they can be closely matched to the color of existing teeth, and are more aesthetically suited for use in front teeth or the more visible areas of the teeth.


    As with most dental restorations, composite fillings are not permanent and may someday have to be replaced. They are very durable, and will last many years, giving you a long lasting, beautiful smile.


    Reasons for composite fillings:


    Chipped teeth.

    Closing space between two teeth.

    Cracked or broken teeth.

    Decayed teeth.

    Worn teeth.

    How are composite fillings placed?

     

    Composite fillings are usually placed in one appointment. While the tooth is numb, your dentist will remove decay as necessary. The space will then be thoroughly cleaned and carefully prepared before the new filling is placed. If the decay was near the nerve of the tooth, a special medication will be applied for added protection. The composite filling will then be precisely placed, shaped, and polished, restoring your tooth to its original shape and function.

    It is normal to experience sensitivity to hot and cold when composite fillings are first placed, however this will subside shortly after your tooth acclimates to the new filling.


    Check out the video section for an animated description.

  • Same Day Crowns (Caps)

    A same day crown (or cap) is a covering that encases the entire tooth surface restoring it to its original shape and size. A crown protects and strengthens tooth structure that cannot be restored with fillings or other types of restorations.


    Although there are several types of crowns, ceramic (tooth colored crown) are the most popular. They are highly durable and will last many years, but like most dental restorations, they may eventually need to be replaced. Porcelain crowns are made to match the shape, size, and color or your teeth giving you a natural, long-lasting beautiful smile.


    Reasons for crowns:


    Broken or fractured teeth.

    Cosmetic enhancement.

    Decayed teeth.

    Fractured fillings.

    Large fillings.

    Tooth has a root canal.

    What does getting a crown involve?


    A crown procedure usually requires two appointments but with our Cerec technology we can prepare and deliver your crown the same day. At your appointment we will take a series of digital scans of your tooth or area that we are restoring, along with your opposing teeth and bite. Once your initial scans are complete, we are ready to prepare your tooth for the restoration.


    While the tooth is numb, the dentist will prepare the tooth by removing any decay and shaping the surface to properly fit the crown. Ince these details are accomplished; we will rescan the tooth or area we are restoring and use our CAD/CAM technology to design a new restoration chair side. The process of making your crown or restoration takes 30 minutes.


    Once the crown or restoration is complete, we will cement your crown permanently with a resin cement and check your bite. You will be able to resume normal functions (eating, chewing etc...) once your numbing is gone around 2 hours.


    You will be given care instructions and encouraged to have regular dental visits to check your new crown. 

  • Dentures & Partial Dentures

    A denture is a removable dental appliance replacement for missing teeth and surrounding tissue. They are made to closely resemble your natural teeth and may even enhance your smile.


    There are two types of dentures - complete and partial dentures. Complete dentures are used when all of the teeth are missing, while partial dentures are used when some natural teeth remain. A Partial denture not only fills in the spaces created by missing teeth, it prevents other teeth from shifting.


    A Complete denture may be either “conventional” or “immediate.” A conventional type is made after the teeth have been removed and the gum tissue has healed, usually taking 4 to 6 weeks. During this time the patient will go without teeth. Immediate dentures are made in advance and immediately placed after the teeth are removed, thus preventing the patient from having to be without teeth during the healing process. Once the tissues shrink and heal, adjustments will have to be made.


    Dentures are very durable appliances and will last many years, but may have to be remade, repaired, or readjusted due to normal wear.


    Reasons for dentures:


    • Complete Denture - Loss of all teeth in an arch.

    • Partial Denture - Loss of several teeth in an arch.

    • Enhancing smile and facial tissues.

    • Improving chewing, speech, and digestion.


    What does getting dentures involve?

    The process of getting dentures requires several appointments, usually over several weeks. Highly accurate impressions (molds) and measurements are taken and used to create your custom denture. Several “try-in” appointments may be necessary to ensure proper shape, color, and fit. At the final appointment, your dentist will precisely adjust and place the completed denture, ensuring a natural and comfortable fit.


    It is normal to experience increased saliva flow, some soreness, and possible speech and chewing difficulty, however this will subside as your muscles and tissues get used to the new dentures.


    You will be given care instructions for your new dentures. Proper cleaning of your new dental appliance, good oral hygiene, and regular dental visits will aid in the life of your new dentures.

  • Fixed Bridges

    A dental bridge is a fixed (non-removable) appliance and is an excellent way to replace missing teeth.


    There are several types of bridges. You and your dentist will discuss the best options for your case. The “traditional bridge” is the most popular type and is usually made of porcelain fused to metal. This type of bridge consists to two crowns that go over two anchoring teeth (abutment teeth) and are attached to pontics (artificial teeth), filling the gap created by one or more missing teeth.


    Dental bridges are highly durable and will last many years, however they may need replacement or need to be re-cemented due to normal wear.


    Reasons for a fixed bridge:


    • Fill space of missing teeth.

    • Maintain facial shape.

    • Prevent remaining teeth from drifting out of position.

    • Restore chewing and speaking ability.

    • Restore your smile.

    • Upgrade from a removable partial denture to a permanent dental appliance.

    • What does getting a fixed bridge involve?


    Getting a bridge usually requires two or more visits. While the teeth are numb, the two anchoring teeth are prepared by removing a portion of enamel to allow for a crown. Next, a highly accurate impression (mold) is made which will be sent to a dental laboratory where the bridge will be fabricated. In addition, a temporary bridge will be made and worn for several weeks until your next appointment.


    At the second visit, your permanent bridge will be carefully checked, adjusted, and cemented to achieve a proper fit. Occasionally your dentist may only temporarily cement the bridge, allowing your teeth and tissue time to get used to the new bridge. The new bridge will be permanently cemented later.


    You will receive care instructions at the conclusion of the procedure. Proper brushing, flossing and regular dental visits will aid in the life of your new permanent bridge.

  • Root Canal Therapy

    Root canal therapy is needed when the nerve of a tooth is affected by decay or infection. Root canal therapy is also called endodontics. In order to save the tooth, the pulp (the living tissue inside the tooth), nerves, bacteria, and any decay are removed and the resulting space is filled with special, medicated, dental materials, which restore the tooth to its full function. Check out the video section for animated description.


    Having a root canal done on a tooth is the treatment of choice to save a tooth that otherwise would die and have to be removed. Many patients believe that removing a tooth that has problems is the solution, but what is not realized is that extracting (pulling) a tooth will ultimately be more costly and cause significant problems for adjacent teeth.


    Root canal treatment is highly successful and usually lasts a lifetime, although on occasion, a tooth will have to be retreated due to new infections.


    Signs and symptoms for possible root canal therapy:


    • An abscess (or pimple) on the gums.

    • Sensitivity to hot and cold.

    • Severe toothache pain.

    • Sometimes no symptoms are present.

    • Swelling and/or tenderness.


    Reasons for root canal therapy:


    • Decay has reached the tooth pulp (the living tissue inside the tooth).

    • Infection or abscess have developed inside the tooth or at the root tip.

    • Injury or trauma to the tooth.

    • What does root canal therapy involve?


    A root canal procedure requires one or more appointments and can be performed by a dentist or endodontist (a root canal specialist).


    While the tooth is numb, a rubber dam (a sheet of rubber) will be placed around the tooth to keep it dry and free of saliva. An access opening is made on top of the tooth and a series of root canal files are placed into the opening, one at a time, removing the pulp, nerve tissue, and bacteria. If tooth decay is present, it will also be removed with special dental instruments.


    Once the tooth is thoroughly cleaned, it will be sealed with either a permanent filling or, if additional appointments are needed, a temporary filling will be placed.


    At the next appointment, usually a week later, the roots and the inside cavity of the tooth will be filled and sealed with special dental materials. A filling will be placed to cover the opening on top of the tooth. In addition, all teeth that have root canal treatment should have a crown (cap) placed. This will protect the tooth and prevent it from breaking and restore it to its full function.


    After treatment, your tooth may still be sensitive, but this will subside as the inflammation diminishes and the tooth has healed. You will be given over the counter Tylenol or Advil for pain control as well as narcotics in certain cases. If the dentist notices an infection in or around the tooth, an antibiotic prescription may be given as well.


    You will be given care instructions after each appointment. Good oral hygiene practices and regular dental visits will aid in the life of your root canal treatment.

Sedation

If the thought of sitting in a dental chair makes you anxious and afraid, you are not alone. In fact, thousands of people put off seeing the dentist every year and risk the health of their smile because of their fears. Drs Kwon, Garretson, Morrow, and staff understand. More importantly, they have a solution: intravenous (IV) and oral sedation dentistry. It safely puts you into a tranquil state of mind, meaning you will feel removed from what is going on and have virtually no memory of your treatment once its finished. Drs. Kwon, Garretson, and Morrow are one of the 1.5% of general dentists in North Carolina who is authorized by the State Dental Board to administer IV sedation. So don't let fear keep you from having a healthy, beautiful smile. Discover Drs. Kwon, Garretson and Morrow's soothing, comfortable approach to dental care today!

Sedation Image — High Point, NC — High Point Smile Dentistry Dr. Paul Kwon and Associates

  • IV Sedation

    Ours is one of the few general dental practices in the area offering intravenous (IV) sedation. Every patient is unique and may react differently to some medications. In general following medications are used, midazolam(Versed), meperidine(Demerol), and diphenhydramine(Benadryl). Combination of these medications create a sense of euphoria, relaxation, and amnesia. We serve patients with a wide range of needs including those with dental phobias, anxiety, fear of shots, and severe gag reflexes. In addition, we provide treatment to patients who seek IV sedation for the purpose of relaxation or convenience, thereby turning a stressful or lengthy appointment into a pleasant and comfortable experience. We treat patients who have avoided seeing a dentist for decades due to past traumatic experience every week. Most of these individuals overcome many of their hidden reservations with a single treatment using IV sedation.


    Following is typical protocol for IV Sedation


    1. Preoperative visit to check vital signs, review medical history, instruction for day of procedure.


    2. Day of procedure. Wear comfortable clothing. Light meal is ok but no caffeine. Patient is placed on vital signs monitor to measure heart rate, breathing rate and oxygen saturation. IV line is started, and medication is given until level of sedation is reached. Local anesthetic is utilized. Most patients will be extremely relaxed, and some patients will be sleeping. The main purpose of the sedation is to get the patient relaxed where they do not care about anything. When the dental procedure is finished, most patients feel as if they woke up for a good night's rest even if they did not sleep during the procedure.


    3. A responsible adult will take the patient home and monitor them for rest of the day. Most patients will not have any residual effect from the medication within 3 hours from leaving our office, but this time could be longer in certain individuals. Most patients will not have any memory of the event while the medication is given.


    Whatever the reasons- and regardless of how complex, simple or minimal the dental procedure - we make IV sedation available to any patient who requests it as long as you are fairly healthy.


    We are committed to minimizing stress and maximizing safety. We are just as committed to eliminating pain. Our office is specially trained to accommodate special needs patients. As you are discharged from our office after your dental treatment, we'll provide you with a prescription for adequate pain control as well. IV sedation is fabulous for providing moderate level of sedation.

  • Oral Sedation

    Oral sedation involves swallowing a small pill. This pill is called triazolam (Halcion). It has amnesiatic, and sedative effect. It is usually given to the patient 30 minutes before procedure. We recommend that the patient do not eat anything the morning of the treatment. This enhances the effectiveness of the medication. We will put the patient on vital signs monitor so that we can monitor the medication effectiveness and to monitor patient responsiveness. This results in light to moderative level of sedation.

  • Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)

    Nitrous oxide is a gas used to give minimal rate of sedation for most patient. It is safe, quick, and cost effective for most patients. Laughing gas is given to almost anyone requesting it whether they are getting a filling, extraction, crown or cleaning.

Extractions

There are many types of extractions. They are categorized as 1. simple 2. surgical 3. impacted, soft tissue 4. impacted, partial bony and 5. impacted, full bony. A simple exam can determine this. When the tooth involved is a wisdom tooth, sedation may be offered to minimize discomfort for the patient. A consultation will address all these issues.

 

Post-Operative Instruction

 

Bleeding is normal after a tooth extraction and may last about a day. The dentist will apply a gauze pad on the extraction site. The pad needs to be left in place for about 30 to 45 minutes. After this time, it can be replaced. If bleeding continues, a damp gauze pad needs to be applied to the area. These should be replaced regularly, before they become saturated in blood.

 

Pain, swelling or jaw stiffness generally lasts no more than a couple of days after the procedure. Dentists may give a prescription for pain medications or recommend an over-the-counter pain medication, although these are often not necessary for simple extractions. The dentist may also prescribe antibiotics if there is a high risk of infection. After the first day, a cool cloth, ice bag or warm compress may be used to help relieve swelling and stiffness.

 

Patients are generally urged to continue to floss and brush the unaffected teeth but avoid the teeth directly around the extraction site for a few days. To keep the site clean, a gentle mouth rinse of warm salt water can be used several times a day after the first day. Patients are typically advised to stick to soft, bland foods (e.g., gelatin, pudding, soup) at first and to gradually add other foods as the area heals.

 

To prevent dry socket and reduce the healing time, patients are advised not to spit, drink through a straw, or vigorously rinse their mouths for at least the first 24 hours following the procedure. Smoking needs to be avoided for at least several days after the extraction. These actions can result in the blood clot in the socket dislodging, which can cause severe pain. Patients are also frequently advised to avoid mouthwashes and touching, probing, or otherwise disturbing the extraction site (e.g., with fingers or tongue) while the area heals.

 

While the mouth is still numb, the patient may inadvertently damage the soft tissues of the inner cheek, lip, or tongue. To prevent this, patients are advised to avoid biting these areas. They should also generally avoid physical activity and lying flat, which can increase bleeding immediately after the extraction. Pillows can be used to prop up the head when lying down.

 

Patients are urged to contact their dentist if bleeding is heavy, continues for more than 24 hours or if they experience nausea, fever, chills, or severe pain.