Post-Extraction Swelling

Are you anticipating getting a tooth removed? There’s probably nothing to worry about. Here at Bayberry Dental Care, we routinely perform simple extractions that leave patients more comfortable and in a better position to care for their oral health in the future. We provide patients with instructions to stay safe and minimize discomfort while recuperating, but we thought it would be a good idea to teach people how to deal with swelling ahead of time.

Swelling prevents harmful pathogens from entering through the socket and makes membranes more permeable to peptides the immune system uses. But normally, the blood will quickly clot, sealing off the empty socket. In the first forty-eight hours after an extraction, the patient may try to minimize swelling by holding a cold pack against their mouth. The pack should be dry and they should use it for no more than fifteen minutes at a time. They should also allow fifteen minutes to pass before putting the cold pack back on.

Usually, swelling peaks within three days of an extraction. After that, a patient may try to speed its reduction by applying hot packs, again using the fifteen on/fifteen off rule. It will take a few days for the swelling to go down completely. Black or white discoloration around an extraction site requires urgent attention, but red discoloration is expected and will fade with the swelling.

Kathleen M. Falsey, D.D.S., operates Bayberry Dental Care at 8014 West 171^st St, Tinley Park, Illinois, 60477. To schedule an appointment, call 708-802-8300 or visit Bayberry Dental Care and fill out a contact sheet.

 

Measures to Take Before Oral Surgery

Oral surgery procedures can range from tooth extractions to receiving dental implants. Just like there are precautions to take after surgery, you’ll need to prepare yourself for your appointment. Dr. Kathleen Falsey, DDS of Bayberry Dental Care is here to make you feel as comfortable as possible throughout this entire process.

If you have an illness, such as a cold, flu, or an upset stomach, please notify the office of your appointment. If you take routine oral medications, please notify us of these as well. If you are ready to have a tooth removed, or dental implant surgery, you may not eat or drink anything (including water) eight hours prior to surgery. There is also no smoking up to 12 hours before. Because oral surgery requires heavy anesthesia, a responsible adult will need to accompany you to your appointment to drive you home. When arriving at the office, please be sure to wear loose-fitting clothes, no nail polish, and no makeup. If you are wearing jewelry, it will need to be removed during the procedure.

If you have questions about oral surgery, don’t hesitate to give us a call. To learn about services we provide at our practice, visit www.bayberrydentalcare.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Kathleen Falsey, DDS in our Tinley Park, IL office, call Bayberry Dental Care at 708-802-8300.

Avoiding and Managing Dry Sockets

Though there are many reasons why tooth extractions may be necessary, our biggest concern following them is always a dry socket. At Bayberry Dental Care, we provide our patients with post-operational instructions to help them avoid complications, but accidents can happen, particularly if an extraction required incisions and sutures. Therefore, we want our patients to know how to recognize a dry socket so they can get help.

The extraction of a tooth will leave behind an empty socket through which it may be possible to see the jaw bone, but if all goes well, the socket will quickly clot over with blood. If it doesn’t, the socket will painfully dry out and be at risk of infection. Patients are told not to use birth control because it can prevent clot formation, and following the extraction, they will need to change their normal habits to avoid ripping the clot loose. Sipping through a straw and smoking are the behaviors which most commonly expose sockets.

If there are complications, the socket will probably dry out within two days. Patients should request an emergency appointment so they can be supplied with painkillers and antibiotics. Dr. Falsey will vacuum the socket clean and dress it with medicated gauze or paste. The dressings will have to be changed every few days until the socket closes, but under supervision, it should heal fully.

Kathleen M. Falsey, D.D.S., operates Bayberry Dental Care at 8014 West 171^st St, Tinley Park, Illinois, 60477. To schedule an appointment, call 708-802-8300 or visit BayberryDentalCare.com and fill out a contact sheet.