Though your permanent teeth are meant to last your whole life, a tooth may need to be removed in certain cases. Our dentist and team want you to enjoy an optimal recovery after tooth extraction, which is why we encourage you to treat the area with proper care.

You may need to have a tooth removed if:

– An extra tooth is preventing other teeth from erupting as they should.
– A permanent tooth can’t come in because a baby tooth hasn’t fallen out yet.
– Your mouth needs more space for orthodontic treatment.
– You have a decayed tooth that can’t be saved.
– Tooth infection has developed as a result of cancer medications.

After having a tooth removed, we encourage you to follow any instructions provided by our dentist to enhance your recovery and reduce the risk of complications from tooth loss. General post-op instructions include:

– After the extraction, bite down on a piece of gauze for half an hour to stop any bleeding.
– For two hours, minimize any eating, drinking, or talking.
– After that, drink plenty of cold or lukewarm beverages.
– On the day that your tooth is removed, only eat soft food and drink clear liquids.

– Do not brush or rinse your mouth for 12 hours after receiving an extraction.
– When you start brushing again, avoid the treated area and rinse with a diluted mouthwash or lukewarm saltwater.
– Take any pain relievers as prescribed by our dentist.
– Call our office if you experience any complications.

If you need to have a tooth removed and would like to learn more about the recovery process of a tooth extraction in Dallas, Texas, please call Lake Highlands Dental at 214-613-1279 today. Dr. Lyndel Stripling and Dr. Shawn Nemovi are here for your healthy smile!