Tooth Extractions in Santa Rosa, Novato, San Rafael, Napa, and San Francisco

Tooth extractions are advised for a number of reasons. Some teeth are extracted because they are severely decayed, others may have advanced gum disease or have broken in a way that cannot be repaired. Other teeth may need removal because of poor positioning in the mouth (such as impacted teeth), or in preparation for orthodontic treatment.

The removal of a single tooth can lead to problems related to your chewing ability, problems with your jaw joint, and shifting teeth, which can have a major impact on your dental health. To avoid these complications, Dr.Sandhu will discuss alternatives to extractions as well replacement of the extracted tooth.

After Extraction Home Care

The following instructions have been designed to promote ideal healing and the greatest comfort possible. Please follow them carefully.

DAYS 1-3:

  1. If someone brings you to your appointment, please make sure they wait in the office for you until your procedure is done. If you are taking sedatives you will need to arrange for a ride and your ride will need to stay with you until the procedure is done.
  2. For cold packs, use zip lock bags with party ice or frozen peas which will contour well to the face. To minimize swelling, hold an ice pack on the outside of the face, alternating 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off until you go to bed that evening.
  3. Do not rinse, spit forcefully, or drink through a straw. These actions promote increased blood flow and could cause problems. Light oozing of blood in the area is normal and biting on gauze will help, so not to worry.
  4. If your surgery is local to one side of your mouth then there are no dietary restrictions. All eating and drinking must happen with the other side of your mouth. Please follow these directions carefully. It is very important you do not cross over and cause trauma to your surgical areas.
  5. If surgery areas are on both sides then eat and drink only soft, cool foods and beverages. No hot or alcoholic beverages, hot spicy foods, and no smoking.
  6. If the surgery site begins to swell, reapply the ice packs as instructed above.

DAYS 4-7

  1. Diet can be modified to include warmer foods, but still no hot, spicy, or crunchy foods.
  2. You will not be able to brush or floss the area for the first 7 days after surgery, but you may want to lightly wipe the area using a Q-tip.

DISCOMFORT: If you have been prescribed pain medication, please take as directed, but only if needed. DO NOT DRINK ANY ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES WHILE TAKING MEDICATION.

BLEEDING: Some light bleeding will stain your saliva. Do not be alarmed. If excessive or continuous bleeding occurs, discontinue any rinsing, avoid any exertion and try the following: Gently wipe away any surface blood clots with a piece of gauze. Use a cool moistened tea bag in the immediate area of the surgical site for 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off. If needed, use a fresh tea bag or piece of gauze. Apply ice packs to the outside of your face.

IF ANY PROBLEMS DEVELOP, OR IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, PLEASE DO NOT HESITATE TO CALL OUR OFFICE AT Santa Rosa Office Phone Number 707-575-9595.