Oral Surgery in San Marcos at The Hills Family Dentistry

Tooth Extraction

In Dental Procedures, Dental Services by [email protected]

Tooth Extraction

The Hills Family Dentistry in San Marcos prioritizes the health of your mouth, and sometimes tooth extraction becomes necessary. Dr. Jordan Thomas, a member of the Academy of Osseointegration, handles oral surgery procedures in our office. With years of experience removing teeth, Dr. Thomas routinely performs tooth extractions, including those requiring bone grafts. While third molars (wisdom teeth) are often referred to an oral surgeon for maximal comfort and sedation options, we handle most extractions in-house.

Tooth extractions may be needed for various reasons, such as decay, infection, fractures extending below the gumline, fractured roots, or failed root canals. At The Hills Family Dentistry, we are fully equipped to manage most necessary tooth extractions, ensuring you receive the care you need without additional referrals. We use an allograft (freeze-dried and sterilized cadaver bone) and PRF (platelet-rich fibrin) to enhance healing by placing white blood cells directly in the area. To read more about PRF and how it's obtained click here.

Tooth Extraction in San Marcos by Jordan Thomas, DMD at The Hills Family Dentistry

Post-Extraction Care

The recovery period following a tooth extraction varies, but it is generally advised to take it easy for a few days and avoid strenuous activities. Some discomfort may be experienced initially, but symptoms should gradually improve. Maintaining a clean extraction site and preventing food particles from entering are essential to prevent infection. Here are some common recommendations to follow after a tooth extraction:

  • Stay biting on gauze for 15-30 minutes following the extraction. Replace the gauze with a new piece when it becomes saturated.
  • Gauze should be folded into a small square and placed directly down on the extraction site – pressure on the extraction site is the most important part.
  • The day of the tooth extraction, try to eat cold soft foods and avoid hot, hard, crunchy or sticky foods.
  • Continue to brush and floss the neighboring teeth as normal.
  • If sutures were placed, avoid pushing them with your tongue or pulling/tugging them in any way.
  • For 3 days avoid:
    • Use of straws, spitting or anything that will create a positive pressure inside of your mouth.
    • Rinsing vigorously after brushing your teeth if a bone graft was placed.
    • Using a water flosser around the extraction site.
  • Avoid alcohol-based mouthwashes for 1 week. You can use a saltwater rinse after 3 days (teaspoon of salt in a glass of water).
  • If there is prolonged bleeding past 30 minutes, try wetting a tea bag (cut off the string attached) and place over the extraction site and bite down.
  • Contact our office if you notice: large swellings, pain that is escalating as the days go by, extreme pain within a few days following the procedure or pus oozing from the area weeks after the procedure.

Tooth extraction with bone graft is performed routinely in our office to ensure optimal healing and bone preservation. Contact The Hills Family Dentistry today at (760) 798-7166 for more information about tooth extraction services in San Marcos.