Davenport Tooth Extractions
There can come a point when keeping a tooth presents more long-term complications than removing it. When this happens, an extraction can be performed quickly and painlessly.
Why would I need a tooth extraction?
We typically think of outstanding dentists such as Dr. Jolene Dague doing everything in their power to save patients’ teeth and keep them in place. For the most part, that is the goal at Dague Dental Solutions. But, sometimes there are circumstances that make extracting a tooth the best course of action. Here are some situations where removal might be recommended:
- To remove a wisdom tooth, either preemptively or after it has become problematic.
- To deal with a broken, cracked or severely injured tooth.
- In response to excessive decay or infection.
- To alleviate crowding, particularly for patients who will be receiving braces and need room for their other teeth to shift into place.
- In conjunction with dental implant therapy.
- For patients who are undergoing chemotherapy, preparing for an organ transplant or living with a compromised immune system, extracting a diseased tooth may be necessary for good health.
12 tips for recovering from a tooth extraction
Here are some recommended steps you can take to help the healing process along after you have had a tooth removed…
- Apply an ice pack to your cheek to reduce any swelling. Use it for about 10 minutes each time.
- After Dr. Dague places the gauze over the affected area, bite down to reduce bleeding and aid in clot formation. Leave the gauze in place for the full recommended time. (Read the section below on “dry socket” for more details.)
- Take any medications as prescribed, including over-the-counter painkillers.
- Rest and relax for the first 24 hours. Ease into your regular routine the following day.
- Don’t use a straw for the first 24 hours.
- Don’t smoke.
- Don’t rinse your mouth for 24 hours after the extraction (and spit gently if you have to do it).
- Use pillows to raise your head when you lie down.
- Brush and floss your teeth like normal, but avoid the extraction site.
- For the first 24 hours, eat soft foods like yogurt, pudding and applesauce.
- After a full day has passed, rinse your mouth with warm salt water.
- As you heal over the next few days, slowly reintroduce other foods into your diet.
What is dry socket?
After a tooth is removed, it is essential that the extraction site forms a blood clot to prevent a complication called “dry socket” from occurring. To promote clotting, the site is packed with gauze which should be left in place for the full recommended time. Removing the gauze too soon can interfere with the process and lead to dry socket, which can be painful.
Contact us about tooth extractions
If you have a damaged or diseased tooth that may need to be removed, call Dague Dental Solutions today at (563) 386-9770 or use the contact form on our website to schedule an appointment with Dr. Dague, one of the top dentists in the Quad Cities. She will assess the condition of the tooth and provide treatment.
Highly Rated Family Dentist in Davenport, Iowa
Dague Dental Solutions is located on , 5335 Eastern Ave, Suite A, Davenport, Iowa. From Quad City International Airport Take 27th St and US-6 W/Hiawatha Pioneer Trl to I-74, Head north on Airportring Rd toward Airport Entrance. turn right onto Airport Entrance, turn right onto 69th Ave/Airport Rd, turn right onto 27th St, turn left onto US-6 W/Hiawatha Pioneer Trl. Follow I-74 to E 53rd St in Davenport. Take exit 1 from I-74, Continue onto I-74 and enter Iowa. Take exit 1 toward E 53rd St, follow E 53rd St to your destination, turn left onto E 53rd St, use any lane to turn right, Turn left, right, then right, and Dague Dental Solutions will be on the left. We’re open Monday-Wednesday 8:30am-5pm, Thursday 8am-4pm • For additional questions, you can call us at (563) 386-9770. Find us on Yelp, Facebook and Instagram.