Blog – Dentist Parker CO | Green Dental Care

May 05 0

Root Canal Awareness Week

Posted by Sydney

Celebrating Root Canal Awareness Week with Green Dental Care

Happy Root Canal Awareness Week! We are so excited to raise awareness about this common procedure many patients undergo. Root Canals tend to have a bad reputation, but with modern techniques and new dentistry, our Parker CO dentist is able to ease patients’ minds about this procedure. So, what exactly is a root canal? Let’s start with the basics.

What is a Root Canal?

A root canal is a procedure that is used to patch and preserve a severely injured or decaying tooth rather than extracting it. The treatment consists of the following steps of removing the impacted region of the tooth (the pulp); and then, cleaning and disinfecting it. Finally, we put the tooth back together, relieving the patient’s pain.

So, essentially, the word “root canal” refers to the cleaning of the canals inside the tooth’s root. Our Emergency dentist Parker CO explains that the goal of a root canal is to relieve a patient’s pain and saving their original tooth.

A Sign That You May Like A Root Canal

Trauma to the teeth, deep rot, cracks, and chips, or repetitive dental operations may all lead to pulp infection. Our friend, Dr. Ben Kacos, Endodontist Shreveport, shares a few signs that indicate you can need a root canal.

Severe discomfort when chewing or biting, or when using hot or cold foods
A cracked or chipped tooth
Swollen gums that are tender
A darkened tooth

Will I be able to feel pain during a root canal?

Although there is a lot of fear around root canals in Parker CO, new technology has enabled a much more relaxed patient experience. You should not experience something during the surgery if you have had dental anesthesia.

Is a root canal going to make my tooth weaker?

Yes. To clean the tooth correctly, your dentist must cut the tooth structure above the inflamed or damaged nerve tissue. After the inner tissue of the tooth is lost, the tooth becomes porous and prone to fracture. To secure the tooth from infection or fracturing after a root canal, the tooth should be correctly healed with a build-up and crown.

Instructions for After-Operation

Congratulations on making it through the dreaded root canal procedure unscathed. You’ll be relieved to learn that, according to new research, the five-year success rate for root canals is greater than 90%.

It is not unusual for any mild to moderate pain to occur in the region after the root canal. It is common for the tooth to be sore for 10 days after today’s operation. Depending on the conditions, the tooth and underlying tissues can be painful for several weeks after surgery. This can be caused by a variety of causes, including soreness from the injection, soreness from the location of the rubber dam clip, and inflammation around the root tip.

Inflammation is a common part of the healing process when the body clears the region surrounding the tooth’s tip of the damaged pulp tissue. Your tooth could be vulnerable to biting pain, or it could even feel loose. The inflammation and irritation of the nerve endings of the tissue just outside the end of the root where we washed, irrigated, and inserted filler and sealer material is the cause of everything.

Aftercare for Root Canals

Following the completion of your root canal therapy, you will be set for a follow-up restoration consultation. Your restorative dentist will determine the type of repair needed to preserve your teeth. Complications after routine endodontic care or microsurgery are uncommon in endodontic patients.

However, if an issue does arise, we are still available to answer. Continue to exercise proper oral hygiene to avoid further deterioration!

Root Canals in Parker CO

Think you may need a root canal in Parker, CO? Contact our same-day dentist Parker, Co today. We’d love to relieve your pain.

Apr 28 0

Does a Throbbing Tooth Mean Infection?

Posted by Sydney

Does a Throbbing Tooth Mean Infection?

Toothaches are tricky; they can be as minor as a tinge or as severe as a crippling pain. That is why we want to share some of the most common toothache causes, symptoms, and when you should see your dentist in Parker, CO.

What Are The Most Common Causes of Toothache?

A toothache can be caused by factors other than an underlying disease. Toothaches can be caused by getting something stuck between the teeth, flossing, biting into something hard, or wearing braces. Remember that tooth pain is a normal part of childhood development.

The following are some of the most common causes of toothache:

Caries of the teeth
Inflammation of the pulp of the tooth
Broken or fractured tooth receptive
Fillings on teeth that have been damaged
Infected gums or gum disease
Abscessed tooth
A tooth that has become impacted
Repetitive motions, such as teeth grinding or chewing gum
Congestion or infection of the sinuses (non-dental related issues)

When Should I Visit a Dentist for a Toothache?

Your toothache is excruciating.
You have consistent tooth pain that lasts more than a day or two.
Inflammation rises.
Swelling occurs in the area around your jaw or face.
There is redness around the gums or your gums are bleeding.
You have a fever or an earache.
If you notice a cracked, broken, or chipped tooth, you will feel pain when you open your mouth wide.
Pain that is dull and persistent can be an indication of something that will worsen if not treated.
You’ve recently had a facial or mouth trauma.

If you have any of the above symptoms, we recommend seeing your emergency dentist Parker CO as soon as possible.

How Do I Stop The Throbbing In My Tooth?

While you’re waiting to see your dentist, try these self-care tips for some temporary relief:

Warm salt water should be used to rinse your mouth.
Gently floss between teeth to remove plaque or food buildup.
Apply a cold compress to the affected area, such as your cheek or jaw.
Minor pain can be relieved by taking over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), acetaminophen (Tylenol), and aspirin.
Numbing gels or pastes, such as benzocaine, can help to alleviate discomfort.

What Happens When I Go to The Dentist For a Toothache?

First, your dentist will perform a dental exam. He or she will ask you questions about your discomfort, such as:

Then your dentist in Parker CO will look at your teeth, gums, and mouth. Depending on what your dentist suspects is causing your toothache, X-rays of your tongue, jaws, and throat, as well as sinuses, nose, ears, and neck, may be taken, along with other tests.

What Are the Treatments for a Toothache?

The treatment for a toothache is determined by the source of the pain. If a cavity is the source of your toothache, your dentist will remove the decay or infection, fill the cavity, or extract the tooth (only if there is no way to save the tooth).

If the cause of the toothache is a tooth infection of the tooth’s nerve, a root canal Parker CO may be required. That type of infection is caused by bacteria that have made their way into the inner areas of the tooth. If there is swelling or fever in the jaw, your dentist may prescribe an antibiotic to treat the infection.

If you are experiencing any tooth pain, please contact Green Dental Care today and book an emergency appointment.

Apr 21 0

Dental Bonding for Broken Teeth

Posted by Sydney

Dental Bonding for Broken Teeth

Your teeth are naturally strong and are can last a lifetime if you take good care of them. Chipping a tooth, on the other hand, is simpler than you think – and it doesn’t require a punch in the face or an unfortunate t-ball accident. A tooth can be cracked by a glass bottle, a water fountain, ice cubes, or during childbirth. Dental bonding is often used to repair broken teeth by your dentist in Parker, CO. In this article. We discuss what you need to know about dental bonding for broken teeth.

What Exactly is Tooth Bonding?

Tooth bonding (dental bonding) is a cosmetic dental procedure that is used to repair a chipped, cracked, or broken tooth. It also aids treating discolored teeth, gaps between teeth, and even the lengthening of shorter to other than the rest. The “bond” is a composite resin that fills in the gaps where your tooth has broken to make it look as good as new. Unlike a crown (which is used for fillings), the composite color will be similar to the color of the tooth, allowing it to appear natural.

Why would you choose tooth bonding, even for a minor chip?

Many people are most concerned with their smiles, but repairing chips and cracks is also important for your overall oral health. It aids in proper chewing and prevents further damage that could jeopardize the health of the surrounding teeth.

Who Benefits from Tooth Bonding?

Tooth bonding is most appropriate for teeth that have sustained minor injuries and are not severely decayed. These minor injuries are easily detected through the use of autofocus dental cameras explains Digital Doc, a leader in dental technology.

Suppose you have lost a tooth (or most of a tooth, or tooth is severely damaged, a dental implant may be preferable to bonding. Dental implants, which consist of an implant and a porcelain crown, completely replace the tooth and root.

Furthermore, tooth bonding is best suited for people who are already satisfied with the color of their teeth. If you’ve always wanted to whiten your teeth, you should do so before consulting with your dentist about teeth bonding. Your dentist selects a bond that is similar to the color of your natural teeth; if you later whiten your teeth, your natural enamel will lighten, but your bond will not change color. We go over this in greater detail below.

What is Dental Bonding?

Teeth bonding is a simple in-and-out procedure that doesn’t even require anesthesia unless you also need a filling or the dentist needs to alter your tooth’s shapes drastically. You may also require anesthesia if you chipped a tooth near your nerve, as the work could cause pain.

The first step is to select a composite resin color that is as close to the color of your tooth as possible. Your dentist will consult a chart to ensure that their decision is correct. The best dentist in Parker, CO, Dr. Chris Gre, willen prepares the composite resin bonded to your existing tooth. They begin by roughening the surface and applying a bonding agent. The rough surface facilitates the adhesion of the liquid and the composite.

Your dentist will then apply the composite resin to the affected area and mold it to repair the damage. After that, everything is driven by a UV light. It’s fine if you don’t think it’s perfect the first time. Even after the resin has dried, your dentist can shape the tooth further.

How to Maintain Your Bonded Tooth?

Nothing, not even composite resin, is as strong as your natural teeth and enamel. So, while your bond is repairing the tooth, you must still take good care of it. You should refrain from chewing on ice cubes or pens. Excessive consumption of hard foods and candies can also harm your bond. However, these aren’t good for your natural teeth, so it’s best to avoid them in general, especially if you have a history of chipped or broken teeth. It’s also worth noting that resin does not resist long-term stains as well as enamel. If you consume a lot of coffee and red wine or smoke, you are more likely to develop long-term discoloration.

Unfortunately, composite resin cannot be whitened. So, if you stain your bond, you may be stuck with it unless you replace it or opt for dental veneers. A bond can be used to whiten your teeth. Whitening gels will not harm the composite resin, but you will notice a color difference as your tooth’s appearance changes but your bond remains the same.

Are You Ready to Make Your Smile Perfect?

Although our teeth are extremely strong, they are not indestructible. Teeth bonding is a technique used to repair cracks, chips, and even gaps between your teeth. It is painless, long-lasting, and can be completed in a single appointment.

The procedure is most effective on healthy teeth that have suffered minor damage or trauma. Before getting your bond, you should also be satisfied with the color of your teeth. If you’ve always wanted to whiten your teeth in preparation for your bond, talk to your dentist about it.

Are you prepared to improve your smile? To schedule an appointment with our cosmetic dentist in Parker, please contact us.

Apr 14 0

Saving a Tooth from Extraction

Posted by Sydney

Saving a Tooth from Extraction

When a tooth becomes infected, it may appear that tooth extraction Parker CO is the best option. However, don’t jump to conclusions too quickly. In some cases, it is advantageous to keep your natural teeth. Before you decide to save your natural tooth, make sure you are fully informed about your tooth’s condition.

A root canal Parker CO or tooth extraction are two procedures that your dentist in Parker CO can perform if an x-ray reveals an infection within your tooth. Several symptoms may appear, indicating the need for root canal therapy. Let’s take a closer look at when a tooth can be saved before you agree to tooth extraction.

When is it possible to save a tooth?

If a tooth is infected with bacteria, this is the first sign that it can be saved. But don’t your teeth get infected by millions of harmless bacteria in your mouth?

In the mouth, harmless bacteria behave differently. Dental plaque accumulates in your mouth every day as you eat and drink. Plaque can build up and cause cavities over time if you do not practice proper dental hygiene, such as flossing daily and brushing your teeth after each meal.

Early Cavity Filling can Save Your Tooth

When you eat a lot of sugar, acid forms in your mouth, which can erode the enamel on your teeth; this is why dentists say sugar is bad for your teeth. A dentist must remove the decayed material from cavities and fill them explains emergency dental Colorado Spring, Dr. Christopher Green.

If you do not treat cavities, your teeth can decay through the root canals, which is when your tooth becomes infected. Depending on how long you’ve had the cavity, a root canal treatment may be able to save your tooth.

Remove Plaque from Your Teeth

Plaque, like cavities, can increase your risk of gum infections, which cause chronic inflammation. Gum inflammation weakens your gums and causes your teeth to detach, resulting in periodontal pockets. These pockets can become infected, causing the bone to deteriorate and the tooth’s position to shift.

Dentists can treat gum disease by removing plaque. After the plaque is removed and the gum inflammation subsides, the tissues in your mouth have time to strengthen.

Trauma to the Teeth

Car and sporting accidents can result in tooth injuries. Tooth trauma, whether caused by a baseball swiping you in the face or being involved in a car accident, can be excruciatingly painful. The tooth may be too damaged to save depending on the severity of the accident. For example, if your tooth is severely cracked and extends below the gum line as a result of an accident, extraction may be your only option.

Inadequate Space

Overcrowding is similar to tooth impaction in that your teeth are crammed together in your mouth. Overcrowding causes straight smiles to become crooked. The solution to overcrowding is to remove the teeth in the back of the mouth to make room for the remaining teeth to grow properly. You can regain a well-aligned smile by removing the back molars and wearing braces.

As you can see, deciding when to save your tooth and when to have it extracted requires some thought.

After your emergency dentist Parker CO examines your teeth, he or she will be able to make the best recommendations for extraction. It can be difficult to decide whether to remove or save your teeth, and they can assist you in making the best decision for you and your dental health.

To learn more about when to save a tooth and when to extract it, call Green Dental Care.

Apr 07 0

Deep Teeth Cleaning Benefits

Posted by Lauren Edvalson

Deep Teeth Cleaning Benefits

Your oral health may have an impact on your overall health. If it’s been a while since your last visit, you should consider scheduling a dental deep cleaning. What is a deep cleaning, and how can it help your health?

Continue reading to find out! Our Parker CO dentist explains everything you need to know about deep teeth cleaning benefits.

What Exactly is a Deep Cleaning Procedure in the Dental System?

We will begin with a thorough examination of the dental deep cleaning procedure. Dental hygiene is critical for keeping your teeth clean, fighting gum disease, and preventing bad breath. Failure to practice proper dental hygiene can result in problems such as loose teeth, receding gums, and bleeding gums. If any of these symptoms sound familiar, contact your dentist 80134 to make an appointment for a dental deep cleaning.

This treatment is also known as root planing or periodontal scaling. Bacteria can grow and spread if food particles are left between your teeth. This bacteria has the potential to form plaque over time. Plaque is a clingy film that adheres to the surface of your teeth. Every time you brush, you are removing plaque. However, if left unattended, the plaque can harden. It has the potential to harden into tartar over time. Tartar removal from your teeth will require the services of your dentist. Otherwise, you run the risk of developing gum disease, such as gingivitis.

Planing and Scaling

You may need to spread out your dental deep cleaning procedure over two or more visits if they require gum scaling and root planing. Scaling is the process of removing tartar and plaque from beneath your gum line. Planing, on the other hand, removes tartar and plaque from the roots of your teeth. Scaling and planing ensure that your gums properly reattach to your teeth.

What are the Benefits of Dental Deep Cleanings?

Many patients report long-term benefits following their deep cleaning appointment. For example, you can halt the progression of gum disease before it progresses to periodontitis explains the best Dentist Lexington KY, Dr. Jinyoung Kim. Oral diseases affect approximately 3.5 billion people worldwide. In fact, approximately 10% of the global population suffers from severe periodontal disease. This type of gum disease may result in tooth loss.

Periodontitis can also cause the following symptoms:

Changes in your teeth’s position
Chewing discomfort
Breath problems
Bleeding gums while brushing or flossing
You have a bad taste in your mouth.
Gums that are receding
Tartar and plaque buildup on your teeth
Gums that are tender, swollen, and red
An inflammatory reaction

You can protect your teeth and gums from periodontitis by scheduling regular deep cleanings! Are you interested in scheduling an appointment with Green Dental Care? Contact us, today!

Mar 24 0

How to fix crooked teeth

Posted by Lauren Edvalson

Two Ways to Fix Crooked Teeth

Modern medicine has given us many solutions to crooked teeth. Many of the patients that come in to see our cosmetic dentist Parker CO, are looking for ways to straighten their teeth and enhance their smile. Are you considering a smile makeover? Check out these options Green Dental Care provides to fix crooked teeth.

Problems with Crowded Teeth

Crooked teeth can cause a number of serious health problems:

TMJ
Gum Recession
Headaches
Gum Disease
Tooth Decay
Difficulty Eating
Difficulty Speaking
Tooth Pain

Solutions to Fix Teeth Crooked

Veneers

Dental veneers are a popular cosmetic fix. Veneers are simply masking the fact that your front teeth are crooked and creating a false front. This would have given you a perfect smile from the outside. In addition, the best part is that getting veneers is a matter of weeks, compared to the many months it can take to straighten your teeth with braces explains Denver veneers dentist, Dr. Sean O’Grady.

Invisalign

The clear aligner is a great alternative to regular braces. Invisalign is thin, but sturdy, flexible plastic trays that are molded to fit your teeth. Pressure from the trays gradually moves your teeth to a new position, and you’ll gradually switch out the trays as your teeth move.

Clear aligners are metal-free, removable and barely visible. However, the only downside is that you have to be responsible for wearing your trays every day as directed by the provider to get them to work.

Contact Green Dental Care

Crooked teeth can cause self-esteem issues as well as lead to some health problems. But just because you may have your teeth packed now doesn’t mean you’re going to have to live with them forever. You can fix your crooked teeth and create the smile of your dreams! Contact us today and get your smile crafted by the best dentist in Parker CO, Dr. Green.

Mar 17 0

Root Canal FAQ

Posted by Lauren Edvalson

Root Canal FAQ

Root canals are common procedures our dentist office Parker CO treats. Here are some of the root canal frequently asked questions we get from patients in need of this procedure.

Why does my tooth still hurt if my tooth is dead?

When the pulp tissue inside the tooth is necrotic (dead), the discomfort is no longer caused by inflamed tissue inside the tooth, but rather by inflammatory activity in the bone around the tooth. Necrotic pulp tissue inside the tooth must be removed to eliminate the source of inflammation in the bone around the tooth, explains Dr. Beth Herko, an emergency dentist New Providence NJ.

How long does the root canal procedure take and how many visits do I need?

The appointment times and visits may vary depending on the difficulty of treatment and the specific needs of the patient. Root canal Parker CO treatment will most often be completed in one to two visits, each lasting 60 to 90 minutes.

Why is this going to have to be done in two visits?

Typically, root canal specialists like Dr. Chris Green, will complete a root canal on one visit. This is certainly more convenient. In some cases, the dentist must perform the root canal in two visits depending on various factors, including anatomy, infections, calcifications and others.

Are you offering sedation?

Yes, Green Dental Care is a sedation dentist Parker CO. We provide sedation to help ease your fears while keeping you safe and relaxed throughout your procedure.

Can I go to work after my root canal treatment?

In most cases, you may be able to return to work after a root canal. Most postoperative symptoms are mild and may require counter-analgesics. However, you will experience numbness in the treated area for 1-2 hours after endodontic treatment. If you feel that you are unable to get back to work, we would be happy to give you a doctor’s note.

Do I need to go back to my dentist for filling (permanent restoration)?

It is extremely important that you return to your dentist for the permanent restoration of your tooth unless otherwise stated by our office. Please contact your Parker CO dentist within 1-2 weeks of treatment. Your dentist will mail or e-mail a full report of your dental treatment. Failure to return to your restorative dentist may result in root canal reinfection or loss of a tooth due to breakdown.

When do I have to go back to my dentist for the final restoration?

Please contact us after 1-2 weeks. We will mail or e-mail a full report of your dental treatment to your general dentist. Failure to return to your restorative dentist may result in root canal reinfection or loss of a tooth due to breakdown.

Contact Green Dental Care

If you have been experiencing toothaches and pains, contact us! We will examine the area and determine if a root canal procedure is needed.

Mar 10 0

Immediate Dentures

Posted by Lauren Edvalson

Restore Your Smile with Immediate Dentures

Immediate dentures are false teeth that Parker CO dentist, Dr. Chris Green can insert on the same day that your natural teeth are removed. The whole process takes several appointments from start to finish. That way you will never have to go home with missing teeth. This is why many patients decided to restore their smiles with immediate dentures.

What is the Denture Procedure Like?

Constructing your immediate dentures requires only one or two preliminary appointments before the date of insertion. The number of appointments needed to make an immediate denture depends on how many of your natural teeth remain. Then our technician will customize the mold to make immediate dentures. The dentist will perform the tooth extraction Parker CO patients need at your next appointment and insert the denture directly over the sockets.

Tooth Extraction Procedure

In order to prepare for this procedure, the dentist numbs the patient’s mouth so that the patient does not feel much pain afterward. By combining extraction with insertion in one procedure, not only do you see your smile transform instantly, but these quick teeth act as a protective layer and reduce bleeding and swelling. Our friend and dentures St. Petersburg provider, Dr. Brian Leeson explains that several months after receiving immediate denture, and all dental extraction sites have been healed, a denture reline is recommended for best fit.

Benefits of Immediate Denture

Some of the benefits of immediate dentures Parker CO patients have explained to us are explained below:

new, gorgeous dentures at the same time
you never go home without your teeth!
These quick dentures are a good alternative to waiting 6-8 weeks for your dentures after surgery to remove your teeth.

Turn Your Smile Today

So, do you need teeth extracted due to periodontal disease, tooth decay, or injury, and you don’t want to go without teeth? Contact Green Dental Care today and we will help get you on the right track to restoring your smile!

Mar 03 0

Invisalign Treatment Process

Posted by Lauren Edvalson

The Invisalign Treatment Process

Invisalign is a popular option for patients that want to discreetly straighten their teeth. Although braces are a great option, most young adults or older adults opt for clear aligners. Have you ever considered Invisalign to treat your crooked smile? Check out the Green Dental Care Invisalign treatment process so that you can make an informed decision!

First Step of the Invisalign Treatment Process

After you’ve been approved as a candidate for Invisalign Parker CO dentist, Dr. Green will take images, scans, and x-rays of your mouth. Then, Dr. Green will work with the Invisalign team to develop a treatment plan, custom-tailored to your mouth.

It usually takes about four weeks for your first set of aligners to be manufactured and arrive at our office. You’ll wear each aligner for 20-22 hours per day, and swap aligners every 2 weeks. About every 6 weeks, you’ll come in for an appointment with your cosmetic dentist in Parker to ensure that your treatment is on track, and you’ll receive your next 2-3 sets of aligners.

Treatment usually takes about 20-24 sets of aligners, so the total treatment time is usually under a year, though this varies from patient to patient.

The Benefits Of Invisalign

Invisalign has a number of benefits compared to traditional metal braces. Invisalign is removable, so there are no food or dietary restrictions, and you can remove your aligners to do things like play musical instruments or sports. Unlike braces, you don’t need regular adjustments, so you’ll spend less time in your dentist’s exam chair explains our friend and cosmetic dentist Bethlehem, GA, Dr. Uyen Hoang. Invisalign is completely invisible and doesn’t affect speech, so nobody needs to know about your orthodontic treatment! Your aligners exert more gentle, even pressure on your teeth compared to braces, leading to less discomfort and tenderness during your treatment.

Schedule Your Consultation With Dr. Christopher Green Now!

Do you want to learn more? Let’s get started with Invisalign, get in touch with Dr. Green at Green Dental Care today! After an oral exam, he can discuss your orthodontic options with you, and whether or not you’re a good candidate for this treatment. Give us a call at 720-845-5252 to get started, or come visit us at 19551 Hess Road, Suite 100, Parker, Colorado 80134.

Feb 24 0

Tooth Extraction Post-Op Instructions

Posted by edvalsonmktg

Tooth Extraction Post-Op Instructions 2021

Are you concerned about compromising the healing process after a tooth extraction? Are you unsure about what you should or should not do in the immediate aftermath of a dental extraction procedure? In this article, your favorite dentist in Parker, CO, share tooth extraction post-op instructions for routine dental work.

Post-Op: Avoid Spicy Foods

It is recommended that you avoid spicy foods during the first few days after your tooth extraction procedure. Spicy foods can trigger pain at the extraction site because some of the active ingredients in the spices could irritate exposed nerves, causing intense pain. Additionally, some of those spices may react with the clot at the extraction site and break it up, resulting in fresh bleeding. It is therefore advisable for you to refrain from consuming any spicy foods in the first week after your tooth extraction surgery.

Post-Op: Avoid Chewy or Sticky Foods

We asked our friend, Dr. Dave Moghadam, a 18042 dentist, about post tooth extraction recommendations. Dr. Moghadam highly urges patients to refrain from eating chewy or sticky foods during the first 4-5 days after the tooth has been extracted. Sticky or chewy foods can get stuck in the socket left after the tooth was surgically removed. Additionally, any sticky or chewy foods that you consume can attach to the clot in the extraction site, and these foods will remove the clot.

Post-Op: Brush Carefully

You should not neglect your routine oral hygiene habits like brushing and flossing just because you have just had a tooth extracted. However, it is important to brush carefully, especially the areas close to the extraction site. To be on the safe side, don’t brush or rinse the mouth in the first 24 hours after the tooth extraction procedure. Thereafter, brush with care and don’t allow the toothbrush to get close to the extraction site. Also, don’t swish water, mouthwash, or any oral care fluid in your mouth. Just lower your mouth and let the oral care liquids (warm salty water, for example) pour out of your mouth under the force of gravity.

Post-Op: Prevent Dry Socket

Dry socket is a painful condition in which one loses the clot during the initial stages of the healing process, and the socket remains open. The healing process will be compromised once this happens. Parker dental care experts recommend three key steps to prevent dry socket.

First, patients are advised to avoid sucking through a straw since this may dislodge the blood clot that has formed at the tooth extraction site.

Secondly, Dr. Green advises against spitting forcefully during the first week or so after the tooth extraction procedure. Such a forceful act can dislodge the blood clot and result in dry socket.

Thirdly, it is advisable to avoid smoking for at least one week after your tooth has been extracted. Smoking can interfere with the efficient flow of blood to the extraction site, so healing may take longer. Additionally, the chemicals in cigarettes can also break up the clot and cause bleeding at the extraction site.

Post-op: Use an Ice Pack

Green Dental Care also recommends that you apply an ice pack to the exterior of the side of your jaw where a tooth was removed. Keep the ice pack on for a maximum of 20 minutes, and then keep it off for a minimum of 10 minutes. Do this during your waking hours in the first 24 hours after the tooth was extracted. The ice pack will help to minimize swelling. After 24 hours, discontinue the use of an ice pack and resort to applying a warm towel to the jaw.

Post-Op: Follow a Soft Diet

Only eat soft food during the first few days after your tooth is extracted. Foods like mashed potatoes, yogurt, pudding, and smoothies are suitable for someone who has just undergone tooth extraction. After about five days, switch back to your normal diet unless you experience soreness or pain while chewing. In that case, revert to the soft foods once again.

Post-Op: Avoid Sports or Vigorous Activities

Emergency dentists in Parker, CO, also recommend that patients avoid taking part in sports or any vigorous activities during the first five days after having a tooth extracted. Such activities can apply pressure on the extraction site, and you may end up losing the clot covering the socket.

Post-Op: Take All Meds as Prescribed

Your dentist may prescribe some medications, such as pain medication and antibiotics, after the tooth extraction procedure. Take all those medications in accordance with the instructions given by Dr. Green. This adherence will keep you free from pain, and infections will be warded off during the healing process.

Notify your doctor or dentist as soon as you suspect that you have developed an allergic reaction to the medication you are taking. For example, you could develop a rash, itchiness, swelling, or difficulty breathing.

Follow-Up Visits with Your Dentist in Parker, CO

Another important part of your post tooth extraction care is the follow-up visits scheduled by Dr. Green or any other dental care professional who extracted your tooth. The first visit usually happens about a week after the extraction.

These follow-up visits enable the dentist to check the extraction site and confirm that you are healing as expected. The follow-up visit may also provide an opportunity to remove any sutures that were placed during the extraction procedure. Dr. Green urges you to attend all the follow-up appointments recommended so that any developing issue during the healing process can be detected and resolved promptly.

While the post-op process is expected to proceed smoothly, it is also wise for you to know when something may be wrong, and you need urgent attention. For example, you should contact your Parker, CO dentist, or your doctor immediately if you are in severe pain days after the extraction or when swelling increases. Don’t disregard anything unusual that you experience during the healing process. Contact Green Dental Care immediately so that you can be given professional advice about the next steps to take.

Editor’s note: This post was originally published in May 2019 and has been completely revamped and updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness.