Preserving the Tooth Extraction Site

Sometimes pulling teeth is a necessary procedure for overcrowding in the mouth or a raging infection due to tooth decay. It isn’t a procedure to be taken lightly. Unlike wisdom teeth removal where they are located in the back of the mouth and sutures are used, the tooth extraction site essentially becomes an open wound, one that needs to be monitored and given time to heal. We at Bridge Smiles Dental Group understand that getting a tooth pulled isn’t very fun, but we are committed to making the procedure and healing process as comfortable as we can for our patients. 

If you ever think your healing process doesn’t feel normal, you should contact your dentist. Signs of complications include:

-Cough, shortness of breath, or chest pain

-Severe nausea or vomiting

-Redness, swelling, or excessive discharge from the extraction site

-Signs of infection, such as fever and chills

Something else to keep in mind when removing teeth is what to do with that open space once it has healed. If a tooth is removed and nothing is done to the extraction site, your jaw bone will degenerate and change shape while the site heals. This can create problems in your bite and may affect chewing and speaking. Make sure you and your dentist come up with a plan to fill this space.

Bridge Smiles Dental Group P.A. has two locations for your convenience. Our first office is located on 820 US Hwy 202 North in Neshanic Station, NJ 08853. To make an appointment at this location, please call 908-782-4418. Our second office is located on 15 North Bridge St. in Somerville, NJ 08876. To make an appointment at this location, please call 908-725-0400. For more information, feel free to also visit our website at bridgesmilesdental.com.