Tooth Extraction
Vineyard Valley Dental in Temecula is committed to maintaining your oral health—even when a tooth needs to be removed. Dr. Jordan Thomas has extensive experience in performing tooth extractions, including cases involving bone grafting. While complex wisdom teeth extractions may be referred to a specialist for deep sedation, most extractions can be performed comfortably in our Temecula dental office.
Why Tooth Extractions Are Necessary
There are several reasons a tooth may need to be extracted:
- Severe decay or infection
- Cracks or fractures extending below the gumline
- Failed root canals
- Advanced periodontal disease
We use the latest techniques and prioritize your comfort throughout the procedure. In many cases, a bone graft is placed at the extraction site to preserve bone for future treatment options like dental implants.
Aftercare Instructions for Tooth Extractions
Following your extraction, proper care is crucial to avoid complications and ensure optimal healing. Here are key guidelines:
- Keep firm pressure with gauze over the extraction site for 15–30 minutes, replacing it as needed.
- Fold gauze into a square and place it directly over the site for effective pressure.
- Stick to cold, soft foods the day of the extraction and avoid hot or crunchy items.
- Continue brushing and flossing other teeth normally, but avoid the extraction site.
- Leave any sutures undisturbed—don’t poke or pull on them.
- For 3 days, avoid:
- Using straws, spitting, or anything that creates suction in the mouth
- Vigorous rinsing (especially if bone grafting was done)
- Using a water flosser near the site
- Avoid alcohol-based mouthwashes for one week. After three days, you may use a saltwater rinse (1 tsp salt in 8 oz warm water).
- If bleeding persists beyond 30 minutes, bite on a moist tea bag placed directly over the site.
- Contact our office if you experience increasing pain, swelling, or signs of infection such as pus or fever.
At Vineyard Valley Dental, tooth extractions with bone grafting are performed regularly and gently to help protect your long-term oral health.