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Dr. Firlik can restore your dental health with single- or multiple-tooth extractions of any teeth that cannot be preserved.
Wisdom teeth in particular cause problems when they protrude through the gums. When a wisdom tooth is impacted, it means the tooth is coming in at an angle and not straight through the gum line. This can cause pain, and the tooth might come in unevenly or only emerge partially. When a wisdom tooth emerges partially a flap of skin, an operculum, might form over the tooth. This can make the tooth hard to clean, and pieces of food can collect under the skin. This can cause an infection, called pericoronitis, to develop. It will usually go away on its own, but it causes swelling and pain in the area. Impacted teeth, however, can cause infections and need to be removed. Before an extraction, Dr. Firlik will use a local anesthetic for the comfort of the patient. However, you might prefer intravenous sedation during this procedure, in which case you would be referred to an oral surgeon. During the extraction, the gum tissue around the tooth is cut open to reveal the tooth. The tooth is loosened until it can be lifted out of the gums. Sometimes a tooth is impacted so tightly that more complex techniques are needed to remove it. Depending upon the incision and extraction site, sutures might be needed to close the area. After the surgery you will need to rest. You should be driven home by a friend or family member, because anesthesia will affect your alertness and judgment. You can expect for the extraction site to bleed somewhat for a while after the surgery. Gauze will be applied at the completion of the surgery, and you will need to change it when it becomes soaked. Rest when you return home, but do not lie flat, as that could prolong the bleeding. Prop up your head on a pillow when lying down. If Dr. Firlik prescribes pain medication, use it if you experience high levels of pain. You also can use an ice pack to relieve pain. Dr. Firlik might provide you with a cleaning solution to clean the extraction site. If bleeding continues for more than 24 hours you should call our office. After your surgery, you will be limited to soft foods for a few days. Some recommended foods are:
When drinking, do not use a straw, because the sucking motion can loosen your sutures and slow the blood clotting process. You also should not smoke during the recovery period. If you have prolonged pain, bleeding, irritation, or don’t feel that the extraction site is healing properly, call our office for a follow-up visit. To request an appointment, call Firlik Family Dentistry in Grand Rapids, MI at (616) 361-0603. |
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Firlik Family Dentistry
6225 W River Dr NE Belmont, MI 49306 (616) 361-0603 drfirlik@drfirlik.com Preventive Dentistry Bonding & White Fillings Dental Cleanings & Exams Dental Sealants Fluoride Treatment Gum Disease Treatment Cosmetic Dentistry Inlays & Onlays Porcelain Veneers ZOOM! Teeth Whitening Orthodontics Invisalign Orthotropics Restorative Dentistry All-On-4 Dental Implants Dental Bridges Dental Crowns Dental Implants Dentures Additional Dentistry Night Guards Protective Mouth Guards Sleep Apnea Treatment TMJ Therapy (TMD Therapy) Wisdom Teeth Removal Dental Emergencies |
Firlik Family Dentistry
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