“It’s like pulling teeth” may be an expression you use when getting your kids to pick up their toys or do their homework, but nothing is like pulling teeth than actually getting your teeth pulled. Often, patients who are chronic tobacco users, have poor dental hygiene, or extreme periodontal disease need to have their teeth pulled due to decay and erosion.
Just like with any surgical procedure, following the proper care instructions will prevent you from developing an oral infection.
Keep your Head Elevated
If you sleep flat on your back, this tip may be especially annoying to follow, but it’s important. Keeping your head elevated will help prevent excessive bleeding. Try elevating your head with two pillows for the first couple of nights.
Avoid Toothpaste
It may sound counterintuitive, but you shouldn’t use toothpaste for the first week after your extraction. The foam from your toothpaste can result in dry sockets. To clean your teeth, try dipping your toothbrush in a little bit of mouthwash and gently brush your teeth— avoiding the surgical area.
Don’t Rinse
One of your initial instincts to get blood out of your mouth may be to rinse with some water, but rinsing after a tooth extraction can lead to a dry socket. Avoid rinsing your mouth for about one to two weeks after your surgery.
Apply Pressure
For the first day or two, try to apply frequent pressure to the surgical area by biting down on a clean gauze pad or a damp tea bag. The frequent repetition of the pressure will help decrease the bleeding— just make sure to change out the pad frequently to avoid a bacterial infection.
After your tooth extraction, we will send you home with a detailed list of care instructions. Learn more about tooth extractions and care instructions and contact Dr. Janice Scott today!
Your mom always told you to watch your words and mind your manners so that you wouldn’t leave a bad impression on those around you. And although it’s good to make a lasting impression with a strong personality and sense of self, it’s equally as important to make a lasting impression when you come into our office with a 
It seems like decades ago that you were sitting inside huddled up, waiting for warm weather. And now that summer is in full swing; you’re hopefully spending as much time outside barbecuing and lounging by the pool with friends and family as possible. One of the best parts about the warm weather is the cool treats and fresh produce to snack on. To help you choose some foods that are good for your body and your oral health, we have created a list of three foods to snack on for a healthier smile. Read on to learn more.
Just like an onion, there are many different layers of a tooth. There’s the top layer: the enamel, the middle layer: the dentin, and the bottom layer: the pulp. If bacteria seeps through all the layers of the tooth and into the pulp, it can cause an abscess to occur. This abscess can cause extreme swelling and inflammation near the root of the pulp; leaving you in a whole lot of pain and discomfort. So, how can you tell if you have an abscessed tooth? From extreme pain to swollen lymph nodes, this article will list a few symptoms to be wary of. Read on to learn more.
It may seem like “gluten free” options are at every grocery store or local restaurant. And even though it can seem like a trendy diet, it is actually a dietary restriction for those who have a condition called Celiac disease. As an immune-mediated disease that occurs when a patient is exposed to gluten, it can cause severe abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, and diarrhea. Additionally, there are oral manifestations to this disease as well which are especially useful to know about if you suspect your child has Celiac. From delayed tooth eruption to a decrease in salivary flow, this article will list a few oral indications that your child may have Celiac disease. Read on to learn more.
Whether you’re a regular soda drinker or the kind of person who just has one on occasion, there’s one thing you know for certain: nothing goes better with pizza quite like a frosty mug of root beer. However, considering soda isn’t exactly packed full of vitamins and minerals, there are some healthier alternatives that you could be drinking. But what is soda doing to your teeth? Is it causing your teeth harm and decay? This article will discuss if soda is bad for your teeth and what you need to know.
Did you know that you are supposed to visit the dentist every six months for a 
Smiling is something that most people view as an involuntary response to external situations. Think about the last funny video you watched of a puppy falling asleep while standing up. Just the recollection of something funny or joyful evokes a genuine smile. What we are learning from numerous studies is that smiling doesn’t have to be involuntary; it can be a choice. We are also learning that this act produces much more than goodwill between ourselves and another person.
Most of us are aware that soda can really do a number on our teeth and our general state of 
Did you know that you should have your teeth professionally cleaned twice a year? If you haven’t had your teeth cleaned in who knows how long, Dr. Janice Scott can get your teeth back to the way they should be in no time. By cleaning your teeth, giving you a dental exam, and maybe even performing some x-rays on your mouth, Dr. Janice Scott will be able to properly assess the condition of your oral health.
A sure way to know if your child is really suffering from severe dental pain is if they suddenly have a loss of appetite. Most children have a routine eating schedule that they consistently stick to, but if you notice that your little one isn’t wanting to eat anything at all, then it could be due to dental pain. Before taking your child to the dentist immediately, ask your child if you can look in their mouth. Try pressing on certain parts of their gums and teeth and see if that causes them any pain or have them point out any painful areas to you.
Many adults don’t bother to get their teeth checked out until they’re facing a potential dental health crisis. Of course, this isn’t the ideal way to address