Tooth Extractions in Colorado Springs

Dr. Guerra can remove almost all wisdom teeth. Depending on the complexity and the level of sedation the patient requires, Dr. Guerra will occasionally refer you to a highly reputable oral surgeon that Dr. Guerra works regularly with. Dr. Guerra will administer a local anesthetic before the removal of any tooth. For multiple extractions, oral sedation or IV sedation may be used. We require that you have a family member or close friend accompany you to the office and bring you home after your procedure if either oral sedation is used since it may make you groggy and no patient should drive a vehicle in this state.

Stitches are sometimes required after tooth removal. Some stitches have to be removed after a few days, while others will dissolve on their own. Dr. Guerra will inform you if you need to have them removed. To help stop the bleeding, a folded gauze pad will be provided.

What To Expect After Surgery

Most cases require just a few days of recovery. As your oral surgeon, Dr. Guerra will prescribe painkillers. The following tips will help speed up your recovery.

Change the gauze pads when they become moistened with blood. Bite down on them every so often.
Call Dr. Guerra if you still have bleeding 24 hours after your surgery.
While your mouth is numb, be careful not to bite the inside of your cheek, lip, or your tongue.
Prop up your head with pillows. This will speed up the healing process.
Use an ice pack on the outside of your cheek for the first 24 hours. For the following few days, you can use moist heat such as a washcloth soaked in warm water and wrung out.

No strenuous physical activity for 3-5 days.
Eat soft foods, such as gelatin, pudding, or a thin soup. Gradually add solid foods to your diet as healing progresses.
Do not use a straw. Sucking on a straw can loosen the blood clot and delay healing.
Rinse your mouth with warm salt water several times a day to reduce swelling and relieve pain.
Do not smoke for at least 24 hours after your surgery, smoking decreases the blood supply and can bring germs and contaminants to the surgery area.
Avoid contact with the area (tongue, fingers and straws).
Carefully brush your teeth and tongue.
Dr. Guerra will remove the stitches if needed about 3 days after surgery.

A wisdom tooth is removed to avoid future problems or to correct a problem caused by the incoming tooth. Problems that can occur are:

Not enough space in your mouth for them, and they may become impacted and unable to break through your gums.
Infection can occur by your wisdom tooth coming in partway through your gums, causing a flap of gum tissue to grow over them. Food and germs can become trapped under the flap causing inflammation, redness and irritation.
An impacted tooth can cause more serious problems such as infection, damage to other teeth and bone, or the development of a cyst.
Angle of the tooth can be off, with the top of the tooth facing forward, backward, or to either side.

How Well It Works

Wisdom tooth removal often prevents:

Crowding of teeth. Primarily in the back.
Having an impacted tooth.
Infection that causes redness, inflammation and irritation to your gums.
Gum disease and tooth decay.