The Hirshberg Dental Group: Boston and Wellesley Massachusetts

I lost my tooth when I was recently injured. What do I do?

If the tooth is loose, even extremely so, but is still attached in any way, leave it in place; do not remove it.
If it is out of its socket completely and unattached, but still in the victim's mouth, it is best to have the person hold it there, if possible, until a dentist can attempt re-implantation.
If it is out of the mouth, do not let it dry out. Handle it as little as possible. Do not attempt to disinfect the tooth, or scrub it, or remove any tissue attached to it.
If it is recovered from the ground or other soiled area, rinse it off in lukewarm water. Preserve it in milk until a dentist is available. If milk is not available, lukewarm water will suffice. not available, lukewarm water will suffice.
Time out of the socket is critical in the long-term success of re-implantation. After 30 minutes, the success potential begins to decline. However, re-implantation is still possible after several hours, so the attempt can still be made even if the tooth has been out for a long period.

Post-Operative Instructions for Tooth Extraction

After a tooth extraction, you may feel some pain and/or swelling. Before you leave the office, Dr. Hirshberg will prescribe any necessary medications and send you with an ice pack to retard swelling. The following is further information regarding this procedure.
Bleeding - After an extraction, a folded gauze pack is placed over the extraction site to assist the blood clot to form. Keep pressure on it for 30 to 45 minutes and replace if bleeding continues. Slight bleeding may occur up to 2 days. Avoid activities that could apply a suction action to the blood clot such as smoking or drinking through a straw.
If excessive seeping of blood persists, bite on a moist tea bag for 30 minutes to 1 hour to help with clotting. (This will also help stop bleeding)
Exercise - Limit vigorous physical activity for 24 hours after the extraction.
Rinsing - Do not rinse your mouth today. Tomorrow you can rinse your mouth gently with a glass of warm water mixed with 1 teaspoon of salt. You can do this every 3-4 times a day especially after meals.
Swelling - Following an extraction, some swelling and skin bruising may occur. A cold moist cloth or an ice bag applied to the cheek will keep it to a minimum. Place on affected area for about 15-20 minutes of every hour for the next 6 hours.
Medications - If ibuprofen or acetaminophen taken as directed doesn't relieve the discomfort you may experience, a stronger medication can be prescribed. If antibiotics are prescribed to you, it is imperative that you take them for the time indicated, even if you are no longer feeling any symptoms.
Food - A light diet with plenty of fluids is recommended the first day. Chewing should be done away from the extraction site.
Oral Hygiene - Continue brushing and flossing and being extra gentle near the extraction site.
Bony Fragments - During healing you may notice small bony fragments working their way through the gums. This is normal. Please call your specific doctor from The Hirshberg Dental Group at 617-542-8808 for an appointment to remove these if they do not dislodge on their own. We can easily remove them if they are too annoying.

If your face or jaw swells up noticeably and/or if you develop a fever. Please call our emergency line, it is possible you have an infection, and a prescription of an antibiotic would be appropriate.

Emergency Products Available at Your Pharmacy

For loss of fillings- temporary fill
For loose crown (either temp or perm)- temporary cement
For broken tooth- temp material that can cover the tooth and make a temporary cap
For tooth pain- have various medications to apply that will temporarily relieve tooth pain
For canker sores- various medications that are topical applications to relieve pain
All products vary from $5 to $15.

Post Operative Instructions For Periodontal Surgery

When the anesthesia wears off, you may experience some discomfort. In order to help you during this period, please take the prescribed medication if needed. Anti-inflammatory medication such as AdvilÒ or MotrinÒ are most useful when taken regularly for 5 days.
If an antibiotic was prescribed, please complete the prescription, unless instructed otherwise. If you experience a reaction such as a rash, stop taking the medication and please call.
It is common to notice light bleeding for up to 3 days after the surgery. If there is more considerable bleeding, apply pressure by squeezing a moist gauze pad over the area for 10 minutes (a moist non-herbal tea-bag can be used). Repeat this up to 45 minutes. Do not rinse vigorously as this will increase the bleeding.
Swelling increases three days after a procedure and may last for two or three days. To help reduce this, for 4 hours after surgery, an ice-pack may be applied to the cheek, alternating on and off for periods of 5-10 minutes. Often bruising is noted a few days after the procedure and warm moist heat is helpful. This can be accomplished by the use of a moist wash-cloth or a gel-pak from a pharmacy.
Please limit yourself to a soft diet for 3 to 5 days. Try to maintain a balanced diet and increase clear fluids. Do not drink through a straw for 24 hours as this creates suction which may cause or increase bleeding. Try to avoid extremely hot or cold foods and drinks, carbonated beverages, highly seasoned and sticky foods.
You may rinse your mouth gently every 3-4 hours with a glass of warm water mixed with 1/2 teaspoon of salt. This is to promote healing and removes food which accumulates. This can be repeated as needed.
Do not brush the surgical area for at least one week and resume there when instructed. You should brush in your regular routine the other areas of your mouth. If a prescription mouthwash was given, 1/2 capful should be used after brushing, as directed. It is very important that your mouth be kept as clean and plaque-free as possible.
You may resume your regular activities but should avoid excessive exertion for one week. Exercise should be limited to light aerobic activity without elevating your blood pressure.