Frequently Asked Questions

Usually about 45 minutes.

We accept all types of insurances. Below is a partial list of plans we participate with. We accept many other plans if you do not see yours listed here. For other insurance plans and participation questions please call us. We want you to get the best dental care, and we know we can provide it.

• Aetna USHealthcare
• Blue Cross Blue Shield
• Cigna Healthcare
• Delta Dental
• First Ameritas
• First Fortis
• GHI Preferred
• Guardian
• Metlife
• Principal
• Prudential
• United Healthcare

Firstly, we will take the time to discuss your fears and the treatment you need and devise a plan that you are comfortable with. Also, if necessary, there are oral medications or nitrous oxide (laughing gas) that can be used to help you relax. We will also take the time to listen to your concerns and make every effort to relax you which all leads to a quick, easy and pain-free process.

Bleeding: After an extraction a gauze pack is placed over the extraction site to prevent excessive bleeding and to promote the development of the healing blood clot. Keep pressure on it 30-45 minutes and replace if bleeding continues. Avoid activities that could apply suction to the blood clot such as smoking or sucking through a straw.

Rinsing: Do not rinse your mouth for 24 hours. After that you may rinse gently with a glass of warm water mixed with 1/2 teaspoon salt. You can do this every 3 to 4 hours especially after meals.

Swelling: Following an extraction, some swelling or 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: Ibuprofen (Advil, Nuprin, Motrin) or Tylenol Extra Strength are good over-the-counter medications to use post-extraction. Note 3 or 4 of the 200mg Ibuprofen can be taken at one time if one or two are not enough to stop the pain. If 3 or 4 Ibuprofen tablets are taken it is recommended that you eat lightly prior to taking them to help prevent the possibility of stomach upset.

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 flossing and brushing (do not use toothpaste for the first 24 hours). Be extra gentle near the extraction site.

Bone Chips: During healing you may notice small bony fragments working their way through the gums. We can easily remove them if they are too annoying.

Dry Socket: Occasionally developed 2 days after the extraction. Pain more severe than the usual soreness can occur in lower back molars. This is caused when the blood clot doesn’t form properly. Call the office and we will have you come in to have the area packed with medication effective in stopping the pain.

Do not rinse, brush your teeth or smoke for the next 24 hours. Please be aware that smoking greatly delays healing.

You may notice some bleeding from the site. If the bleeding does not slow down by applying pressure, place a regular tea bag in lukewarm water and then place it on the surgical site and bite down, applying pressure.

Do not drink or eat anything hot (temperature) for the next 24 hours.

If you have a bandage/dressing over the surgical site, please do not remove it. Should the dressing come off before your next appointment, please brush gently in the surgical area. The bleeding and soreness you experience are quite normal and will subside faster if you cleanse the area as instructed.

Begin using any and all prescribed medications/rinses as instructed by the doctor. If at any point, you develop a reaction to anything, discontinue it and call the office immediately.

After 24 hours, you may resume routine oral hygiene measures as well as diet, unless otherwise instructed.

Any additional instructions or brushes and aids given to you are essential to proper and timely healing. Please follow our instructions carefully.

If you have any questions, please feel free to call the office at any time.

To be discussed by endodontist after procedure is completed.

Normally, people without gum disease (periodontal disease) should get a cleaning every six months. If you do have periodontal disease your teeth should be cleaned more often.