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Patients in Port Credit area avoid complications with wisdom teeth extractions

Pulling a tooth is a virtually routine procedure for the dentist. However, Dr. Rina Kotecha understands that it is a bit more stressful on the other side of the chair. She shares this information to help patients throughout the Port Credit area avoid potential complications from wisdom teeth extractions.

Wisdom teeth extraction illustration

What could go wrong?

Dr. Rina is well trained and experienced in wisdom teeth extractions, so postoperative recovery is generally nothing to worry about. However, there is some chance of a condition called dry socket. A blood clot should form naturally at the site of the extracted tooth. If that clot is dislodged, bone is exposed causing pain and inflammation.

If dry socket occurs, it is within five days of the procedure. In addition to discomfort, you may have a foul taste and smell in the mouth. Don’t worry, just call Dr. Rina. The situation is easily resolved with a packing medication.

More serious complications are possible, but they are rare. Prior to the procedure, Dr. Rina will discuss risk of nerve injury, sinus perforation, damage to adjacent teeth, lingering numbness, or jaw trauma.

Minimizing risk of complications

The recovery period usually lasts just a few days. To minimize risk of complications and speed healing:

  • Take over the counter or prescription analgesics as directed by Dr. Rina.
  • Be careful not to bite your tongue, lips, or inside of cheeks while still numb.
  • Do not touch or rub the extraction site with your tongue or fingers.
  • Bite gently on a clean gauze pad (switch to a new one when it becomes blood soaked) for the first 24 hours.
  • Rest with head propped up on pillows until bleeding stops.
  • Reduce physical activity for a day or two, since it can increase bleeding.
  • Place on ice pack on the outside of your cheek for the first 24 hours. Every 20 minutes remove it for at least a half hour.
  • Apply moist heat for the next few days.
  • Eat soft foods initially, gradually progressing to a normal diet as the wound site heals.
  • Do NOT drink with a straw for two to three days. It could loosen the clot.
  • Do not smoke for at least 24 hours. You risk dislodging the clot from the sucking motion or spitting. Plus, smoking brings contaminants and germs into the wound.
  • Gently rinse your mouth with a salt water solution (one teaspoon of salt dissolved in eight ounces of warm water) several times a day, beginning 24 hours after the procedure. Continue to brush your teeth and tongue normally, but rinse and spit gently.

By following these instructions, recovery from wisdom teeth extractions is usually uneventful. Do you have more questions? Call Dentistry on 10 at (905) 455-9262 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Rina.

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So, tell us a little bit about you know what problem you were having before you came to dentistry on 10. Okay, my problem was that that I had my dentures for 30 years and then when I came to dentistry on 10, I met Doctor Rena you know for the first time she talked to me you know and I voiced all my problem and I was so glad you know that he listened to me for the first time, that this doctor, you know is so very national emotionally I. I was so impressed of what the caring he did to me and that the her hand is so gentle and that’s why I’ll never forget her, you know, and I as a woman like I mean we have the similarity like and that’s what I just said like about this you know when the first came in here and what she did for my teeth of course, you know. And you know, before you when you had your dentures and you know before she changed it, how was that affecting you in your life? Of course, you know it affects my, and I don’t have any confidence on myself and I don’t even smile you know, then want to open my mouth I’m always like for a long time. For 30 years I’ve always put my hands on my mouth and I don’t my mouth and I don’t want to smile at all. You know, that’s my problem. And now? And now I will never stop, you know, smiling, you know and always thinking of her and how I felt good about myself now. I felt good about myself and I thank you know doctor Rena and although you’re stopping here at dentistry on 10, they are so nice so nice. Okay, and would you recommend us to others? Course I do. I tell friends you know that the experience I have, you know, and I know some friends of mine now of course, they believe in me because of this experience I had with them to doctor Rena. Okay, thank you so much. You are welcome. I I always have this, you know, as to rated this dental office, it’s one to 10. It’s a 10. It’s always a thumbs up for me. To everyone, of course you know, I will recommend this to everyone you know. Thank you


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Meet Dr. Rina Kotecha

Dr. Rina Kotecha is a graduate of the Harvard School of Dental Medicine. She possesses 19 years of expertise in the dentistry field specializing in general dentistry. She has further qualifications from the MGE Executive Training Program and Master Implant Training Program while holding certification in Soft Tissue Management Program by DenMat. She completed the Rondeau Seminars in Level I Orthodontics and she is an active member of the Ontario Dental Association and Ontario Dental Implant Network.