Local Dentist Earns Credential from American Academy of Implant Dentistry CHICAGO, IL. -- Peter  Zahedi, DMD, of San Rafael, CA, was recognized as a Fellow of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry’s at its 2019 Annual Meeting, which was held in Las Vegas, NV, October 23 – 26.  As one of 380 dentists who hold this distinguished membership, Dr. Zahedi is one of the leading experts in implant care. Doctor Zahedi maintains a dental practice at 905 Lincoln Ave, in San Rafael, CA, United States.

To qualify for Fellowship, an expert panel of implant dentists reviewed Dr. Zahedi’s professional and leadership credentials as well as commitment to excellence in implant dental practice and to the Academy's standards for ethics and patient welfare. Dr. Zahedi was required to document for review that he was a Diplomate of the American Board of Oral Implantology/Implant Dentistry, the certifying board that the Academy sponsors.

Established in 1951, the AAID is the only dental implant organization that offers credentials recognized by US state and federal courts as being bona fide.  Its membership, which exceeds 5,500, includes general dentists, oral surgeons, periodontists and prosthodontists from across the United States and in more than 60 other countries. For more information about the AAID and its credentialed members, please visit www.aaid.com or www.aaid-implant.org or call the AAID at 312-335-1550.

The office will be closed from Dec 22 through Jan 02 in observance of the Christmas holidays.

905 Lincoln Ave, San Rafael, CA 94901
415-453-1241
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How Long Does It Take for a Dental Extraction to Heal?

How Long Does It Take for a Dental Extraction to Heal?

January 1, 2024

Waking up in the middle of the night with an escalating toothache can be a harrowing experience. You peer into the mirror, and the realization hits you – it’s time for a tooth extraction. Questions flood your mind: How long will the recovery take? Will it disrupt your daily life? Fear not, as we delve into the details of what to expect during the recovery process after a tooth extraction.

Understanding the Need for Tooth Extraction

At some point, your dentist may recommend a tooth extraction in San Rafael for various reasons:

  • Irreparable Damage: A large cavity may have damaged the tooth beyond the point of repair.
  • Irretrievable Breakage: If a tooth is so broken that putting it back together is impossible, extraction becomes the viable solution.
  • Weakened Support: Advanced gum disease can compromise the bone supporting a tooth, necessitating its removal.
  • Obstruction of Adult Tooth: In the case of baby teeth, extraction might be necessary to make room for an incoming adult tooth.
  • Preparation for Dental Procedures: Extraction may be required to create space for dentures, dental implants, or orthodontic treatments.
  • Pain, Impaction, or Infection: The tooth might be causing pain, is impacted, or has become infected – a common scenario, especially with wisdom teeth.

The Variable of Recovery Time

The duration of recovery isn’t a one-size-fits-all scenario. It hinges on several factors, including the size and location of the extracted tooth, the patient’s dental health, and how well they adhere to post-extraction care instructions.

Simple Extraction Recovery:

For a straightforward extraction, where the tooth has already erupted into the mouth, recovery is usually swift. After the procedure, your oral surgeon will likely recommend taking it easy for the first 48-72 hours. This rest period allows the treatment area to clot properly. Subsequently, you can generally resume normal physical activities, with full soft tissue healing expected within 3-4 weeks.

Surgical Extraction Recovery:

When a tooth is still within the gums and jawbone, requiring surgical extraction near you, the recovery period extends a bit. Similar to a simple extraction, the initial 48-72 hours are crucial for rest. However, due to the more invasive nature of surgical extraction, patients are advised to limit physical activity for approximately a week before returning to their usual routines.

Navigating Time Off Work:

The amount of time a patient needs to take off work depends largely on the physical demands of their job. It’s advisable to discuss this aspect with the oral surgeon beforehand to make necessary arrangements with the employer if required.

Tips for an Optimal Recovery

Ensuring a smooth and speedy recovery post-extraction involves adhering to certain guidelines:

  • Gentle Care: Refrain from brushing, flossing, or engaging in any chewing activities adjacent to the treatment site during the early days following the procedure.
  • No Straws or Rinsing: Refrain from using straws, rinsing the mouth, or spitting during the initial 24 hours to allow a proper blood clot to form.
  • Say No to Smoking: Smoking increases the risk of infection, so it’s crucial to steer clear during the recovery period.
  • Limit Physical Activity: To prevent the dislodgment of the clot, which could lead to a painful condition known as dry socket, it’s advisable to limit physical activity.
  • Elevate Your Head: When sleeping in the first few days post-extraction, keep your head elevated to minimize bleeding.
  • Pain and Swelling Management: Employ a cold compress or utilize prescribed medication as instructed to manage any swelling or discomfort.

Conclusion: Embracing Modern Dental Solutions

In today’s world, thanks to advancements in dental technology and the use of local anesthesia, tooth extractions are relatively quick and easy procedures with short recovery periods. However, the age-old adage “prevention is better than cure” holds true. Regular brushing, flossing, and scheduled dental check-ups can significantly reduce the likelihood of needing an extraction.

So, although the thought of a tooth extraction might appear intimidating, take comfort in knowing that with diligent care and following post-extraction instructions, the journey to healing can be straightforward and controllable. After all, every visit to the dentist near you, including San Rafael Dentistry, should ideally leave you with just as many teeth as when you first walked in.

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