Have you recently had a tooth extraction? Or are you getting ready to have one soon?
Getting a tooth extraction is normal, though it might not be the most pleasing thing to think about. Fortunately, it is not as worse as many people believe. However, tooth extraction is one of the most common dental procedures that can benefit your dental health positively.
Knowing that the recovery process doesn’t end when you leave the dentist’s chamber is essential. Proper tooth extraction aftercare is crucial to ensure a smooth and successful healing process.
In this blog post, we’ll talk about everything you need to know about tooth extraction aftercare, from managing pain and swelling to caring for the extraction site and knowing when to seek medical attention. So, let’s get started on this tooth extraction recovery journey together!
What is Tooth Extraction?
Some of you may have already got one, but those seeking to get your tooth extracted must be thinking about exactly what tooth extraction is.
Tooth extraction is a dental procedure where your tooth is entirely removed from your mouth’s socket. There are various reasons why you may require tooth extraction. The most common ones are gum disease, tooth infection or decay, crowded teeth, and damage from trauma.
So, How is Tooth Extraction Performed?
Your dentist or a dental expert will examine your affected tooth and surrounding gums. They will then perform a dental X-ray to check your bone levels and the extent of the damage.
During the procedure, your dental surgeon will inject a strong anesthetic into the area around your tooth to control the pain. Next, with the help of various tools and instruments, the dentist loosens up your affected tooth and pulls it out.
After removing the tooth, gauze is placed over the extracted area to help prevent bleeding and stimulate clotting.
Why is Tooth Extraction Aftercare Important?
Tooth extraction aftercare begins immediately after your dental extraction procedure at your dentist’s clinic.
The blood clot promoted by gauze placement at the extraction area protects the nerve endings and bones that would otherwise be exposed. Proper blood clot formation also protects from dry sockets. A dry socket can induce severe pain and fever and may require further treatment.
Ultimately, proper aftercare promotes faster healing and minimizes discomfort and pain after your procedure.
Tooth Extraction Aftercare: Tips For Your Speedy Recovery
The following are the tooth extraction aftercare tips that can help protect your socket and ensure a speedy recovery.
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Apply Pressure to the Extraction Site
As mentioned above, an essential tooth extraction aftercare tip involves boosting clotting. Keep the gauze over your removal site for a more extended period to stop heavy bleeding, at least for a minimum of a few hours.
Alternatively, you can use a moistened tea bag to help clot since the tannic acid in tea enables the contraction of the blood vessels.
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Proactive Protection of the Extraction Area
Part of proper tooth extraction aftercare practices involves protecting the blood clot that protects nerve endings and exposed bone in the treated socket.
Restricting eating, drinking, and talking for the first few hours following your dental extraction procedure will aid in this process.
Drinking through a straw and spitting should be avoided for the first three days to prevent accidentally dissolving or dislodging the blood clot.
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Minimize Pain
As the anesthetic wears away, feeling some pain is normal. To minimize post-procedure discomfort, your dentist may suggest pain relief medications.
Taking these as prescribed will help you bypass the pain in the first few days after tooth removal.
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Reduce Swelling
Swelling may instantly occur around the tooth socket in the hours or days following your tooth extraction, which is entirely normal.
Applying a cold compress to your swollen cheek or jawline for the first 24 to 48 hours after your tooth pulling can help minimize the bruising, swelling, and discomfort.
Try using ice packs for 10-12 minutes, removing them for a few minutes, and then repeating them as required.
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Stay Hydrated
Drinking plenty of liquids to stay hydrated is another aftercare tip to aid recovery and keep you comfortable. However, it’s crucial to remember that the use of straw should be avoided, as the suctioning can disturb the blood clot while removing it from its place in the tooth socket.
Avoid consuming hot caffeinated liquids for 24-48 hours after your dental surgery.
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Prioritize Rest
Another vital tooth extraction aftercare tip involves rest! Try to rest for a minimum of 24 hours after your extraction procedure.
You can always continue various other routine activities after some time. Taking it easy and avoiding high physical activities or exercise for at least the first seven days can help you resume protecting the extraction spot and speed up the healing process.
Exercising soon after your tooth pulling may lead to further bleeding. While resting, elevate your head, positioning it higher than the rest of your body to help reduce bleeding and swelling.
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Stick to Soft Diet Only
Sticking to soft food is essential for a week after your procedure. Hard, sticky, or chewy foods may irritate the healing gums. It may also affect the formed blood clot.
Opt for mashed potatoes, soups, stew, yogurt, pudding, or ice cream. After a week, you may slowly reintroduce solid foods, but remember to avoid overly hot, complex, or spicy food while your impairment is still healing.
Avoid foods like peanuts, popcorn, or chips that may stick to your socket or bother the clotted wound.
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Stay Away From Tobacco and Alcohol
Tobacco and alcohol consumption may hinder healing if consumed in the first few days or weeks of tooth extraction. Therefore it’s better to avoid consuming either of these substances for a speedy recovery.
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Practice Good Oral Hygiene
Practicing good oral hygiene may accelerate your gum healing, but practicing these habits mindfully will contribute to healing it in the best way.
Use a soft-bristled manual toothbrush. Be gentle while brushing your teeth, and remain attentive around the wounded area.
Brushing closely to the extraction site should be avoided in the first-week post-procedure. Gently rinse your mouth with salt water 24 hours after surgery, but resist the urge to vigorously rinse for at least seven days.
When You Should See Your Dentist
Any time you develop dental pain or severe toothache, you must schedule a visit with your dental expert. They can help define the cause and prepare a personalized treatment plan.
Call your dentist for further instructions if you experience any of the following.
- High fever
- Continued bleeding
- Abnormal drainage from the tooth socket
- Nausea or vomiting
It never feels delightful to hear that you require a tooth pulling. But sometimes, tooth extraction is the ideal way to get rid of infections and restore your healthy smile and life.
At Dental On First, our team goes over and above to make tooth extraction as smooth and comfy as possible.
If you require a tooth extraction or are dealing with dental problems, contact Dental On First today to discuss your options, or book an appointment now!