Although permanent teeth are meant to last a lifetime, there are numerous reasons why a dentist suggests tooth extraction. This common dental procedure helps remove bacteria and enhances overall oral health. The most common reasons are tooth decay, trauma, or severely damaged teeth. After an extraction, your dentist will give you some instructions to follow for faster recovery.
What Are the Aftercare Tips Following an Extraction?
Below are the aftercare tips to follow after a tooth extraction.
Regularly Brush Your Teeth and Gums
It is essential to keep your mouth clean after a tooth extraction. Continue flossing and brushing your remaining teeth two times per day, but avoid the extraction site for one to two days after the procedure.
Regularly Rinse Your Mouth
After one day, rinse your mouth with a warm saline rinse to keep the extraction area clean and prevent infection. It is made by mixing eight ounces of warm water and half a teaspoon of salt.
Swish the solution gently in the morning, evening, and after eating. Keep using the rinse at least two to three times every day for the next seven days. Avoid alcohol-based mouthwashes.
Do Not Chew on That Side
It is also crucial to avoid chewing crunchy, hard, and chewy foods on the side of the extraction. This helps reduce discomfort to the empty tooth socket. Make sure you choose a well-balanced diet.
A soft food diet allows you to get the nutrition you require without damaging any soft tissue around the treated site. It includes oatmeal, fruit smoothies, soft fish, and mashed avocado.
Pain Relief Medication
Once the anesthesia fades away from the extraction area, you will feel discomfort. Although it should go away after some days, the dentist may suggest prescribed medications to lessen pain. Take medicines as directed by your dentist.
Avoid driving while taking anti-inflammatory medicines because you may feel drowsy. Also, do not use them for more than three days continuously. If the pain stays longer, it may signal a dry socket or an infection.
You should immediately reach out to your dentist if the bleeding continues for more than two days. Avoid stopping the medicine halfway even if you no longer feel any pain.
Minimize Swelling
Place ice packs on your cheeks close to the extraction site to reduce swelling. Do this for 15 to 20 minutes. Then, remove it for 5 minutes. Repeat the procedure as required.
You may notice bruising on your face. Don’t worry, because it will go away on its own. If you do not have ice packs at home, you can make one by placing ice cubes in a plastic bag and wrapping it in a thin towel. Apply the ice pack as described above.
Do Not Smoke or Use a Straw
Avoid smoking during the first 48 hours after the extraction. The chemicals in smoke can interfere with the clotting process.
Smoking or drinking any beverage through a straw puts pressure on your mouth. It can dislodge the blood clot formed in the tooth socket. If this happens, it can put your oral health at risk. For example, it could lead to a dry socket, resulting in infection and other complications.
Take Sufficient Rest
After a tooth is pulled, it is vital to get enough rest. Avoid any strenuous activity for the first 24 hours. Strenuous activity can raise the blood pressure in the head, resulting in bleeding in the surgical area.
Raise your head a little with a pillow when lying down. It can help you manage bleeding and swelling after surgery, helping you heal faster. Also, try going to sleep early at night.
When Should You Contact Your Dentist After an Extraction?
If you feel discomfort for longer than 4 hours after a tooth extraction, contact your dentist.
The questions patients ask us first
When can I start rinsing after an extraction?
After one day, rinse gently with a warm saline rinse made from eight ounces of warm water and half a teaspoon of salt. Avoid alcohol-based mouthwashes.
Why should I avoid smoking and straws?
Smoking and drinking through a straw put pressure on your mouth and can dislodge the blood clot in the socket, which can lead to a dry socket.
How do I reduce swelling?
Place an ice pack on your cheek near the extraction site for 15 to 20 minutes, then take it off for 5 minutes. Repeat as needed.
When should I contact my dentist?
Reach out if bleeding continues for more than two days or if you feel discomfort for longer than 4 hours after the extraction.
This article is general information, not personal medical advice. Every smile and treatment plan is different, so Dr. Hill reviews your options with you at your consultation.
