Tooth extractions are a common dental procedure to remove impacted teeth, address severe damage or decay, or prepare for orthodontic treatment. They can be done in a single appointment and do not take too long to heal from – especially with proper aftercare. Patients can follow a few key aftercare tips to help streamline their healing and recovery.
The basics of tooth extraction aftercare focus on protecting the extraction site and encouraging proper healing. The first 24 hours are the most important, as this is when the blood clot forms in the socket to begin the recovery process. Patients must avoid dislodging the clot to prevent dry socket and infection. Bleeding will occur but should be minimal and easily managed with gauze. The dentist will review how and when to change the gauze during the extraction appointment.
The general dentistry team will also discuss handling pain and swelling immediately after tooth extraction. These symptoms should subside within a few days. In the meantime, the dentist will either prescribe pain medication or recommend over-the-counter medications.
While the healing process varies from patient to patient, most can follow a few aftercare tips to promote a fast recovery. These tips include:
Applying a cold compress to the cheek near the tooth extraction site helps minimize swelling and discomfort. General dentistry teams typically recommend using flat compresses that can be inserted into a head wrap. This keeps the cold compress secure and protects the skin from frostbite. Apply the cold compress in 15-minute intervals, alternating between on and off periods for the first 24 to 48 hours after extraction.
Eating a soft-food diet helps protect the tooth extraction site and prevent irritation. Foods like mashed potatoes, yogurt, applesauce, and scrambled eggs are gentle on the healing area. Avoid crunchy, chewy, or spicy foods, as they can disrupt the blood clot or irritate the surrounding gum tissue. Gradually reintroduce solid foods as healing progresses and discomfort subsides.
Any suction in the mouth can dislodge the blood clot on the tooth extraction site, leaving it vulnerable to dry socket. Therefore, avoid drinking through a straw for at least a week after extraction. Instead, sip directly from the cup.
After the first 24 hours, rinsing with salt water can reduce the risk of infection, soothe irritated tissue, and remove debris from the extraction site. Mix a teaspoon of salt with a cup of warm water and gently swish the solution around the mouth. Make sure to ask the dentist before trying this tip.
Last but not least, take time off to rest. This helps the body fully recover and reduces the likelihood of complications like infection. Avoid strenuous activity for the first few days so as to not increase inflammation or bleeding.
Tooth extractions are a common procedure performed in general dentistry. For additional guidance or to address specific concerns, consult our team at Patterson Family Dental. We can answer any questions you have about aftercare and healing from a tooth extraction.
Request an appointment here: https://www.pattersondentaloffice.com or call Patterson Family Dental at (209) 585-1472 for an appointment in our Patterson office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Tooth Extraction in Patterson, CA.
Preparing for an upcoming tooth extraction? The main concern for patients is the potential pain that comes with the procedure. Thankfully, modern-day dentistry has allowed for new technology, which helps to keep pain at a minimum. Nonetheless, it is necessary to get familiar with what is involved in order to be appropriately prepared. Keep reading…
Oral issues that require immediate treatment are considered dental emergencies. Such problems can seems to occur at the worst moments possible, forcing someone to take time out of a busy daily schedule to safeguard their dental health and sanity.Most people do not spend much time thinking about dental emergencies until one happens to them. However,…
If you have a missing tooth, it may be difficult to eat or speak. You may not even want to be around other people. Fortunately, you do not have to struggle with this condition for long. Your dentist can talk to you about a treatment to fill in the gap and replace the tooth so…
Going to the emergency dentistry center is likely your first thought when something in your mouth hurts. An urgent dental care dentist will be able to target the problem right away. But if you want to make sure your trip will be worthwhile, you should know if what you are experiencing qualifies as a dental…
A laser dentist can perform dental procedures with better accuracy and effectiveness. Read on to learn about laser dentistry and how it can help make some treatments more comfortable. The field of dentistry has witnessed significant advancements in the last few years. New technologies are transforming what dentists are able to offer their patients, from…
A bone graft before dental implants is an important aspect of the procedure that must be performed correctly to ensure successful implant placement and stability in the jawbone. However, before you consider going under the knife, it’s important to know what grafting does and why it’s necessary for your dental implants to work properly. Here…