Recovering From a Tooth Extraction: Aftercare Tips

Recovering From a Tooth Extraction: Aftercare Tips

Recovering From a Tooth Extraction: Aftercare Tips

Recovering From a Tooth Extraction: Aftercare Tips

Recovering From a Tooth Extraction: Aftercare Tips

Blog image

Tooth extraction is usually the last option a dentist can recommend because it is better to retain your natural teeth. However, an extraction may be necessary if your tooth is severely decayed or damaged. An extraction may also eliminate any bacteria causing you harm and help restore your oral health.


Tooth extraction is a very common procedure in dental clinics. It is performed on adults and children, depending on the damage's cause and extent. Some of the things that may cause you to have your tooth extracted are:

 

  • Severe cavities
     

  • Crowded teeth
     

  • Dental injuries like tooth luxation
     

  • Fractured tooth
     

  • Severe gum disease
     

  • An impacted tooth


 

Aftercare After a Tooth Extraction


 

First Two Days



During this period, the focus is on caring for the mouth so that a blood clot can form at the extraction site. If you have some bleeding after the procedure, it is acceptable and will stop on its own. But if you have active bleeding, you may need further treatment. Here are some tips for the first two days.


Get enough rest - You should ensure resting for the first 24 hours after the procedure. It will help the body heal faster.
 

Change the gauze if necessary - The first gauze that the doctor inserts should stay on for at least two hours after the procedure. It will help in the formation of the clot. After the clot forms, you can change the gauze as needed.
 

Do not rinse - It may be tempting to rinse or swish something in your mouth, but you should not. It may dislodge the clot forming at the site and cause bleeding to start again. 


Avoid using straws or spitting - Using a straw or spitting impacts a lot of pressure on the wound and may cause the clot to dislodge.


Avoid sneezing or blowing your nose - Sneezing or blowing your nose can dislodge the clot if the tooth extraction site is on the upper jaw. It is due to the pressure that builds up in the head during the two activities.


Avoid smoking - Smoking, like using a straw, creates pressure in the mouth that can cause the clot to dislodge. Smoking is also discouraged during the entire healing period because it slows the healing process.


Take pain relievers - Over-the-counter pain medication can help relieve pain and inflammation at the site.


Use ice - You can wrap ice in a towel or cloth and place it on the area to reduce the pain. You can apply this treatment for about ten minutes at a time.


 

Three to Ten Days



At this time, the clot has formed, so the focus is to ensure it stays there.


Saline rinses - Use warm saline water to rinse the mouth to prevent any infection from forming, do this gently to avoid dislodging the clot.


Maintain oral hygiene - It would be best to return to your regular oral hygiene routine but ensure not to disturb the extraction site. The saline solution and the mouthwash that the dentist recommends should clean this area well enough.


Eat soft food - During the healing process, it is best to stick to soft foods that do not need a lot of chewing. 



For more on gum tooth extraction, visit Marine Park Periodontics & Implantology at our office in Brooklyn, New York. Call (646) 863-4810 to book an appointment today.