Tooth Extraction After-Care Essential for Recovering after Dental Extractions

Although their teeth are supposed to be permanent, tooth extractions or removal of a tooth is a relatively standard procedure among adults. However, you may require the removal because of tooth decay or infection, gum disease, damage from trauma, or overcrowding. Regardless of the reason why you had to undergo tooth extraction Delta, you must maintain appropriate care after the removal for quick recovery.

Please continue reading to learn more about tooth removal and what you need to do after this dental procedure.

How Are Teeth Extracted?

You can schedule an extraction with your dentist or an oral surgeon. During the removal, you receive local anesthesia around the tooth to prevent you from experiencing pain, although you will be aware of your surroundings.

If the tooth extraction procedure is scheduled for a child or you are having multiple teeth removed, you receive more potent anesthesia. It indicates your child, or you will sleep throughout the procedure.

If your tooth is visible, the dentist uses instruments called elevators to rock the tooth back-and-forth to loosen it. After that, the dentist removes the tooth using dental forceps.

You may require surgical removal if you are having a molar extracted or the tooth is impacted. In such cases, oral surgeons make incisions in your gums to expose the bone tissue covering the tooth. Oral surgeons use forceps to loosen the tooth until it breaks away. If the tooth is challenging to extract, it is removed in pieces.

After tooth removal formation of a blood clot in the socket is expected. The dentist or oral surgeon packs the extraction site with gauze to prevent bleeding. Sutures are inserted in some cases.

After-Care After Tooth Removal

After-Care after tooth removal depends on the kind of extraction you underwent and the tooth’s location. However, you can expect to heal in about seven to ten days. It is essential to do whatever possible to keep the blood clot in place at the extraction site. Dislodging it causes a painful dry socket needing extra dental care from the dentist or oral surgeon.

Here are a few tips you can use to speed healing time.

• You must take any painkillers as prescribed.
• It is best to leave the initial gauze pad on the extraction site for about three to four hours after the procedure.
• Immediately following the procedure, you can use ice packs on your cheeks to reduce swelling. Bear in mind that the ice packs are best used for 10-minute intervals and no longer. Tissue damage can result if you leave in ice packs for too long.
• Get 24 hours of rest after tooth removal limiting your activity for the next couple of days.
• You can avoid dislodging the blood clot by refraining from rinsing or spitting vigorously and using a straw for 24 hours after tooth removal.
• Rinse your mouth with a saltwater solution after 24 hours using half a teaspoon of salt and warm water.
• Do not indulge in smoking.
• Prop your head with pillows because lying flat can delay healing.
• Continue brushing and flossing your teeth to prevent infections by avoiding the extraction site.

Foods You Can Have After Tooth Removal

You must refrain from having your regular diet and stick to soft foods like soups, pudding, applesauce, and yogurt during the healing process. Smoothies are also helpful so long as you eat them with a spoon. As the extraction site heals, you can incorporate more solid foods into your diet, but dentists recommend you continue with soft foods for a week after the extraction.

Managing Discomfort after Tooth Extraction

You will likely experience discomfort, soreness, or pain after tooth removal. Swelling on your face is also expected. The painkillers provided by your dentist help to overcome these symptoms. However, if the discomfort doesn’t subside within 48 to 72 hours after the extraction, you can contact your dentist for assistance. If the pain worsens after several days, call your dentist promptly for an inspection to rule out any infection.

After the healing period of a couple of weeks, you will most likely return to your regular diet. New bone and gum tissue cover the extraction site, but having a missing tooth can cause your remaining teeth to shift, affecting your bite. You can discuss with your dentist about replacing the extracted tooth to prevent the occurrence of moving teeth. You can have implants, fixed bridges, or dentures as replacements.