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Getting a tooth pulled is never fun, but sometimes it’s necessary. If it’s a wisdom tooth, a badly damaged tooth or one contributing to overcrowding, extraction is many times the best option. The real key to a smooth experience, however, comes after the recovery.
The good news? With the right aftercare, you should be able to heal rapidly and without complications. So whether you’ve had only a tooth pulled (or also have one coming up), here’s what to know.
Right after the tooth extraction, your dentist will place a piece of gauze over the area. You’ll require to bite down gently on it for at least 30 to 45 minutes. This also helps stop the bleeding and allows a clot to form. That blood clot is super important; it protects the area and helps healing begin. Get details about Wisdom Teeth Removal.
It might feel weird to avoid rinsing your mouth, especially whether there’s blood or saliva building up. But resist the urge. Rinsing or spitting may dislodge the clot and patch, leading to a painful condition known as dry socket. That’s definitely something you want to avoid.
Instead, only let the saliva gently flow out whether required or dab your mouth with a tissue.
This one’s important. Using a straw creates suction in your mouth and just like spitting or rinsing, it can pull out the clot. Smoking does the same thing and also slows healing by reducing blood flow.
If you can, take this opportunity to avoid smoking altogether, at least for a few days. Your mouth will thank you for it.
While tooth extraction is no major operation, your body still needs time to rest and heal. Just try to take it easy for the remainder of the day. Don’t go do a physically intense activity — working out, going for a run or doing manual labor.
Tip: Keep your head elevated with an additional pillow when sleeping. It helps reduce swelling and also bleeding.
Swelling is totally normal after a tooth is pulled. To quell the swelling, apply a cold pack or even a bag of frozen peas that’s been wrapped in a towel. Dap it onto the outside of your cheek 15 to 20 minutes at a time, allowing time for breaks.
This not only helps with swelling but also eases pain.
For the first few days, you will eat gentle fare to avoid irritating your mouth. Think mashed potatoes, yogurt, smoothies (though use a spoon!), soup or applesauce or also scrambled eggs. Stay away from anything too hot, spicy, crunchy or chewy.
As you start to feel better, you can gradually add more solid food.
You can even start to rinse gently, after 24 hours, with warm salt water a half a teaspoon of salt to a cup of warm water. Swish it around gently and spit it out. This can help prevent infection and keep the area clean.
Just remember: don’t brush directly on the extraction site for several days. Be gentle and take your time.
If dentist prescribed you painkillers or antibiotics, use them as prescribed. Don’t miss doses, also whether you start to feel better. These drugs relieve pain, help prevent infection and also promote healing more rapidly.
Also, make sure to attend any follow up appointments whether needed.
A little pain, swelling and a little bleeding are normal, but whether you notice any of the following, contact your dentist:
It’s always better to check than to wait too long.
Tooth extraction may sound frightening, but recovery doesn’t have to be. Start off with easy aftercare instructions including no straws, soft foods and plenty of sleep and you’ll be on the road to recovery in no time.
Just remember: that blood clot is your body’s natural Band-Aid. Just keep that in place and all will take care of itself. And whether you’re ever in doubt, don’t be afraid to give your dentist a call! They’re there to help you recover more quickly and feel better.
Most people start feeling better in 2 to 3 days, however healing can usually take 1 to 2 weeks. Adhering to aftercare advice speeds along the process.
Avoid smoking, drinking through straws, rinsing forcefully and also eating hard or spicy foods. These can disturb the healing and cause complications like dry socket.
You can brush your teeth gently the next day, but do not brush the extraction site. Be very gentle and a soft bristled toothbrush should be used.
Yes, a little bit of bleeding for 24 hours is okay. Whether it persists or becomes heavy, get in touch with your dentist immediately.
Stick to soft foods, like yogurt, mashed potatoes and also smoothies (sipping through a straw is not advised). Avoid anything too hot, crunchy or chewy for a few days.
