Are you anxious about having a tooth extracted? You’re not alone. Many people experience some anxiety when faced with having a dental procedure, no matter how simple or complex it may be. Fortunately, to ensure a successful recovery following your dental extraction, there are things you can do.
Whether you’re getting a simple wisdom tooth removal or having all your teeth extracted, the days and weeks following a dental extraction procedure are vital to your healing process. It’s important to follow your dentist’s instructions to avoid any complications.
What Should You Do?
These are some of the tips you need to do after dental extraction:
Avoid Solid Foods
It may be tempting for you to reach for a solid snack after dental extraction. However, these solid foods may damage the healing site or dislodge the blood clot, resulting in a dry socket. Furthermore, solid meals that become stuck in the extraction region slow down the healing process in the long run. It is important to eat soft foods after dental extraction to speed up the healing process and alleviate pain when eating.
Adequate Rest
If you’ve recently had a tooth extracted, you’ll need to take some time off from rigorous activities for at least 24 hours to allow your body to recuperate. Ensure that you sleep or rest on an elevated surface since this position helps the blood clot and improves healing. But ensure that you take your time while waking up from the reclining position to avoid dizziness.
Let The Clot Form
Your body’s way of demonstrating that the healing process has begun is to form a blood clot following a tooth extraction. Tooth extraction blood clots are unique in that they do not develop like other wound clots. A blood clot forms to begin the healing process and guard against infection in the gum hole after a wound is cut open.
Use Frozen Packs Such as Ice
If you’ve had a dental extraction, you’re likely to experience some swelling within the first two to three days. Ice is a go-to remedy for reducing swelling and relieving pain and discomfort. The ice constricts your blood vessels, causing very little fluid to leave the tissues near or at the site where the extraction has taken place. Apply ice for 20 minutes out of every hour for the first 24 hours following surgery. Do not apply ice directly to your skin or use heat during this time — it may damage the tissue that’s already been traumatized by dental work.
What Shouldn’t You Do?
You shouldn’t do the following three things after your dental extraction:
Smoke, Drink Alcohol or Take Tobacco Products
For at least 24 hours following a tooth extraction, you should refrain from smoking and consuming alcohol. Heavy bleeding may exacerbate tooth extraction after drinking alcohol or smoking cigarettes for many people. You should always consult with your dentist before having a tooth extracted to see if smoking or drinking alcohol is safe for you to continue.
Avoid Brushing and Flossing Initially
You should avoid brushing, flossing, and mouthwash for the first 24 hours following a tooth extraction. The socket left behind will begin the recovery process when you have a dental extraction. You run the danger of dislodging the blood clot if you disturb the healing tooth socket during the first 24 hours through brushing your teeth or flossing.
Avoid Spitting Out Saliva or Blood
Spitting is another common practice that hinders the healing process. We tell our patients not to spit but let the saliva flow out of the mouth if there is a buildup of saliva because spitting can produce suction and draw the blood clot out of your mouth.
Get Your Dental Extraction
If you require a dental extraction, consult with us to ensure you follow the best possible procedures.
Our dedicated team is available to answer any of your concerns. Our team is trained to offer tailor-made solutions to guarantee your comfort and safety. For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact us today.
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