Most people are unaware of how tooth extraction feels and what to do after tooth extraction? Well, tooth extraction, also known as tooth removal, is one of the most common procedures for adults.
Whenever possible, healthcare providers prefer to save natural teeth using restorative methods like dental fillings or dental crowns. But in some cases, these methods aren’t enough. Extraction of the tooth may be necessary if a patient’s tooth is severely damaged and past the point of repair. A dentist usually recommends tooth extraction if you have:
- Crowded teeth
- An impacted tooth
- Tooth luxation or other dental injuries
- Severe gum disease
- Severe tooth decay (cavities)
- A fractured tooth
Table of Contents
How is a Tooth Extraction Performed?
If you’re scheduled for tooth extraction, you may be wondering what to expect. Here is a step-by-step guide to the procedure:
- Your dentist will give you a local anesthetic to numb the area and prevent pain.
- If you need to remove more than one tooth, or if your child has a tooth extracted, the dentist may choose to use a general anesthetic so that you’ll sleep through the procedure.
- For a simple extraction, the dentist will use special tools to loosen the tooth and remove it with dental forceps.
- Recovery from a tooth extraction is usually quick and easy, so you’ll be back to normal activities in no time; however, you should do a few things after the procedure.
8 Primary Post-Tooth Extraction Care You Should Do
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Minimize Any Bleeding
After the tooth extraction, the dentist will pack a gauze pad into the extraction site to minimize the bleeding. You will then have to bite down on it for 20 minutes and help the blood clot. You might need a few self-dissolving stitches if your extraction was intensively involved. You’ll still have minor bleeding for the next 24 hours. However, Do not disturb the clot that has formed where the tooth was.
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Over-the-Counter Medications
If you are getting a tooth extraction, you’ll experience some discomfort. It is generally mild, and taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) usually will take care of most of the pain.
Over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen (Advil) or naproxen (Aleve) are typically adequate. Ensure to follow the instructions on the packaging and do not take more medication than recommended.
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Apply Ice to Reduce Swelling
You may also experience some swelling after tooth extraction. Applying a cold compress to the area can help reduce any swelling. Apply the ice or cold compress for 20 minutes at a time, and do not put it directly on your skin.
This helps reduce blood flow to the area, decreasing swelling that causes pain. It also surpasses nerve activity, making it hurt less.
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Rest and Relax
Rest is one of the most crucial things after tooth extraction. Therefore, You should thoroughly relax for at least the first 24 hours, limiting physical activity and avoiding anything that would create suction in your mouth.
Drinking through a straw, rinsing or spitting forcefully, and smoking are all activities that can cause the blood clot to come out, leading to a condition called dry socket. A dry socket is painful and something you want to avoid at all costs.
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Avoid Alcohol
In addition to resting, avoiding alcohol for 24 hours is essential. This includes mouthwashes that contain alcohol.
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Keep Your Mouth Clean
It would help if you always kept your mouth clean by brushing and flossing regularly. Just be careful to avoid the area where your tooth was pulled. However, If you have any questions, you should immediately contact your dentist.
You should also have routine cleaning of your mouth to avoid any such incident in the future.
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Eat Soft Foods
Soft and cold foods are the best choices for the day you get the tooth extracted. Applesauce, pudding, yogurt, smoothies, and jelly are good options. You may gradually add other foods, usually by the second day.
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Try a Salt Water Rinse
The use of salt for healing dates back to the Ancient Greeks. After 24 hours, you can rinse your mouth gently with water and a solution made of salt and warm water. Salt water creates a less acidic environment, reducing bacteria and acting as a mild astringent.
Looking for guidance on what to do after Tooth Extraction in Brooklyn Park & Brooklyn Center, MN? Contact Brooklyn Blvd. Dental Now!
You can do many things after tooth extraction, but choosing the best after-extraction recovery method can be difficult. Sometimes there is uncontrolled bleeding in the area, and it may even continue to ooze or bleed after the first 24 hours. If this happens, the swelling worsens, there is a continuous numbness, moreover, you may get a fever or chills.
So, if you need guidance on what to do after tooth extraction or if you have any other related concerns, please feel free to contact Brooklyn Blvd. Dental now!
