What Should You Do and Avoid after Tooth Extraction?

Although tooth removal is a routine procedure, it is often done when your teeth are severely damaged and cannot be saved. Before a dentist recommends tooth extraction near you, they will first examine your teeth to determine the severity of the condition and if it warrants teeth removal.

Tooth extraction is a process that removes an infected or damaged tooth from the socket to preserve your dental health.

There are a few reasons why you need a tooth extraction, and they include;

• Severe dental decay. Mild to moderate dental decay can be treated with teeth fillings or root canals. However, if the decay has spread to the roots of the teeth, a tooth removal procedure will be done.
• Impacted teeth. These are teeth that are stuck in between the gum and the bone. The tooth is not visible on the gum’s surface, and it can cause infection, nerve damage, and blood clotting. An emergency tooth extraction is done to remove the impacted teeth and prevent further damage to the jaw.
• Crowded teeth. Crowded teeth are characterized by two or more teeth that are touching in the same area. Dental overcrowding is caused by the lack of space in the mouth and can lead to serious health problems, like misaligned teeth. Our dentist in Royse City will do a tooth extraction to make room for the teeth alignment treatment.

How is Tooth Extraction Done?

Tooth extraction procedures can either be surgical or nonsurgical, depending on the visibility and location of the teeth. If the teeth lie above the gums, the dentist will perform a simple teeth removal involving forceps to pull the teeth.

Surgical tooth extraction is done to remove difficult-to-reach or impacted teeth. After the tooth extraction, the dentist will stitch the gums to facilitate healing.

How Long Does Tooth Extraction Recovery Take?

Tooth extraction recovery takes from a day to about a week to heal. However, the time it takes to heal will vary depending on the type of tooth extraction and the person’s general health.

While some people may not have any complications with their tooth extraction recovery, others may experience pain or discomfort that could last up to six weeks.

What Can You Do After Tooth Extraction?

After the teeth are removed, what you do will determine how fast the gums heal.

• Reduce the bleeding

The only way to reduce gum bleeding is by using gauze pads. Gauze pads are made of cotton fibers that work well with the natural healing process of your gums. They also have a non-stick surface that helps keep them in place and reduces the chances of moving around. Bite down the gauze pad a few hours after the extraction to relieve pressure and stimulate clot forming.

• Get rest

Resting helps you recover from the procedure faster and better if you are well-rested. Also, your body needs time to heal and repair itself, which can only happen when you have time to rest. Avoid any activity that might cause pain or make breathing difficult after a tooth extraction, like exercising, swimming, or even brushing your teeth.

• Keep your head elevated

Use a stuck of pillows or wedge pillow to elevate your head for the first 24 hours after tooth extraction surgery. This will help prevent possible infection and swelling.

• Use ice packs

Ice packs are a great way to reduce the swelling after tooth extraction. Cold therapy also helps to reduce the pain and inflammation in the area.

The ice pack is usually placed on the cheek, jaw, or forehead. The coldness of the pack can help relieve pain and inflammation in the area. Use an ice pack for 5 to 15 minutes at a time every few hours during your first day of recovery.

What Should You Avoid After Tooth Extractions?

Avoid the following after tooth extraction to prevent any complications:

• Don’t brush your teeth immediately after the procedure.
• Don’t eat or drink until the anesthesia wears out and avoid hard, spicy, and hot foods
• Avoid spitting because it increases pressure and can affect the clotting
• Avoid smoke, drinking alcohol, or chewing gum because it can affect the healing process
• Don’t use a straw when taking water or beverages for the risk of breaking the blood clot

Schedule an Appointment

Visit Pleasure Dental for more information about tooth extraction and what you can expect during and after the procedure.