Your dentist might recommend tooth or teeth extraction for a number of reasons like; severely damaged tooth, tooth decay, hassles in the orthodontic treatment or wisdom tooth removal. Tooth extraction is a crucial procedure but its aftercare is all the more crucial. So, when you have your tooth extracted, you need to take some special care of your mouth as it would not only help you to feel better but also help you to heal faster.
Follow the below mentioned instructions for tooth extraction aftercare as these are important for your well being and comfort:
Pain control: Take the recommended dose of pain relief medication as prescribed by your dentist. Take the first dose of pain relief before the numbness wears off. You can also apply an ice or cold pack to the outside of your mouth to relieve pain.
Control Bleeding: An oral wound usually bleeds more than the one on the skin because saliva prevents clot formation. Once the clot is formed, you need not to dislodge this. Bite firmly on the gauze pad provided by your dentist for 30-45 minutes. The pressure helps in forming the blood-clot. Bite on the gauze pad, till the bleeding stops. Try to avoid excessive spitting and rubbing the area with tongue as it can dislodge the blood clot.
Activity: Limit your activity after the extraction. Take rest as the physical activity may increase bleeding. While taking rest, keep your head elevated.
Diet: Eat soft foods for the first 24 hours. Avoid the foods that are hard, chewy, hot or spicy; as they may get stuck in the socket or irritate your wound. Drink lots of water or fluids after surgery. But avoid alcoholic, carbonated, caffeinated or hot beverages. Avoid drinking or sucking up with a straw for at least a week as it can dislodge the blood clot.
Cleaning: Do not brush your teeth, rinse mouth; spit or use mouthwash for the first 24 hrs. Your dentist will allow you to brush after first 24 hours. But while brushing after that, be gentle near the surgical wound and rinse your mouth with warm salt water every two hours and after each meal.
Consuming Tobacco: If you smoke or use spit tobacco, stop smoking and using spit tobacco for next 3-4 days because this slows the healing process and as well affects your ability to fight back infection. Moreover, sucking process of smoking may prevent the clot formation.
At times, you may need stitches after tooth extraction. These sutures either fall out or dissolve and if they are non-resorbable; your dentist will schedule a follow-up appointment to remove these stitches.
Precautions: If you observe or feel any of the below
mentioned symptoms, call your dentist immediately:
• Severe pain the day after extraction
• Excessive bleeding that is hard to control
• Swelling around the extracted tooth worsens
• Any reaction to the prescribed medication like; itching or rashes
Contact Dr. Bikram Singh DMD for the best possible dental care solutions. Our dedicated dental health expert uses industry-leading technologies and also helps you fight back severe dental problems.