Having a tooth extraction can be a straightforward procedure, but the care after tooth extraction plays a crucial role in the healing process and potential complications. Whether the extraction was due to tooth decay, trauma, overcrowding, or wisdom tooth removal, knowing how to care for the extraction site is essential.
Care After Tooth Extraction: Day 1-2
DO’S:
- Use gauze to promote clotting and stop bleeding. Leave the gauze in place for a few hours, changing it as needed.
- Get plenty of rest for at least 24 hours and avoid strenuous activity for 48 hours.
- Sleep with your head elevated on extra pillows to aid in blood clot formation and healing.
- Take prescribed medications, including pain medication and antibiotics, as instructed by your dentist.
- Apply ice packs to your face in 15-minute intervals to reduce pain and swelling.
- Stick to soft foods like yogurt, mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, or soup for the first 24-48 hours.
- Avoid chewing at the side of the extraction site.
DON’TS:
- Avoid smoking for at least 48 hours as it can affect blood clotting and increase the risk of dry socket.
- Do not use straws for drinking, as the sucking action can dislodge the clot.
- Refrain from spitting, as it can disrupt blood clotting. Instead, let blood and saliva drip out into the sink.
- Avoid rinsing or gargling your mouth for the first 48 hours, as it can slow clotting or dislodge a forming clot.
- Be cautious while blowing your nose or sneezing, especially after an upper tooth extraction, to prevent clot dislodgment.
- Do not probe the extraction site with your tongue, as it can dislodge the healing clot.
Care After Tooth Extraction After 48 Hours
DO’S:
- Continue brushing and flossing your teeth, but avoid the extraction site until it is fully healed.
- Use saline rinses to kill bacteria in the mouth. Make a warm saline solution with water and salt, and gently rinse your mouth without spitting.
- Stick to soft foods and foods that do not require excessive chewing until the extraction site is completely healed.
DON’TS:
- Avoid hard foods, foods that require excessive chewing, and foods with seeds or small grains that can damage or irritate the healing area.
- Keep the toothbrush away from the extraction site until it is fully healed to prevent clot dislodgment.
When to Call Your Dentist
While it typically takes up to ten days for the tooth removal site to fully heal, individual healing times may vary, depending on the care after tooth extraction. If you experience any of the following signs or symptoms, contact your dentist or oral surgeon immediately:
- Increasing pain or swelling, especially if it spreads to the ear
- Persistent bleeding beyond 24 hours
- High fever, which may indicate an infection
- Nausea or vomiting
- Drainage from the extraction site with a foul smell or taste, indicating a possible infection
Proper care after tooth extraction is essential for a successful recovery and minimizing the risk of complications.
DENTIST SERVICES:
