So, you’ve just had a tooth extraction, eh?
Whether it was a pesky wisdom tooth or a decaying molar, getting it removed is not as easy as it sounds. Worse still, you will face discomfort, sometimes shooting pain, as the local anaesthesia wears off.
Of course, your dentist will try their best to save your natural tooth. But sometimes, restorative options like a dental crown are a better option. If you’ve had your tooth removed or plan to do it, you should know how to help your wound recover. So that once healed properly, your dentist will proceed with the next step in restorative dentistry.
And in this quick read, we’ll walk you through proper tooth extraction healing.
Take Extra Care for The First 24 Hours
The first 24 hours are the most critical and perhaps the most painful. In other words, you need proper care right after tooth extraction. After the procedure, your dentist will place a gauze pad over the extraction site to help form a clot.
So, make sure to:
- Keep the gauze in place for 30–45 minutes or until bleeding slows.
- Avoid talking or chewing during this time to help the clot stabilise.
- Use ice packs (on the outside of your cheek) for 10–15 minutes to reduce swelling.
You’ve got to protect this clot because it is the first step in tooth extraction healing. Without it, you risk getting a painful condition called dry socket.
1. Manage Your Pain and Swelling
Pain and swelling are normal after a tooth extraction, but they should start to reside after the first 48 hours. To keep the discomfort under control, you might have to:
- Take the pain medication or antibiotics as prescribed by your dentist.
- Use over-the-counter pain relief, like ibuprofen, for mild discomfort.
- Keep your head slightly elevated when lying down to reduce swelling.
While ice packs can help reduce swelling in the first 24 hours, switch to warm compresses if needed. However, if the discomfort continues, call your dentist immediately.
2. Mind What to Eat After a Tooth Extraction
Soft foods are your best friend during the first few days of tooth extraction healing. Stick to foods that are easy to chew and won’t irritate the area, such as:
- Mashed potatoes
- Yoghurt
- Soup (make sure it’s lukewarm)
- Scrambled eggs
Avoid hard, crunchy, or spicy foods. These can disturb the clot or irritate the extraction site, increasing discomfort. Also, skip using straws for at least a week because sucking can dislodge the clot.
3. Keep Your Mouth Clean
Maintaining your oral hygiene is a key part of care after tooth extraction. You can continue to brush your teeth and even floss, but gently do it. So, here’s what you need to do:
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean your teeth.
- Avoid brushing or flossing near the extraction site for the first 24 hours.
- Take half a teaspoon of salt in a cup of water and mix it well. Rinse your mouth with it gently after meals to reduce the risk of bacterial infections.
- Don’t spit or rinse forcefully, as it can disturb the clot.
- Avoid touching the extraction site with your tongue.
By day three, you can begin brushing the surrounding teeth gently but still avoid the extraction site. If you use a water flosser, keep it in the lowest setting for a comfortable yet effective clean. Visit your dentist for regular checkups to see if your healing is on track.
4. Stay Focused On Long-Term Recovery
After the initial tooth extraction healing, the site will continue to recover over the next few weeks. To support this long-term healing, you should:
- Maintain a healthy diet with plenty of vitamins, as they help in tissue repair.
- Go back to your normal oral hygiene routine once your dentist advises it.
- Avoid chewing on the side of the extraction until the area is fully healed.
Your body does an amazing job of healing, but giving it the right support speeds things along.
5. Avoid These Common Dental Extraction Care Mistakes
If you want your healing to go smoothly, you’d have to avoid a few common dental extraction care mistakes. So, don’t do the following:
- Smoking or vaping, as these can increase your risk of a dry socket.
- Drinking alcohol, especially if you’re on antibiotics.
- Vigorous physical activity for the first 48–72 hours.
- Probing the area with your tongue or fingers.
6. Learn to Spot Complications
Most tooth extractions heal without any hiccups, but it’s good to know the warning signs of potential complications. You should see your dentist immediately if you notice:
- Excessive bleeding after the first day.
- Severe pain that doesn’t improve after a few days.
- Swelling or redness that worsens.
- Pus or an unpleasant taste in your mouth.
See your dentist immediately if you suspect pus or an unpleasant taste in your mouth. These could indicate an infection or dry socket, and your dentist may need to provide further treatment.
Conclusion
Tooth extraction is a standard process but requires time and support for proper healing. These seven dental extraction care tips should help you recover smoothly and with as much comfort as possible. However, if you’re unsure about anything or notice unusual symptoms, don’t hesitate to reach out to your dentist.
At Munno Para Dental Clinic, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Let us know if you have questions about tooth extraction care or need support during your recovery. Reach out to us to ensure your comfort and healing.
