Do’s and Don’ts After Tooth Extraction

So, you’ve been told that you need to have a tooth removed. The procedure, known as extraction, is not uncommon. In fact, more than 120 million Americans are missing at least one tooth. There can be several reasons why someone needs a tooth extraction.
 

• Severe decay or damage to the tooth that can’t be rectified with other dental restoration treatments
   

• Severe gum disease
   

• Root canal infection
   

• Injury/trauma to the mouth or jaw
   

• Oral cancer
   

• Overcrowding

The procedure to remove a tooth is normally fairly straightforward and, in most cases, will be performed using only local anesthetic with or without sedation.  However, in the event, it is a complex surgical removal, or the patient isn’t able to tolerate it under only local anesthetic, a general anesthetic may be used. Your oral surgeon will provide you with important information about how to prepare for your appointment, but what’s just as essential is knowing what to do after your extraction. This is because there are certain things that you should do, and others that should be avoided, in order for you to experience less post-procedure discomfort and recover more quickly.

Here are the dos and don’ts that you should follow after your tooth extraction procedure.

DO…

Take pain medication. It’s normal to feel some discomfort for a few days after tooth extraction. Taking your pain medication on time and as directed will help to keep this at a tolerable level.

Take any other medications. You may also be prescribed anti-inflammatories and antibiotics following your extraction. Again, these should be taken exactly as your oral surgeon has stated to reap their benefits and minimize your risk of developing an infection.

Take care of the extraction site. After 12 hours you may be able to gently rinse your mouth. You should aim to do this four times each day using saltwater, which will help to keep the wound clean and free from infection.

Brush your teeth. You shouldn’t forgo your dental health at this time, but obviously, you will need to take extra care when it comes to brushing your teeth. Avoid brushing around the extraction site and don’t use toothpaste as spitting it out could dislodge your blood clot. You should be able to return to regular brushing within around five days, but your surgeon will be able to give you a more precise timeframe.

DON’T

Use a straw. Drinking using a straw may seem like a good idea, but using one actually creates a vacuum that could dislodge the blood clot that will form over your wound and is an important part of the healing process. Stick to water as much as you can too. Hot drinks can increase swelling, while alcohol could prolong the healing process.

Eat anything hard, sticky, or chewy. Your oral surgeon will almost certainly recommend that you stick to a soft food diet for at least the first three days after your extraction. This will prevent anything hard, sticky, or sharp from penetrating the wound and causing you discomfort. Prepare in advance by stocking up on soups, smoothies, pasta dishes, and other soft foods.

Smoke. Smoking is not only bad for our general health, but it can also inhibit our recovery after a surgical procedure. This is because smoking reduces the amount of oxygen in our blood. Smoking can also break down the blood clot that forms over the wound and cause a painful tooth socket.

For more do’s and don’ts following a tooth extraction, or to speak to our experienced team, visit Oral Surgical Associates in Missoula. Call (406) 282-8768 to schedule an appointment.