3 Imperative Tips To Follow After A Tooth Extraction

Whether you have injured your tooth beyond repair or are suffering from severe decay, an extraction may be necessary. While somewhat invasive, this procedure is conducted in your dentist's office. Extractions are common, but most patients do not fully understand what to do after the dental surgery. With these tips, you will be able to heal from your extraction in a safe, efficient, and effective manner.

Wound Care

To remove the tooth, your dentist will need to make an incision in the gum tissue. This incision will require proper care to heal safely.

After the extraction, sutures are used to seal the wound. Gauze is placed on the wound, as well. Biting down gently on this gauze will stop the bleeding from the gums to help a clot form over the incision.

If the clot does not form, the wound will be exposed to food particles and bacteria, resulting in an infection. Known as a dry socket, this infection can develop within the first 2 to 4 days after your extraction, so taking precaution during this time is even more important.

If the clot has not formed or becomes loose and you are experiencing pain and swelling that does not improve, contact your dentist.

Pain Relief

Light pain and swelling of the gum tissue are both normal issues you will experience after an extraction. However, this discomfort should decrease more each day.

After your extraction, your dentist may prescribe an ibuprofen for pain relief. If not, take an over-the-counter ibuprofen, which will reduce inflammation, decreasing pain and swelling.

Applying an ice pack to the jaw nearest to the extraction site is also helpful. The ice not only numbs your pain, but it will also improve blood circulation to speed up the recovery process.

Oral Health Care

Rinse with a warm water and salt solution the next day after your extraction. The water and salt combination will rinse away any food particles while killing harmful germs and bacteria.

You can brush your teeth after an extraction, as well. Use gentle motions to ensure you do not damage the clot over the incision.

If you smoke, consider quitting before the extraction. Smoking negatively affects your oral health, but the act can also loosen the clot over the incision, increasing your risk of a painful dry socket.

Avoid sucking on a straw and slurping while eating, too. These simple habits will also loosen the clot over your wound.

Extractions are common, but not fully understood. By using these tips, you can heal from your tooth extraction without any complications. Contact a dentist, like Kuban David S DDS, for more help.