Your Ultimate Guide to Tooth Extraction Aftercare

Taking care of your oral health after a tooth extraction is important so the after effects are kept to a minimum. You want to give yourself the best possible opportunity for a fast and painless recovery.  Typically, after tooth extraction, you’ll begin to feel some pain, experience bleeding or swelling afterward. As time goes on, these after effects will decrease slowly. However, it is important that you maintain an aftercare plan to ensure that your recovery is as smooth as possible without affecting your teeth.

This guide provides you with aftercare recommendations post-treatment.

What You Should Do Immediately After Procedure

Develop the Blood Clot 

After tooth extraction, post-treatment may not be as straightforward. You may experience something known as Dry Socket. After your tooth is extracted, the dentist will typically provide a gauze pad to bite over the extracted area to form a blood clot. This puts pressure on the wound and reduces bleeding. This is necessary as the clot protects the bone as it heals. This clot needs to form by itself. If the blood clot is dislodged or doesn’t form, this increases the chance of infection.

Dry Sockets may typically form for the following reasons:

  • Infection
  • Oral Contraceptive
  • A lack of care for the wound
  • The use of smoking or tobacco products

A lack of care immediately after tooth extraction may also result in:

  • Bleeding
  • Fever and Illness
  • Severe Coughing
  • Chest Pains
  • Swelling and Redness

After treatment, your dentist will prescribe antibiotics to numb the treated area. However, home care is essential, especially in the first few days. To prevent future problems and smooth healing after tooth extraction, following these aftercare instructions:

The Five Key Tips

  • If You Suffer from Swelling – Wrap an ice pack or a frozen pack of peas firmly against the cheek for 10 minutes at a time. You may be prescribed medication for swelling which should be taken as per recommendations. Apply the home remedy at least 24 hours after taking the medication if pain persists
  • Temporarily Change Your Diet – When the bleeding stops, drink lukewarm water to keep yourself hydrated. For the initial first few days, eat soft foods and clear liquids such as soup, egg, fruits and potato. Do not need hard solids that affect the blood clot. You should drink alcohol, smoke or take tobacco products.
  • Sleeping or Lying Down – It is important that you elevate your head at a front angle. Use more than one pillow if necessary.
  • Mouth Care Tips – For the first few days after surgery, limit excess food and drink and talking. The more strain you put on your mouth muscles, the slower the recovery. Take regular saltwater or mouthwash rinse, especially after dinner to limit any debris forming and to keep the surrounding area clean.
  • Limit Your Physical Activity – Avoid rigorous exercise for a few days, including any housework as this also puts a strain on your mouth. Only return to activity once the pain completely disappears, the blood clot is dry and you’re able to move your mouth freely.

Are you after more care tips? Click here for more information on what to do if you’re in severe dental pain

Final Thoughts

The bottom line is that the more rest you initially take, the faster your mouth will heal. The first two days will be the most uncomfortable. After that, if you perform these key tips, you will notice a gradual release of pain and faster improvement. However, dentist recommendations must be followed first before any home remedies are carried out. You must contact your dentist as soon as possible in the event of an emergency.

If you’re suffering from tooth pain and need more information on what to do, contact our helpful Dentist Pennant Hills dental team today at Hills Dental Group!

Disclaimer: The content provided on this website is intended for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice tailored to your specific needs and circumstances. Any reliance you place on the information provided in these blogs is, therefore, strictly at your own risk. We shall not be held responsible for any loss or damage resulting from the use of the information provided on this website.

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