After a tooth extraction, taking good care of your mouth and getting enough rest is an important part of the healing process. You’ll need to nourish your body with healthy food and plenty of rest, keep the extraction site clean, and take any medications your dentist prescribes. Following your dentist’s aftercare instructions will also help prevent infections and complications.
Here are five ways to promote healing after a tooth extraction.
Five Tips for Tooth Extraction Aftercare
1: Keep Your Mouth Extra Clean
For the first 24 hours after a tooth extraction, you can lightly brush your teeth with a soft-bristled brush. However, DO NOT brush the extraction site. You must avoid touching the blood clot that forms at the extraction site. Dislodging it can cause complications and disrupt the healing process.
After 24 hours, you can rinse your mouth with salt water to help keep it clean. However, you should still avoid brushing near the extraction site for the next two to three days. After four days have passed, you can start brushing your teeth normally.
2: Take Your Medications
Every tooth extraction procedure is different, and your dentist will tailor your aftercare instructions according to your case. For some, this means taking medications before, during or after the procedure.
Most of the time, however, prescriptions are not required. Your dentist will probably recommend taking an over-the-counter painkiller, like ibuprofen, to reduce pain and swelling. Taking the medications your dentist recommends will aid in the healing process.
3: Don’t Create Suction
It might sound odd, but creating suction in your mouth after an extraction can be very problematic. Suction can dislodge the blood clot that forms in the empty socket and protects it against infections.
You’ll need to avoid smoking, using a straw, or any other activities that could pull the blood clot out of the socket. If the blood clot gets dislodged, you could develop a very painful condition called a dry socket. Without the blood clot, the nerves and bone in the empty socket are exposed to the air and to infectious bacteria. If you have severe pain at the extraction site, please contact your dentist right away.
4: Eat Soft Foods
After a tooth extraction, you’ll need to be careful what you eat. For the first few days, it’s best to eat only soft foods to prevent food debris from damaging the extraction area. Our dentists recommend foods like:
- Mashed potatoes
- Broths or blended soups
- Creamy polenta
- Greek Yogurt
- Oatmeal
- Smoothies and milkshakes
5: Use Ice to Reduce Swelling
Applying an ice pack to the side of your face where the extraction took place can help reduce swelling in the surrounding tissues. Wrap the ice pack in a towel to protect your skin, and press it to your cheek for up to ten minutes at a time. This can help you alleviate pain, and help the extraction site heal more quickly.
Worry-Free Tooth Extractions in Flagstaff
Getting a tooth extraction does not need to be a worry when you are in the care of the dentists at County Club Dental. Dr. Paul Whitney and Dr. Mikaela Weedman are the best dentists in the area, and they have extensive experience with tooth extractions and tooth replacement. Our amazing dentists and support staff know the best ways to care for your oral health and help you get the smile of your dreams. Contact us today to make an appointment.
Images used under creative commons licence – commercial use (8/11/24). Photo by engin akyurt on Unsplash.
