Whether you’ve just found out you need an extraction or just got back from surgery, there are a few things you need to know. First of all, there are several things you should not do for a good tooth extractions aftercare and there are several things you should do. Since the things you shouldn’t do could result in a higher threat and longer healing time, we’ll discuss them first.
Post-extraction dental care
When healing from tooth extraction, you need to be aware of anything that could make your healing time longer and more painful. So what can you do to make sure you’re doing everything you’re supposed to do during the tooth extractions aftercare process?
Now keep in mind that not everything on the list will make you happy, but following the aftercare instructions will help you in the long run. Remember that it will only take a few days before you can get back to your normal routine if all goes well.
Things to avoid:
- To smoke
- chew tobacco
- alcohol
- drink with a straw
- eat hard foods
- spitting or rinsing your mouth frequently
- suck on candies or pacifiers
- drink hot liquids
- elongate
- anything that can loosen the clot and cause more bleeding or dry socket
If you notice, most of the list above is associated with sucking. The suction motion could pull the blood clot out of the socket, leaving it open for infection and severe pain.
What is a Dry socket?
A Dry socket occurs when the blood clot is lost and the bone where the tooth was extracted is exposed. When this happens, air and fluids begin to cause more pain. As the hour’s pass, you will notice that the pain begins to get worse, and swelling may return due to infection.
How to prevent Dry socket?
With proper follow-up after tooth extraction, it is very likely that you will recover without a dry socket, but not always.
Some things to consider before having an extraction and dry socket are smoking and birth control pills. Both can increase the risk of dry socket.
Two post-extraction treatments
One of the best things you can do after an extraction is to lie down and rest. Although it sounds like a vacation, it’s not always like that. While some people experience an extraction, others need a little more loving, tender attention.
So how can you take good care of a tooth extraction?
- change the gauze regularly
- Take anti-inflammatory medications prescribed by your doctor
- keep your head up
- use an ice pack on the jaw as needed
- eat soft foods
- drink cold drinks
- ice cream is also good as it helps numb the gums
Recovery after tooth extraction will likely only take a few days, but certain guidelines will reduce the risk of postoperative problems (such as dry socket) and can help on the road to recovery.
Always follow your dentist’s instructions to avoid minor or even serious problems, so: Be a good patient and pay attention to your dentist.
Here are some do’s and don’ts for your tracking process:
- Bite down hard on the damp cotton gauze that the dentist placed on the extraction wound for 30 to 45 minutes to help form a strong blood clot. At home, a moist tea bag can be used as a substitute. If he continues to bleed, contact the dentist.
- While your mouth is still numbed from the local anesthetic, be very careful not to bite or burn your lip, the inside of your cheeks, or your tongue.
- Do not touch the wound with your fingers so as not to infect the wound with bacteria that may be on your hands.
- Do not rub the wound with your tongue or suck on the tooth socket, this could release the blood clot.
- Try to relax after the extraction. Lie down, but put a pillow under your head, as lying down can prolong the bleeding.
- Use an ice pack on the outside of your cheek in the extraction area for the first 24 hours to keep swelling to a minimum. Some patients find it pleasant to melt an ice cube in the mouth to cool the inside as well.
References:
1-Clinical implications of prescribing nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in oral health care—a review
Senior Lecturer, Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, Swami Devi Dyal Dental College and Hospital, Panchkula, Haryana, India Received 4 May 2014, Revised 28 October 2014, Accepted 2 December 2014, Available online 13 December 2014.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2212440314014023
2- Influence of platelet rich fibrin on post-extraction socket healing: A clinical and radiographic study
Received 18 January 2017, Revised 24 May 2017, Accepted 25 July 2017, Available online 2 August 2017, Version of Record 9 October 2017.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sdentj.2017.07.003
