Do’s and Don’ts After Tooth Extraction

Tooth extraction can be a nerve-wracking experience. Fortunately, taking the right steps can dramatically reduce the recovery time and make the procedure all the more bearable. 

In this article, we'll discuss some of the do’s and don'ts after having a tooth removed so that you can get back to full health as soon as possible.

What Is a Tooth Extraction? 

A tooth extraction is a minor dental procedure that involves removing a damaged or infected tooth from its socket in the jawbone.

There are several reasons why someone might require this procedure, including overcrowding of teeth, infection or decay that cannot be treated with other methods such as root canal therapy.

Some signs that you may need an extraction include pain when chewing food or drinking either hot or cold liquids, visible swelling around the affected area, bleeding around the gums when brushing your teeth, and sensitivity when eating sweet foods. 

What to Do During Recovery

 After the procedure has been completed, it’s important to take steps toward a successful recovery. Here are some tips to keep in mind:  

• Take any medication prescribed by your dentist such as antibiotics or pain relievers. 
• Eat soft foods like soup for the first few days following your surgery to avoid disrupting the healing process by putting too much strain on your jaw muscles. 
• Drink plenty of water and nutrient-rich beverages like fruit smoothies or herbal teas to keep hydrated and replace fluids lost during the surgery.
• Get adequate rest and avoid any strenuous physical activity for at least 24 hours after your procedure.
• Practice good oral hygiene habits such as brushing twice daily and floss at least once per day in order to prevent infection from setting in again. However, when brushing avoid applying too much pressure around the area where the extraction occurred, as this could cause the wound to open up or become more painful. 

Things You Should Avoid After Extraction 

It’s equally important to know what not to do after having a tooth extracted to ensure proper healing. Here are some things to avoid after an extraction: 

• Avoid rinsing out your mouth for at least 24 hours after extraction as this can cause some of the newly formed blood clots in the affected area to dislodge which can lead to painful dry sockets. 
• Avoid smoking and consuming alcoholic beverages during the first 24-48 hours following extraction. These elements contain anti-inflammatory properties which can slow down the healing process significantly. 
• Avoid drinking through straws when you first get back home as sucking motion can dislodge clots that form around the wound site. This can lead to bleeding and delayed healing time. 
• Refrain from eating hard foods for at least two weeks following surgery until all areas have healed completely so that no further damage occurs while trying to restore function back into them post-surgery.  

Following these tips will help ensure that your recovery goes smoothly so you can get back into life quickly!

Prime Dental! 

If you have any more questions regarding extractions or would like more information on our services, please feel free to reach out to us at (903) 200-5111. One of our specialists will get back to you and help you set up an appointment that works with your schedule.