The Do’s and Don’ts after a Tooth Extraction

After you have had a tooth extracted, you will want to ensure you do all of the right things to aid in your healing time. Check out the tips below to help you heal quickly and smoothly without doing anything that may harm the healing time.

Do’s After a Tooth Extraction

• Rest: After tooth extraction, your dentist will almost always recommend you take at least a day or two to rest after the procedure. After a surgical tooth extraction, your dentist may even suggest you take a day off from work to avoid any physical activity. Plus, you will likely be on heavy painkillers that may divert you from performing your best at work. Also, do not exercise within the first few days after an extraction.
• Pain Killers: Your dentist will likely prescribe you some painkillers after your tooth extraction in order to alleviate the pain and soreness that will come after the procedure. It is important to take these painkillers immediately after the procedure, do not wait until the pain sets in. Be sure to check with your healthcare provider in case you may be allergic to any pain medication that needs to be communicated to your dentist. If you are in need of a stronger painkiller, be sure to talk to your dentist and describe the pain you may be having as it may be related to a postoperative complication.
• Control Bleeding: Before you leave the dental office your dentist will likely give you some tips on how to control any bleeding. Be sure to change the given gauze pad every 45 minutes depending on the amount of bleeding. Heavy bleeding should subside after the first two hours after the procedure if heavy bleeding continues after a few hours be sure to contact your dentist as this is not normal.

Don’ts After a Tooth Extraction

• Smoke: It can be extremely hard for avid smokers to stop smoking after a tooth extraction. However, if you do smoke after an extraction, you will likely discharge the blood clots that will be forming that aid in the healing of your extraction site. Also, toxins from cigarettes are very harmful and may cause infections during this healing process.
• Drinking These Liquids: Avoid drinking extremely hot liquids as it may burn your mouth because you may still be numb from the local anesthetic, you will not be able to feel pain. You should also avoid drinking alcohol for at least 24 hours as it could delay the healing process.
• Chewing Hard Foods: It is important to avoid chewing hard foods as adding too much pressure to the extraction site can delay the healing process. You should also try to avoid poking the extraction site with your tongue and your fingers to avoid infections as well as delaying the healing process time.

In total, it may take your gum tissue about two or three weeks to heal, and some bone tissue could take up to six months to heal. Again, this entirely depends upon your body's healing process as well as how well you take care of the extraction site. Talk to your dentist if you still feel pain that lasts more than a week after the extraction as there may be some postoperative complications.

Contact Ritter and Ramsey today for more information about tooth extractions or to set up your consultation.

Interested in learning more about extractions? Read what you can expect to pay here.