Getting the news that you need a tooth extraction is never one of life's most enjoyable moments, but sometimes it is necessary. If the dentists recommend getting a , it is always for your long-term benefit as it will prevent infection and restore your dental health. Once the deed is done, it is up to you to ensure your speed recovery. 

Did you know, according to the NIH, ten million third molars are extracted annually from five million people in the USA? While these are just the statistics for wisdom tooth extraction, there are other  procedures due to excessive decay, periodontal disease, or teeth overcrowding in your mouth, for which we do not know the exact numbers yet.

The entire process of tooth extraction helps eliminate bacteria and improves the overall oral health of a person. However, as the saying goes: no pain, no gain; it is definitely true for removal. Tooth extraction can be very painful and unsettling for patients and becomes a real challenge once it is done.

However, you can ease through the aftermath of the entire process with the right knowledge and preparation for a speedy recovery. In this blog, we will cover everything you need to know about tooth extraction aftercare so that you can get back on your feet in time.

Once the procedure has been successful, there are some tooth extraction do's and don'ts that you should keep in mind to reduce the healing time:

During tooth extraction recovery, one of the first questions in anyone's head is what they should eat and avoid. 

In the initial few days, avoiding hard and crunchy food like chips, nuts, and popcorn is advisable. In addition to this, do not consume spicy and acidic food like soft drinks, hot sauces, and lemon, as they can derail you from the track of recovery by irritating your gums and teeth.

Moreover, do not use straws for drinking any liquid as they can displace the blood clots and cause dry sockets in your mouth. Finally, avoid drinking alcohol and smoking at least 48 hours post-surgery to reduce tooth extraction healing time.

Be sure to stock your fridge in advance with soft and chewy items like rice, pasta, yoghurt, eggs, smoothies, apple sauce, icecreams, and mashed vegetable and fruit items. 

Once the tooth has been removed from the infected site, you first must bite down on the gauze for around 30-45 minutes. Once the bleeding has slowed down, remove the gauze carefully, ensuring you do not touch the extraction site with your hands or fingers.

Secondly, avoid brushing directly over the tooth extraction site until your dentist tells you to do that. However, it does not mean you do not brush at all. Keep brushing and flossing the rest of your teeth as usual.

Thirdly, if your dentist advises, use an antimicrobial mouthwash and rinse your mouth thoroughly at least twice a day after 24 hours of extraction.

Dentists generally advise avoiding demanding activities like workouts and physical labor for at least 48 hours after tooth removal. These activities shoot up your heart rate, ultimately increasing bleeding and discomfort in the extraction site.

You can resume your schooling or job one or two days after the surgery. However, if your job requires physical work, the dentist might ask you to wait a few more days.

Discuss your work pressure with your dentist and then take an informed decision. 

Once the tooth extraction procedure is complete, your dentist will place a gauze over the extraction site. They will further ask you to apply firm pressure on the site by closing the teeth. By doing so, you can slow down the bleeding and help form a blood clot.

Clotting is a fundamental aspect of tooth extraction recovery as it promotes healing and prevents the chances of dry sockets. Once the blood has slowed down, you can remove the gauze. Beware that you will see blood coming out for the next 24 hours, and it is completely normal.

Take all the medicines prescribed by your dentist on time. These may include antibiotics and pain relievers after tooth removal. If your dentist recommends, you can also take over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen for pain management after tooth extraction.

However, some patients might witness some symptoms like swelling and pain. These symptoms vary from person to person, depending on how complex their extraction procedure is.

Following the doctor's advice and tips, your recovery timeline for tooth extraction can be smooth and fast. Talk to them if you see unusual symptoms like difficulty breathing, numbness of the mouth, fever, chill, pus in the infection site, excessive pain, or excessive bleeding.

At MacArthur Dental Arts, we provide personalized oral healthcare to meet your dental care goals. With our compassionate and expert staff, we help you deal with anxiety during tooth extractions to make you more comfortable. You can also avail of same-day appointments in emergencies at our center.

Once the extraction is successful, we will also discuss the replacement options like dental implants, bridges, and dentures for complete restoration. So, if you are struggling with tooth discomfort, schedule an appointment with us!

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