Tooth Extraction Aftercare: A Comprehensive Guide

Tooth extraction may be necessary if a tooth is badly damaged or decayed. During a simple extraction, the tooth is pulled from the gum socket. The socket is then cleaned, and the gum may or may not require stitches. After the procedure, your Clermont dentist will send you home with aftercare instructions. What you do post-treatment will have a significant impact on your recovery. Let’s look at some tooth extraction aftercare tips to promote healing and support a healthy mouth.

The Day of the Extraction

Directly after your tooth extraction, your dentist will place a gauze in your mouth to stop the bleeding and help a blood clot form. For the first couple hours after the procedure, your tongue, lips, and cheek may remain numb, but the numbness will eventually taper off. It’s normal to feel some discomfort once the numbness fades.

Your dentist in Clermont may recommend an over-the-counter pain reliever, such as ibuprofen. Alternatively, a prescription for pain medication may be provided before leaving your appointment. Antibiotics may also be prescribed to prevent infection. Be sure to have all prescriptions filled right away.

Pain Management and Healing

To help alleviate any discomfort you may feel after the procedure, apply a cold compress to your cheek for 10 to 20 minutes. Use a cold pack or ice wrapped in a towel. Do not apply ice directly to the skin.

Some swelling is normal after a tooth extraction. An ice pack can help minimize the swelling on the first day. The day following the procedure, you can use moist heat for added relief.

Begin taking the recommended pain medication before the numbness wears off. As some medicines can cause an upset stomach, try to take it with food to reduce side effects.

Rest and Avoidance of Activities

It’s best to avoid strenuous activities for at least 48 to 72 hours after the procedure. An elevated heart rate can cause post-operative bleeding in the first few days after the extraction.

After the procedure, rest quietly at home with your head elevated. If you need to get up from a lying or reclined position, do so slowly to prevent dizziness. Getting plenty of rest can promote faster healing and lessen your risk of side effects.

Eating and Drinking the First Week

It’s important to exercise caution when eating and drinking during the first week after treatment to avoid disturbing the healing socket. Choose soft foods, such as mashed potatoes, yogurt, bananas, and avocados, and avoid crunchy and hard foods.

Don’t drink from a straw for the first 24 hours. The suction from drinking from a straw can disturb the blood clot in the empty socket, resulting in bleeding and discomfort.

A dry socket can also form. According to a scientific study, dry socket occurs in approximately 3.2% of patients. This painful condition occurs when the blood clot dissolves or dislodges before the wound heals, exposing the underlying nerves and bones. Treatment for dry sockets generally involves flushing the area and using pain relievers.

Oral Care During Recovery

For the first three days after the procedure, avoid rinsing or spitting to prevent disturbing the blood clot. After the third day, you can begin rinsing, but do so very gently during the first week. Rinse only with water for the first seven days and avoid harsh over-the-counter mouthwashes. You can start brushing on the day of the procedure, but avoid the surgical area.

When to Contact Your Dentist

While most tooth extractions heal without incident, there may be times when you should contact your dentist for advice. Contact your dentist if you develop a fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, experience severe pain that doesn’t improve with pain medication, or have drainage (pus) around the extraction site.

Call Our Office in Clermont, FL

Following aftercare instructions after a tooth extraction is essential to avoid uncomfortable side effects and promote healing. At Hancock Village Dental, located in Clermont, Florida, we provide comprehensive dental services to help our patients maintain excellent oral health. Contact our Clermont family dentistry office today at 352.989.5815 for more information.