Tooth extraction, although common, needs proper aftercare to support a smooth recovery and prevent problems. Follow your dentist’s instructions strictly. Dr. Edminsten, our dentist in Caldwell, ID, clarifies that understanding the stages and measures for aftercare will influence the healing process and minimize the discomfort as well.
Immediate Post-Extraction
- Control Bleeding – After extraction, the dentist will apply a gauze pad to the extraction site. Bite down softly on the gauze to aid in blood clotting. Keep it in place for 30 to 45 minutes. Don’t disturb that clot for at least a day. It’s necessary for healing.
- Pain Management – Take the painkillers prescribed by the dentist. Medicines like acetaminophen and ibuprofen can also help. Apply an ice pack to the outside of your cheek near the extraction site for 15-20 minutes at a time for the first 24 hours.
- Diet Adjustment – Eat soft foods like yogurt, mashed potatoes, and soup. Avoid hot meals and beverages, as well as crunchy, chewy, or spicy foods. They can worsen the condition. Drink plenty of water and avoid using straws to avoid disturbing the clot.
The First 2 Days
- Oral Hygiene – Brush your teeth gently while avoiding the wound. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and gently rinse your mouth with warm salt water to keep the region clean. Avoid commercial mouth rinses. They may have alcohol and be irritating.
- Activity Level – Complete rest is essential on the first day. Moving around the following day is fine, but avoid vigorous activities. They could raise the blood pressure and cause bleeding. When lying down, raise your head using cushions to prevent swelling.
Days 3-7
- Diet Expansion – Reintroduce more solid meals into your diet that you can easily chew, like pancakes. Continue to avoid anything very hot, crunchy, or spicy, as it may irritate the wound. It’s the same for foods with small seeds and those that are sticky.
- Monitor Symptoms – Specialists in restorative dentistry in Caldwell, ID, explain that normal symptoms include swelling, minor discomfort, and minimal bleeding. On the other hand, signs of infection, like increasing pain, swelling, fever, and pus, should alert you to visit the dentist immediately.
- Salt Water Rinses – Continue to rinse your mouth with warm salt water several times each day to promote healing and reduce bacteria. Aside from lowering plaque in the mouth, this treatment also pushes for a healthy recovery following an extraction.
Long-Term Care
- Stitches – If stitches were used, attend to them as directed. A dentist will need to remove some stitches, and others will come out on their own.
- Dry Socket Prevention – Dry socket, a painful condition, occurs when the blood clot covering your wound gets removed. Cigarettes, alcohol, swishing water in the mouth, and using birth control pills can cause it.
- Follow-Up Appointment – See the dentist again as often as needed after an extraction. The gums are more prone to infection and must be checked.
- Dental Hygiene – Regular dental hygiene routine can be resumed after your dentist gives the thumbs-up. One can already brush and floss twice daily.
“We Can Handle the Tooth”
Dr. Edminsten, our dentist in Caldwell, ID, reminds us of these rules to reduce the discomfort after extraction and allow for a rapid return to normalcy. Follow the instructions in the letter. Visit us at Caldwell Dentistry Co. or call us at 208-454-9217.