Brushing your teeth and flossing alone doesn’t guarantee you of a healthy mouth. Sometimes, there are areas in the mouth where brushing and flossing can’t reach. These portions become an ideal site where plaque and bacteria can accumulate. Once this happens, the risk of developing various dental problems like extensive decay and infection increases. There are cases when the only option left is to perform an extraction to prevent the current issue from worsening.
After a tooth or multiple teeth have been pulled out, certain things need to be observed. To make it easy for our patients at Chesterfield Hilltown Dental, here is a list of procedures that can help reduce the risk of experiencing complications and to also speed up the recovery time.
- After the procedure, the dentist will place a gauze pad on the area where the tooth has been extracted. Bite the gauze pad firmly but also make sure to do it gently. Doing so will reduce bleeding and allows a clot to form on the extraction site.
- Apply an ice pack against the affected side of the mouth to reduce swelling.
- Rest for at least 24 hours after the tooth has been extracted and avoid strenuous activities for a few days.
- Avoid rinsing and forceful spitting for 24 hours after the procedure to avoid dislodging the clot that formed in the socket.
- Gently rinse your mouth with warm salt water while being careful not to spit out the water forcefully. Dentists usually recommended this the day after the procedure has been performed.
- Eat soft foods such as yogurt, pudding, or mashed potatoes the day after the extraction.
- Do not use a straw when drinking because it can dislodge the clot that has formed in the socket. Sucking through a straw can lead to a dry socket.
- Refrain from smoking because it can prolong the healing period of the wound.
- When lying down, prop the head with pillows. Lying flat may prolong the bleeding.
- Continue practicing proper oral hygiene such as brushing the teeth and flossing but be sure to avoid the extraction site to prevent infection.
- Take painkillers as prescribed to alleviate any pain felt after the procedure.
